The heart-pounding moment was captured on video by onlookers who were standing on the pier earlier this week.
The fisherman eventually cut the line and sent the unexpected catch back into the surf.
Great white sharks are protected in California, so they must be let go immediately.
Great white shark seen circling surfer in Newport Beach, stretch of shoreline shut down
Last week, a great white shark measuring 8 feet long was seen circling a surfer in West Newport Beach, forcing lifeguards to clear the water.