World Record Tiger Shark

If you’ve ever wondered where the biggest tiger shark on record was caught, you don’t have to look far from Ocean Isle Beach. In fact, one of the most legendary catches in shark fishing history happened just down the road in Cherry Grove, South Carolina — a stone’s throw from the waters I fish every day.

The Story of the Catch

On June 14, 1964, Walter Maxwell hooked into the fight of a lifetime from the Cherry Grove Pier, which is just 6 miles from Ocean Isle Beach. The fish was a massive tiger shark that would go down in history as one of the most famous pier-caught fish ever recorded.

For nearly five hours, Maxwell battled the giant while his friends poured water over his reel to keep it from overheating. The shark made repeated blistering runs, nearly stripping all the line, and Maxwell had to brace the rod against his body with a shoulder harness to stay in the fight.

When the shark was finally secured with ropes and a gaff and hauled to shore, it measured 13 feet 10.5 inches and weighed 1,780 pounds. Because it wasn’t weighed until the next morning, it likely lost around 10% of its body weight — meaning it may have been close to 2,000 pounds when first landed. The catch is still recognized by the IGFA as the world record. The fact that Maxwell subdued such a fish from a wooden pier with the gear of his era makes it one of the most legendary feats in sportfishing history.

Why This Catch Matters in Ocean Isle Beach

What makes the record even more incredible is where it happened. This wasn’t some far-flung fishing ground halfway across the world. It was right here, in the same Atlantic waters that surround Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and Little River. The story proves what many of us already know — these waters are home to some of the biggest, baddest sharks on the planet.

Tiger sharks still roam our coastline, along with bull sharks, blacktips, spinners, etc... While you won’t see another 1,700-pounder hauled up on a pier today (and for good reason — conservation and responsible fishing come first now), the thrill of hooking into a big shark is just as alive as it was in 1964.

North Carolina’s Biggest Sharks on Record

While the Cherry Grove tiger shark holds the world record just across the state line, North Carolina has produced its share of legendary sharks as well. Over the years, our piers and offshore waters have delivered some incredible catches that still stand as state records today.

Oddly enough, after the world record tiger shark was landed at the Cherry Grove Pier in 1964, just 6 miles from Ocean Isle Beach, the very same angler, Walter Maxwell, also caught North Carolina’s state record tiger shark. The NC record shark was a massive 1,150-pounder caught from Yaupon Pier on Oak Island NC, about 15 miles from Ocean Isle Beach. That means Ocean Isle Beach sits right between the sites of two of the most famous shark catches in history. The craziest part of the story is that they were both caught by the same angler.

A few years earlier, in 1961, a fisherman at Jennette’s Pier brought in a 710-pound hammerhead, and in 1962 that same pier produced a 610-pound dusky shark. Even species not normally thought of as record breakers have made the books, like the 421-pound lemon shark landed from Kure Beach Pier in 1978.

In 1983, offshore anglers out of Oregon Inlet boated a 768-pound mako shark, proving North Carolina is also prime hunting ground for one of the fastest sharks in the sea.

And most recently, in January 2023, Jason Ruocco set a new state record with a 589-pound Thresher Shark caught offshore — showing that record-class fish are still being landed in our NC waters today.

Together, these catches tell part of the story of North Carolina’s shark fishing heritage. From the piers that dot our beaches to the offshore grounds we still fish, the potential for a truly unforgettable encounter has always been here.

Conservation and Shark Fishing Today

One of the biggest changes since those early record catches is our mindset toward sharks. In the 1960s and 70s, it was common to haul giant fish onto piers or beaches for photos. While those moments made for lasting memories, they often came at the expense of the fish. One of the best parts of modern shark fishing is that it’s built on conservation. We use heavy tackle and circle hooks designed to shorten the fight and protect the fish. If you’d like a deeper dive into shark tactics and techniques, check out my guide on How to Catch Sharks in NC.

Today, things are different. On my shark fishing charters, we practice catch and release. That means you still get the adrenaline-pumping fight, the photos to prove it, and the story to tell — but the shark swims away strong to fight another day. This shift reflects a growing respect for sharks and their role in keeping the ocean healthy. They are apex predators, balancing fish populations and maintaining the marine ecosystem. Protecting them ensures our waters remain as productive tomorrow as they are today.

