local
Longtime fisherman hooks 300-pound bull shark while tarpon fishing
By Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· June 27, 2026
· 1 min read
CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN/Gray News) - A fisherman says he encountered more than he bargained for on a recent trip out on the Neuse River. Michael Starkie was by Green Springs Thursday morning, trying to catch a tarpon, when instead he came across a bull shark. Starkie said he had been fishing fo...
Key takeaway He says he’s been fishing for more than 30 years in Eastern North Carolina, and this was the biggest bull shark he’s ever come across.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
While the encounter between Michael Starkie and the 300-pound bull shark occurred outside of Atlanta , the story resonates with local anglers who frequent the coastal regions of Georgia. Many Atlanta residents own second homes or regularly visit the coast, where they engage in fishing and other water activities. The presence of bull sharks in these waters serves as a reminder to local fishermen to be aware of their surroundings and the potential risks associated with fishing in certain areas. As Atlanta's population continues to grow, so does the number of people visiting and interacting with the state's coastal ecosystems, making it crucial for local authorities to provide education and resources on safe fishing practices and shark encounters. This incident may prompt local fishing guides and charter services to reassess their safety protocols and precautions when operating in areas where bull sharks are known to exist.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN/Gray News) - A fisherman says he encountered more than he bargained for on a recent trip out on the Neuse River. Michael Starkie was by Green Springs Thursday morning, trying to catch a tarpon, when instead he came across a bull shark. Starkie said he had been fishing fo...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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