Great Hammerhead Shark Fishing Guide

The great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran) is the largest of nine hammerhead species, capable of reaching 20 feet and exceeding 1,000 pounds, and is immediately recognizable by its nearly straight, T-shaped cephalofoil — distinctly different from the curved head of the scalloped hammerhead. This extraordinary anatomy provides both panoramic vision (with eyes positioned at the ends of the hammer) and an expanded array of electroreceptors that can detect the faint electrical fields produced by prey buried in sand. Great hammerheads are considered one of the most difficult and dangerous large sharks to handle at boatside; they are powerful, unpredictable, and remain extremely active during fights. They are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, and in Florida and throughout much of their range they are fully protected — catch-and-release is legally required or strongly mandated. Dedicated hammerhead anglers in South Florida and the Gulf of Mexico still target them, though survival rates after release are a conservation concern.

Great Hammerhead Shark is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Great hammerheads inhabit tropical and warm temperate coastal and offshore waters worldwide. In US waters, they are most commonly encountered along Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coasts, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Florida Keys. They prefer shallow coastal areas, reef edges, and open ocean, and are frequently found in water as shallow as 3 feet when hunting rays along sandy flats.

Diet

Great hammerheads feed heavily on stingrays, which they pin to the seafloor with their cephalofoil before biting off the wings. They also consume grouper, tarpon, squid, octopus, and other sharks. Their electroreception allows them to detect rays buried beneath sand, a prey-locating ability unmatched in precision.

Fishing Techniques

• Surf fishing with large stingray wing at night
• Drifting whole bonito or large jack on heavy tackle
• Chunk fishing from a boat in shallow flats
• Fly fishing on sight on the flats (specialized)
• Wire-leader rigs with large cut bait

Best Seasons

Spring, Summer

Size & Records

Average weight: 300 lbs. World record: 1280 lbs (Sarasota, Florida, USA (2006)).