Shark conservation is a big part of why I run shark fishing charters today. My goal isn’t just to put you on a big fish — it’s to give you the chance to see sharks up close, touch them, and realize that while they are apex predators, they’re not the monsters you see on TV or in the movies. Once you’ve had that experience, you leave the water as their advocate. Every angler who respects and speaks up for sharks helps ensure they’ll be here for the next generation — and that’s something I care deeply about.

Why Our Waters Hold Big Sharks

So why do Ocean Isle Beach and the surrounding areas continue to produce such legendary catches? It comes down to habitat and food. Our coast is full of inlets, estuaries, and nearshore reefs that hold schools of baitfish, redfish, bluefish, and mackerel — all prime shark food. The Gulf Stream pushes warm water close to shore in the summer and fall, bringing with it species like tiger sharks and bulls. Add in the structure of places like the Little River Inlet, Shallotte Inlet, and nearshore artificial reefs, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for shark encounters.

Shark Fishing in Ocean Isle Beach

These days, the best way to tangle with a shark is from a boat — and that’s where I come in. On my shark fishing charters out of Ocean Isle Beach, we target a wide range of shark species that put up incredible fights. Summer and fall are prime time, with nearshore reefs, inlets, and beaches all producing action.

One of the best parts of modern shark fishing is that it’s built on conservation. We use heavy tackle and circle hooks designed to shorten the fight and protect the fish. My guests get the full experience — the run, the fight, and the photos — without the negative impact that was common in years past.

Fishing Where Legends Were Made

The world record tiger shark caught off Cherry Grove and the state record Tiger Shark caught from Oak Island are more than just cool stories — it’s part of our coastal heritage. And while records like that are rare, the spirit of the fight lives on every time someone hooks into a shark here.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience shark fishing in the same waters that made history, now’s your chance. Join me for a Shark Fishing Charter out of Ocean Isle Beach, and let’s make a story of your own. Who knows? The next legendary catch could be waiting just beyond the breakers.

Shark Fishing FAQ

Do tiger sharks still live near Ocean Isle Beach?

Yes, tiger sharks are still found along our coastline, though not every day. They’re most common in summer and fall when the water is warm — in fact, my charters landed tiger sharks in 2025!

What size sharks can I catch on a charter?

Most sharks run 3–6 feet, with the chance of hooking one 7 feet or more. Sharks in this range put up an incredible fight and create lasting memories.

When is the best time of year for shark fishing in Ocean Isle Beach?

The best time for shark fishing in Ocean Isle Beach is May through October, with peak action in the warm summer months when sharks are most active.

Are shark fishing charters safe for families?

Absolutely. Shark trips are one of my most popular family adventures. I provide the gear, tackle, and guidance so everyone — from kids to seasoned anglers — can safely enjoy the thrill and learn about sharks up close.

Do you keep the sharks you catch?

No, my shark fishing charters are 100% catch and release. It’s about the adrenaline of the fight, the photos to prove it, and doing our part to conserve these incredible predators.

What bait do you use for shark fishing?

We typically use fresh cut bait like bluefish, mullet, pinfish, or menhaden/pogies. Sharks are scent-driven hunters, and nothing beats fresh bait. Bluefish is my personal favorite for shark fishing.

What rig do you use for shark fishing?

The minimum leader I use is a 400-pound mono leader, paired with circle hooks designed to handle the power of big sharks while making for a safe release. If you’d like to tie one yourself, I’ve put together a step-by-step guide for building your own Shark Fishing Rig that works perfectly with the fresh baits we use.

How long do shark trips last?

My shark charters run 4 hours — plenty of time to set up, fish prime spots, battle a few sharks, take great photos, and still be back in time for lunch or dinner.

Can kids catch sharks too?

Yes! Shark fishing is an exciting and safe experience for kids. Many family trips end with young anglers reeling in sharks of their own. Recently, a 12-year-old on my boat landed a 6-foot nurse shark — and the smile said it all.