Fisherman hauls in shark off Lauderdale-by-the-Sea pier

LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA, Fla. – A South Florida fisherman got a whole lot more than he bargained for after casting a line Thursday afternoon.

The man was fishing off Anglin's Pier in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea when he felt a strong tug and began to reel in what he hoped would be a big catch.

With the fight continuing, the man threw his rod to a friend in the surf below for help.

Finally, the two men received a big surprise when they eventually hauled in a 5-foot nurse shark.

When other beachgoers saw the shark on the sand, a crowd formed to catch a glimpse of the peculiar sight.

After a few minutes, the men released the shark back into the ocean as everyone applauded the move.

Coincidentally or not, people decided to stay out of the water for quite awhile afterwards.