B, S - December 18, 2020

SHARK, BONNETHEAD

Scientific Name:

Sphyrna tiburo

Fish Group:

Shark

Salt/Fresh:

Salt

Also Known As:

Shovelhead; Cacao-chapeu; Cacao-martelo; Cacao-pata; Cornudo de Corona; BONNETHEAD SHARK

Rating:

Countries:

Other Countries

United States

Description:

The Bonnethead Shark is a member of the hammerhead shark genus Sphyrna. The Greek word sphyrna translates as hammer, referring to the shape of this shark's head - tiburo is the Taino word for shark.

How To Identify:

The Bonnethead Shark’s body is plain gray to gray-brown and occasionally to a green tint above and shading to a light color underneath. Bonnethead Sharks are the smallest species of the Sphyrnidae. The eyes are located at the ends of the evenly rounded lobes of the flattened head, rather than a hammer shaped. Also the head lacks a notch at the midline. The pectoral fins are short and straight along the rear margin. The Bonnethead Sharks reach an average size of 3-5 feet. The maximum recorded weight of a Bonnethead Shark is about 24 pounds. This shark has a remarkable dentition, with small sharp teeth in the front of the jaw for grasping either its mate or a soft-bodied prey, and broad molar-like teeth at the back of the jaw for crushing hard-shelled invertebrates.

How To Catch:

You should use 15-20lb mono with a 6-10" leader of #7 leader wire for catching the Bonnethead Shark. You could also use a 200lb mono leader of the same length if you have a crimper. No reason to risk losing a catch when you can take the precaution. A 2/0 to 4/0 hook would work, sharks are not picky like snappers. Also, you should sharpen the hooks before using them.The Bonnethead Shark likes chum, a lot of chum. The good news is that you will probably have a by-catch of all types of fish which you can slice open and use for shark bait. Bonito, barracuda, jacks will all work. You can use them as pieces of bait.

Where Found:

Internationally

The Bonnethead Shark ranges from New England, where it is rare, to the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil, and from southern California to Ecuador. During the summer it is common in the inshore waters of the Carolinas and Georgia; in spring, summer, and fall, it is found off Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico. In the winter, the Bonnethead Shark is found closer to the equator, where the water is warmer.

SHARK, BONNETHEAD

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