Humpback whale makes surprise appearance during New Jersey fishing trip

NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- A humpback whale made a surprise appearance during a father and son fishing trip in New Jersey.

Zack Piller and his dad were fishing for bass and tuna in the ocean off Belmar Wednesday when the massive whale breached the surface and then crashed back into the water right next to them.

The whale actually tapped their boat.

Thankfully, Zack and his dad were not hurt.

Juvenile humpback whales have been spotted more frequently along the Jersey shore in recent years.

MORE NEWS: Student loan forgiveness: Key dates and details so far

American students collectively owe $1.76 trillion in college loan debt, GMA Digital reports.

----------

* Get Eyewitness News Delivered

* More New Jersey news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube