A young Bundeena fisherman in a tinny reeled in a 3.28-metre bull shark during a tug-of-war that lasted for four hours in Port Hacking.

Kai George, 16, with the bull shark on a sand bar at Lilli Pilli before the shark was released.

Kai George, 16, was helped by friends Daniel Vergitos and Lachie Dick as the shark towed his boat 4.2 kilometres from Lilli Pilli to Yowie Bay and Gymea Bay and close to the North West Arm entrance.

The group were shocked at the size of the shark, which they released after taking photos and videos.