Shark Feeding Frenzy Captured Off North Carolina Coast

On April 10, 2026, professional surfer and fisherman Brett Barley experienced a dramatic encounter with sharks while fishing off Cape Point, North Carolina. While riding his personal watercraft, Barley found himself surrounded by dozens of sharks engaged in a "feeding frenzy." The event was documented on video, which has since garnered significant attention online.

Sharks go into 'feeding frenzy' in wild videoWRALCharlotte Observer

Barley was attempting to catch blackfin tuna and red drum when he inadvertently hooked a shark that managed to break free. Upon returning to the same area, he was met with a spectacle of sharks feeding on baitfish, specifically menhaden. The sharks observed were identified as spinner sharks, known for their distinctive spinning leaps out of the water. Barley described the scene as a "full-on Nat Geo moment," capturing the frenzy with his GoPro camera while expressing his surprise and urgency, stating, "Get me out of here!"

Sharks go into 'feeding frenzy' in wild videoWRALCharlotte Observer

The sharks were reported to be approximately 300 yards off the coast, and the video shows them circling his watercraft, with some even colliding with it. Barley noted that the presence of numerous sharks above the surface likely indicated many more lurking below.

Sharks go into 'feeding frenzy' in wild video

Spinner sharks are known to migrate along the Atlantic coast from Florida to North Carolina. They can grow up to 10 feet in length and are recognized for their behavior of breaching the surface in pursuit of prey. This feeding frenzy is a natural occurrence, particularly during migration periods when schools of baitfish are present.

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In North Carolina, recreational fishermen are mandated by state law and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to release any captured sharks, including those from prohibited species, without removing them from the water to maximize their survival chances. Commercial fishermen, however, are permitted to retain certain shark species during designated seasons.

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The video of Barley's encounter has sparked a wide range of reactions on social media, with over 200,000 views and numerous comments. Many viewers expressed a mix of fascination and fear, with some describing the scene as "horrifying" while others found it "awesome" and "totally nuts."

Charlotte Observer

While the incident has drawn significant attention, it also raises concerns regarding the safety of recreational fishing in areas known for shark activity. Critics argue that such encounters highlight the need for increased awareness and education about shark behavior and the importance of adhering to fishing regulations to ensure both human safety and shark conservation.

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• “A massive shark feeding frenzy engulfed my Sea-Doo while I was out fishing today!” — Brett Barley, Professional Surfer and Fisherman

Charlotte Observer

• “If you see a lot of sharks above the surface, there's probably more below.” — Brett Barley, Professional Surfer and Fisherman

Sharks go into 'feeding frenzy' in wild video

This incident serves as a reminder of the dynamic interactions between humans and marine wildlife, particularly in regions where fishing and shark populations intersect.

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