local
Longtime fisherman hooks 300-pound bull shark while tarpon fishing
By KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo News
This incident, although occurring in Craven County, North Carolina, has implications for local fishermen in Laredo . While bull sharks are not typically found in the waters around Laredo, the story brings attention to the unexpected encounters that can happen when fishing in unfamiliar or unmonitored waters. For fishermen in the Laredo area, this serves as a cautionary tale about being prepared for unexpected catches, especially when venturing into new fishing spots. The fact that Michael Starkie, a seasoned fisherman, was able to cut the line and avoid a potentially dangerous situation after a 30-minute fight, highlights the importance of experience and knowledge when dealing with powerful marine animals. Local fishermen should take note of the need to be aware of their surroundings and the potential risks involved when fishing, even in familiar waters.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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