A bull shark reportedly capsized Capt. Ben Chancey’s kayak while he was fishing off Stuart, Florida, in 2015. The shark had taken bait attached to a rod tethered to the kayak; as it pulled, the tether transmitted that force to the boat. Chancey reportedly made it to a nearby support boat without being bitten, then returned, landed the shark, and released it.
How the bull shark reportedly flipped the kayak
Accounts by A-Z Animals and AOL describe the episode as a fishing-related chain of events, not an unprovoked attack on a swimmer. Chancey was targeting a goliath grouper when a fish pulled his rod from his hand, leaving the bait in the water. A bull shark took the bait. Because the rod was tethered to the kayak, the shark’s pull dragged Chancey and the kayak before the boat capsized. The reports say he swam to a nearby support boat without being bitten. After the kayak was righted, he went back to the fight, landed the shark, and released it. A-Z Animals’ account and AOL’s account attribute the sequence to the incident; it should not be treated as independently verified footage observation.
Why did the shark flip the kayak?
The reports identify the tether as the mechanical link: the shark pulled on bait attached to the rod, and the rod was tethered to the kayak. The story does not establish that the shark was trying to attack the kayaker or that bull sharks commonly flip kayaks. It describes one unusual encounter during fishing.
What fish was Chancey targeting?
Chancey was reportedly targeting a goliath grouper, Epinephelus itajara; the accounts do not say he caught or kept one. The Florida Museum says goliath grouper can exceed eight feet and reach 800 pounds. Take is prohibited in U.S. waters. The museum’s species profile was last updated May 29, 2025.
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What does this incident mean for shark safety?
A single fishing incident is not evidence that sharks routinely target kayaks. The Florida Museum’s International Shark Attack File recorded 65 confirmed unprovoked shark bites worldwide in 2025, in line with its 2020–2024 average of 61 per year. Those figures count unprovoked bites, not kayak capsizes or bull-shark encounters. The museum’s 2025 statistics report was last updated February 18, 2026.
Practical precautions near anglers
- Avoid waters being used by recreational or commercial anglers, particularly where bait fish or feeding activity are present.
- Avoid excessive splashing, and leave the water if sharks are seen.
- A fishing kayak PFD may be useful safety equipment on the water, but it does not prevent a shark encounter or a capsize. The incident accounts do not establish what flotation equipment Chancey wore.
These precautions reflect the Florida Museum’s shark risk-reduction guidance.
Quick Recap
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- Customizable & Flexible Pedal Kayak: Tailor your fishing experience with an adjustable seat and ample storage space for all your gear. Additionally, customize your kayak with modular upgrades, adding accessories in multiple areas to suit your needs
- Durable & Safe for All Conditions: Made with durable HDPE, this fishing boat features a reinforced hull, secure pin connections, and 304 stainless steel. The rudder handle offers smooth steering, with a cable to raise and lower the stern rudder
- Adapts to Various User Needs: Our kayaks suit solo, group, or family outings, offering flexible configurations for any adventure. Its durability makes it the perfect choice for commercial rentals, offering flexibility and reliability for any adventure
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