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A fisherman was reportedly bitten twice by a shark while kayak fishing near Paradise Cove in Malibu on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Los Angeles County officials said he was taken to a hospital after a nearby fishing boat helped him out of the water; reports reviewed did not say how he was doing afterward.
What happened near Paradise Cove?
Los Angeles County lifeguard Alex Buford told NBC Los Angeles that the man had hooked a shark and brought it onto his kayak. The shark bit him. After he released it, it returned, knocked him into the water and bit his leg again. ABC7 separately reported the two-bite sequence based on information from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Buford described the sequence to NBC Los Angeles this way: “The shark bit him, he let the shark go and then the shark came back and knocked him off the boat and attacked him again and bit his leg again.”
How he got out of the water
A nearby fishing boat helped the man, who was transported to a local hospital. The coverage from NBC Los Angeles, ABC7 and CBS Los Angeles did not establish the severity of his injuries or his condition after hospitalization.
#1 Best Overall
- The Poseidon Angler Kayak Paddle is ideal for angler paddlers taller than 5'5". Measuring 98.5” (250cm) long, this paddle is the perfect match for wider fishing kayaks
- The Poseidon Angler paddle is made of a two-piece anti-slip grip aluminum shaft and fiberglass reinforced polypropylene blades. This ensures better durability and performance on the water and offers an excellent value for money.
- This fishing paddle includes an integrated hook retrieval system directly into the blade and a high visibility measurement tape along the shaft that will allow you to measure your catch.
- The Poseidon Angler paddle offers a unique ergonomic shaft design that helps with indexing. The right side of the shaft changes from a rounded shape to a slightly oval shape that tells you where to place your hand. This promotes proper technique that reduces wrist fatigue.
- The push button system allows the blades to be feathered with a 0/65° angle. Paddling with offset blades will reduce the wind resistance on the top blade as it moves through the air. This ensures an optimized and more comfortable paddling experience.
When and how far offshore did it happen?
The encounter was reported near Paradise Cove in Malibu, but published accounts give different times and distances. NBC Los Angeles said lifeguards reported the incident at about 7:30 a.m.; ABC7 said the county fire department received a report at 8:32 a.m. Those times may refer to different points in the response, so neither should be treated as a definitive time of the bites.
The reported distance from shore also varies: ABC7 reported about half a mile from Paradise Cove; CBS Los Angeles said between one and two miles off the pier; and the Los Angeles Times reported about two miles, attributing that distance to NBC Los Angeles. The available accounts do not settle the exact distance.
Rank #2
- Length: Measuring 240 (94.5"), this quality paddle is ideal for angler paddlers over 152 cm (5'5") in kayaks over 86 cm (34") wide.
- Durable And Affordable: This kayak paddle is made of a two-piece anti-slip grip aluminum shaft and fiberglass reinforced polypropylene blades. The blades ensure better durability and performance on the water. It offers excellent value for money.
- Multifunction: This convenient fishing paddle includes an integrated hook retrieval system directly on the blade and measurement tape along the shaft that will allow you to measure your catch.
- Ovalization: This paddle offers a unique ergonomic shaft design called indexing. The right side of the shaft changes from a rounded shape to a slightly oval shape that tells you where to place your hand. This promotes proper technique that reduces wrist fatigue.
- Performance: The push button system allows the blades to be feathered with a 0/65° angle. Paddling with offset blades will reduce the wind resistance on the top blade as it moves through the air. This will ensures an optimized and more comfortable paddling experience.
Was it a mako shark?
Buford told NBC Los Angeles the shark was believed to be a shortfin mako. That is an official assessment reported by the outlet, not an independent species confirmation; the available coverage does not establish a confirmed identification.
Reports also use different labels for the event. ABC7 said the fire department initially called it a “shark attack” and later described it as a “fishing accident.” NBC Los Angeles used “fishing incident.” These are attributed descriptions, not a separate finding about why the shark acted as it did.
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- Longer reach:This high-quality paddle is extra long and sized to fit modern fishing kayaks over 34" wide.
- Quality construction: This kayak paddle is made of a 2-piece anti-slip grip aluminum shaft and fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene blades. The blades ensure better durability and performance on the water. It offers excellent value for money.
- Integrated line hook & measuring tape: This convenient fishing paddle includes an integrated hook retrieval system directly on the blade and measurement tape along the shaft that will allow you to measure your catch.
- Ovalized shaft: This paddle offers a unique ergonomic shaft design called indexing. The shaft's right side changes from a rounded shape to a slightly oval shape that tells you where to place your hand. This promotes proper technique that reduces wrist fatigue.
- Adjustable feathering: The push-button ferrule is easy to adjust and allows the paddle to be feathered left 65°, 0° or right 65°. Paddling with offset blades will reduce the wind resistance on the top blade as it moves through the air. This will ensure an optimized and more comfortable paddling experience.
Was the beach closed afterward?
No. Officials did not close the beach. Buford told NBC Los Angeles that mako sharks typically stay in deeper water and said he did not think there was too much concern for shallow-water swimming; he said that was why the beach had not been closed. That was the lifeguard’s assessment at the time, not a general guarantee about swimming safety.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known about video of the encounter?
SURFER said it could not verify footage circulating as showing the shark or the bite itself. The video should not be treated as confirmed evidence of the attack.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION - Built with an aluminum alloy shaft and fiberglass-reinforced PP blades, this kayak paddle offers exceptional strength and longevity at a great value. Perfect for both beginners and intermediate paddlers, it's a reliable paddle for kayak that won't let you down
- COMFORT GRIP - The shaft features a shrink-fit PE tube cover that delivers a non-slip, comfortable grip and helps prevent blisters. It also insulates against cold, so your hands stay warm during winter paddling – making it an ideal adjustable kayak paddle for year-round use.
- EFFICIENT PADDLING - The asymmetrical blade design cuts through water with reduced resistance, delivering smooth and efficient strokes. Whether you need a paddle board paddle double sided or a double paddle for paddleboard, this design ensures top performance every time
- LIGHTWEIGHT & DURABLE - The aluminum alloy shaft stands up to frequent use and wear, while the PP blades are lightweight yet indestructible, offering flexibility and efficiency. Whether you're using it as a double sided paddle for paddle board or a traditional canoe paddle, you'll enjoy effortless navigation
- VERSATILE USE - From beginners to experienced paddlers, this kayak paddle for adults is easy to master and fits a wide range of watercraft. Use it as a sup paddle, a paddleboard paddle, or even a youth kayak paddle – it's the perfect kayak accessory for all your paddling adventures
Rank #4
- Fishing ready - Integrated hook retrieval system, Tape measure along the shaft
- Adjustable drip rings to help keep hands dry for a better grip
- Ovalization: The shaft goes from a rounded shape to a slightly oval shape (called indexing) which serves as a reference to where you should be placing your right hand
- 0 to 65˚ blade angle adjustment
- This paddle is ideal for anglers over 6 ft in kayaks over 34 in. wide. Impact resistant fiberglass reinforced nylon blade for great durability
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