Californian resident Dan Carlin, 62, has been plucked out his boat by a sea lion while proudly posing for a photo with a recent catch.

The huge seal reportedly leapt two metres out of the water, biting deep into the man’s hand and pulling him out of the sea craft.

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“After 15 seconds, I thought I was going to die,” Mr Carlin told The Associated Press.

“I continued to struggle, but thought this is the way I was going to die. It was unbelievable to me.

“So many times, you see videos of cute seals, sea lions, but I’m sharing what happened to me because I want parents to realise these are wild aggressive animals that can take you down.”

The powerful creature reportedly dragged the accountant six metres underwater, whipping him side to side with its jaws.

Mr Carlin managed to escape from its teeth and swim towards the surface, but not before the sea lion bit deep into his foot, puncturing bone.

It took two days in hospital and 20 stitches to patch up the fisherman.

“They should be given a wide berth.”