From the sugar-white beaches near Destin to the deeper green water off Pensacola, anglers know these shores can produce serious fish. Bulls, tigers and hammerheads have made the Panhandle a destination for land-based, catch-and-release shark fishing.
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Charter operations like Drop Zone Fishing Charters, led by Captain Zachary Burnette, have become part of that growing surf-shark scene, helping anglers encounter big sharks from the beach with specialized gear and a strong emphasis on careful handling and release.
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Every now and then, though, something shows up that’s far from the usual pull on the line.
That’s what made the first two great white sharks caught from the surf in the Panhandle by Captain Zach and his clients so remarkable. One measured 14 feet, the other 13.5 feet — both females, and both safely released. They weren’t specifically targeting great whites, but on those days, that’s what the surf delivered. And it didn’t stop there.
On another day during the last week of February, they hooked and released two more great whites from the beach — an almost unheard-of run of encounters that turned an already historic moment into something even bigger.
Watch my full documentary on great white sharks in the Gulf here.
The 13.5-footer especially turned heads.
Captain Zach also noted that the crew from Tampa Bay Sharks Fishing were on the sand as well, assisting and supporting the effort during those unforgettable trips.
Great whites are still considered uncommon in Gulf waters, but documented encounters have been increasing over time. The Gulf Great White Shark Sightings Database includes confirmed reports spanning decades, from Texas to Florida, with several notable catches along the northern Gulf Coast. In fact, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s tagged shark “LeeBeth” even showed up in the surf at South Padre Island — another reminder that these apex predators do move through the Gulf.
Great white sharks were once thought to be rare visitors to the Gulf, but research and confirmed encounters tell a different story. From seasonal movements to documented sightings, their presence is more consistent than many realize. Read the full breakdown in this complete guide to great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico.
Most anglers fishing the surf expect the steady, bulldog power of a bull shark or the aerial acrobatics of a big blacktip or spinner. But every once in a while, the Gulf delivers something that changes the conversation entirely.
Chester Moore