WATCH: Central coast biologist encounters great white shark feasting on sea lion

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Calif. (KMPH) — A central coast biologist had his camera rolling when he crossed paths with a great white shark past the breakwater near Avila Beach in California.

But the shark had other things on its mind when the fishing boat got close.

Jamie Deutsch and two of his buddies were heading in after a morning of fishing on the central coast when they saw splashing on the water so they shut off the boat's engine, Deutsch said.

"We thought it was a whale but got a little bit closer and saw the fin and realized it was a shark. Got a little bit closer and saw some great views of it," he added.

Deutsch said the 10-12 foot great white was feasting on what looked like a baby sea lion.

You have to be pretty lucky to see one, especially to see one while it's feeding. Then you actually get to see it coming out of the water to take bites. That's kind of the unique part about it," Deutsch said.

The shark seemed more focused on food than three people staring at it. It made one pass under the boat but Deutsch said it didn't seem to mind having an audience.

Deutsch is a biologist who spends a lot of time on the water. This was a first for him.

"Yeah I mean it's fantastic. I've always been fascinated by sharks so it was amazing for me. It's a really cool experience," said Deutsch.

He said seeing a great white up close blew him away and he can't stop talking about it.

Deutsch has friends who use drones to spot sharks off the coast but he says there's no comparison to seeing it in person.