A South Florida angler appears to have reeled in one of the largest bull sharks ever landed in state waters.
According to Local 10 News, Michael Hengel hooked the massive shark from the Miami Beach shore Sunday night after kayaking 300 yards out to drop his baited line.
The shark measured 9-1/2 feet with a 55-inch girth. Based on a measurement formula, Hengel estimated the shark to weigh 550 pounds.
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The Florida record for bull sharks, set off Panama City in 1981, stands at 517.44 pounds.
Hengel, 22, told Local 10 News that he released the shark rather than kill it for the sake of a potential record.
–Image courtesy of Michal Hengel