**Rare Tope Shark Landed at Packed Coney Beach in Porthcawl**
A rare tope shark, weighing close to 28lb, was caught by a local fisherman off the busy Coney Beach in Porthcawl earlier today, astonishing beachgoers as swimmers enjoyed the water just metres away. The remarkable catch, made by ex-army serviceman Darren Gregory, comes only days after another angler hooked a similar species off the Welsh coast, raising questions about the movement of marine wildlife in the region.
Darren, 42, who previously served with the Royal Welsh and now works as a wind-turbine technician, set off for a quick morning fishing session on Wednesday. What began as a routine outing turned memorable when, after reeling in both a bass and a smalleyed ray, he found his rod jolted by something far more substantial. “I had just released a 7lb bass,” Darren recounted, “when I saw the line suddenly start running. Next thing, a shark fin split the surface.”
With people still swimming nearby at the popular seaside spot, the drama unfolded quietly on the rocks. Darren managed to haul the impressive predator out, carefully weighing it before ensuring its safe release back into the wild. “It tipped the scales at 28lb,” he confirmed.
Darren’s passion for angling was sparked by childhood trips with his father, whom he described as a “true fishing enthusiast.” Most of his experience tracking sharks has occurred in West Wales, where such catches are more standard fare for dedicated sports fishermen. However, this latest encounter was an unexpected twist. “I’d usually travel down west for sharks,” he explained, “but after hearing about recent catches on our local coastline, I thought I’d try my luck closer to home—and it paid off.”
Landing a shark, even for an experienced angler, demanded skill and composure. Darren said the experience sent his adrenaline racing, but he emphasised the importance of knowing how to handle both the fish and the equipment safely. “You really have to play it carefully. The key is to set your drag right so if the shark runs, it doesn’t snap your line—you’ve got to keep the tension just right.”
In recent weeks, reports of tope sharks appearing closer to the Welsh shore have increased, surprising many seasoned anglers who traditionally target these fish further offshore. “It still feels odd to see them here, not far from where I live,” said Darren. “They’re not dangerous to people, but it’s certainly rare to encounter them so near to the beach.”
He stressed the need for responsible angling, highlighting the importance of catch-and-release to preserve the health of marine ecosystems. “There’s no reason to harm these fish. They’re part of the local marine community—here to feed and thrive. For many, it’s a trophy catch, but it’s a greater moment watching the fish swim away strong after release.”
The rise in shark sightings near the south Wales coast has prompted local discussion about the possible factors behind such changes. Just last week, Swansea fisherman Alex McGlynn landed a similar tope shark off Swansea Bay, expressing concerns that shifts in ocean temperatures or overfishing could be causing sharks to venture closer to shore in search of food.
While both catches have delighted the anglers involved, the presence of sizeable sharks so close to one of Wales’ busiest beaches underscores the ever-changing relationship between the sea and the communities along its edge. It is a vivid reminder that Welsh coastal waters are rich in wildlife, sometimes closer than expected.
As interest in sea angling around Wales grows, Darren’s story will serve as a memorable addition to local fishing lore, and a timely prompt for both swimmers and fishermen to remain aware of the fascinating, and at times surprising, marine life sharing our shores.