You are using an older browser version. Please use a supported version for the best MSN experience.

Previous Next

'A monster': Texas man catches 12.5-foot tiger shark at Padre Island National Seashore

USA TODAY 5/21/2022 Ashlee Burns, Corpus Christi Caller Times

Great white shark gives a New Zealand family the surprise of a lifetime on a boating trip

The Stockton Record See more videos

What to watch next

How to talk about SCOTUS decision with those you don't agree with Tensions in the US are at an all-time high after the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade. Hear a psychotherapist's tips on how to talk to friends and family you may not agree with on the decision. CNN
Missile hits mall in Ukraine, many feared killed Ukrainian officials say scores of civilians are feared dead after a Russian rocket struck a crowded mall in the city of Kremenchuk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of being the “largest terrorist organization in the world." (June 27) Associated Press
See aerial footage of damage from Amtrak train derailment At least three people were killed after an Amtrak train heading to Chicago struck a dump truck and derailed in Missouri. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. CNN

UP NEXT

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A man set a personal best last weekend after reeling in a 12.5-foot tiger shark at the Padre Island National Seashore.

Christian Haltermann, 36, of Kyle, Texas, was on a weekend fishing trip with his 8-year-old son when he caught the shark. Haltermann learned to fish at the national park with his dad and returns about twice a month.

Haltermann loaded up his custom 9-foot rods, kayaked about 1,000 yards and dropped his bait, a 10-pound stingray, into the water. He returned to shore and waited for a bite.

"(Last) Saturday evening, we got picked up at about 7 p.m., and I instantly knew it was a monster," Haltermann said. "We knew it was a big one for sure."

'Give the sharks their space': Video shows group of sharks swimming off west coast of Florida

Christian Haltermann reeled in a 12.5-foot tiger shark while fishing at the Padre Island National Seashore with his son in May 2022.

After about two and a half hours of fighting, Haltermann sent his son to recruit the help of two nearby campers.

As a volunteer for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Haltermann takes measurements and collects data on the sharks he catches before tagging and releasing them back into the water. He determined that the shark was female.

Shark tale: A great white shark is cruising the Atlantic Ocean from New Jersey to the Carolinas

"I don't ever want to remove them from the water because the priority is getting released," Haltermann said. "We got the hooks removed, took a couple quick pictures and sent her on her way, but she was super lively, and she swam off real strong."

The catch set a personal record for Haltermann, who plans to return to the beach soon.

"I have quite a few tiger sharks over the 10-foot mark and even more over the 9 foot, but nothing over 12," Haltermann said. "That was a new benchmark that we were trying to achieve, and it's so cool that we got that."

What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter today