Man frees shark caught on line in Hermosa Beach, video shows

HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — A fisherman got more than he bargained for when he hooked a shark, reportedly a juvenile great white, in Hermosa Beach.

The heart-pounding moment was captured on video by onlookers who were standing on the pier earlier this week.

The fisherman eventually cut the line and sent the unexpected catch back into the surf.

Great white sharks are protected in California, so they must be let go immediately.

Last week, a great white shark measuring 8 feet long was seen circling a surfer in West Newport Beach, forcing lifeguards to clear the water.