If you’re fishing off the side of a boat in Cape Cod Bay, be on the lookout!

Fishermen recently learned that when a great white shark suddenly appeared, and chomped on a striped bass that was on their fishing line.

Last week’s thrilling incident on a Reel Deal Fishing Charters boat was the season’s first report of a shark taking a striped bass at the side of a fishing boat, according to researchers.

“Fishing is starting to pick up with better weather, and striped bass are returning just like the sharks,” shark researcher John Chisholm told the Herald.

“Many people think sharks just eat seals, but they don’t as we know,” he added. “So when fishing from the side of a boat, be aware that sharks are looking for fish too, and you need to be cautious.”

Reel Deal Fishing Charters last week reported that the shark was about 10-feet long.

The white shark sheared the striped bass in half, and then quickly took off.

Every year, local researchers have been getting reports of white sharks in Cape Cod Bay stealing striped bass off fishing lines.

“Whether you’re bringing a fish onboard or reviving one at the side of the boat, you need to be aware the sharks are around,” Chisholm posted. “Stay vigilant and please remember to report your sighting!”

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Researchers with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy hope to learn more about these shark and hooked striped bass interactions this summer.

The scientists are deploying camera tags in Cape Cod Bay, as they try to learn how the sharks’ behavior might be different there.

“We’re hoping to get more insight into those interactions with fishermen in the Bay,” said Megan Winton, research scientist at the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. “We’re definitely getting increasing reports of these interactions, and we want to get a better understanding of them.”

After last week’s shark and striped bass incident, the Conservancy urged people to be “Shark Smart” as summer approaches.

Those safety tips include: follow lifeguards’ instructions; pay attention to beach flag warnings; stay close to shore where rescuers can reach you; avoid areas where seals are present; steer clear of schools of fish; limit splashing; avoid murky water; don’t be alone; and be aware that sharks hunt for seals in shallow water.