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 The Laredo
This incident, although occurring in Craven County, North Carolina, has implications for Laredo 's own fishing community. While bull sharks are not typically found in the waters around Laredo, the story serves as a reminder that fishermen in the area should be aware of the types of marine life they may encounter. Laredo's proximity to the Rio Grande and its connection to the Gulf of Mexico means that local fishermen may face similar unexpected encounters with large marine animals. The experience of Michael Starkie, a seasoned fisherman with over 30 years of experience, highlights the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations while fishing. Local fishermen in Laredo should take note of Starkie's decision to cut the line after a 30-minute fight, prioritizing safety over the potential catch. This mindset can be applied to fishing excursions in and around Laredo, where knowing when to prioritize safety is crucial.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo 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
Get more The Laredo stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter