VIDEO: Humpback Whale Near Jersey Shore Rocks Fishing Boat

BELMAR, NJ - A father and son fishing off the Jersey Shore last week caught sight of a massive humpback whale near Belmar, according to several media reports.

In a video posted to Instagram, the duo can be seen marveling – excited expletives and all – at the giant oceanic creature as it leaped dangerously close to the small fishing craft.

The son, Zach Piller, 23, told NBC News that the pair were on an 18-foot Starcraft fishing craft built by his father, based at a Belmar marina.

“Epic whale footage. Hitting the side of our boat!” Piller wrote on social media.

The New York Post reports that the Pillers also spotted dolphins and sharks earlier off the coast of Belmar, but it wasn’t until the younger Piller began recording video of his father’s latest catch that the humpback whale emerged from the water, sending fish flying through the air.

“Oh, s—, oh s—, I got that in video!” Piller exclaimed in the footage before the whale disappeared under the boat.

“Do you still have your fish?” Piller asked his father, who was still gripping his fishing pole.

“Still got ‘em,” he said.

NBC News also reports that the Jersey Shore has been active with whale sightings since at least July. However, the outlet adds that humpback whales have been lingering in the area since 2011 for feeding season to munch on one of their favorite snacks: Atlantic menhaden.

Per the Post citing the Asbury Park Press, Anglers aren’t allowed within 100 yards of a whale. However, when approached by the creature, folks should put boat engines in neutral until the animal leaves the area.

You can see footage of the close encounter here.