While fishing in a kayak in the Pacific off the coast of Northern California, a man was shocked beyond belief to see a great white shark swimming next to him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The extremely close encounter happened on Sunday off San Mateo County, as David Slavich was enjoying a nice sunny afternoon fishing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
While filming his fishing reel cast into the water, he turned his head to see the apex predator swimming behind him.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh my god, there\u2019s a great white shark,\u201d Slavich said as he hurriedly reeled his line back in. \u201cOh my god.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Just a few seconds after putting his fishing pole back into the kayak with him, the shark swam by.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The shark was only a few inches away from Slavich\u2019s kayak, with its dorsal fin poking up through the water as it swam past.<\/p>\n
The animal dove beneath the water, disappearing from the surface after the extremely close encounter.\u00a0<\/p>\n
David Slavich had a terrifyingly close encounter with a great white shark while kayak fishing off San Mateo County. David Slavich via Storyful<\/p>\n
The shark swam inches from his kayak with its dorsal fin poking up. David Slavich via Storyful<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was a moment when it seemed like we were looking directly at each other, and I had the distinct feeling that it was just as curious about me as I was about it,\u201d Slavich told Storyful News.<\/p>\n
As soon as the shark disappeared from view, Slavich started paddling away, saying he was getting out of there.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt more awe and fascination than fear,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s an experience I\u2019ll never forget.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The predator then dove underwater, disappearing from view. David Slavich via Storyful<\/p>\n
Great white sharks are found in the open ocean<\/a> all over the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n They migrate seasonally to stay in waters between 50 and 80 degrees, according to NOAA Fisheries.\u00a0<\/p>\n