Fishing practices were different in 1934 and what you see in the accompanying footage–a large shark being reeled by an angler high above the ocean, from aboard the Goodyear Tires Blimp–would not be considered responsible behavior by today’s ethical standards. But the bizarre footage, this glimpse back in time and a very rare event, was featured earlier this year by Smithsonian and this week earned top honors on its list of the “10 Most Popular Videos of 2012.”

The footage, which is worth posting now because it did not receive widespread exposure beyond the Smithsonian audience, was captured near Fisher Island in Florida (attached is the YouTube version; click on the blue link to view the same footage in a Smithsonian video player).

Three other videos with outdoor themes made the Smithsonian list: “Titanoboa vs. T-Rex,” “Oasis of the Seas: The Biggest Cruise Ship in the World,” and “Epic Crab Migration.”

But the blimp-fishing footage, arguably, is the most peculiar. Viewers can follow the large shark as it’s skipped across the surface and reeled skyward, toward the cabin beneath the vessel. They can also see a smiling angler, with what today would be prized relic fishing equipment, receiving a congratulatory handshake after the blimp lands.

Catch of the day? Undoubtedly. It might even be the catch of the century.

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