local
Longtime fisherman hooks 300-pound bull shark while tarpon fishing
By WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· 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 The Nashville
While the encounter between Michael Starkie and the 300-pound bull shark occurred in North Carolina, it raises questions about the presence of these predators in Tennessee waters. Although bull sharks are not commonly found in the Cumberland River, which runs through Nashville , their ability to thrive in freshwater environments is well-documented. As Nashville continues to develop its riverfront and promote outdoor recreation, the city's residents and visitors should be aware of the potential risks associated with shark encounters. Local fishermen and boaters may want to exercise caution when navigating the waters, particularly in areas where sharks have been spotted in neighboring states. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency may also consider monitoring shark activity in the state's rivers and lakes to better understand the risks and take necessary precautions to ensure public safety.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville 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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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