Bonnethead Shark

Species Information

Scientific Name:	Sphyrna tiburo
Common Names:	bonnethead, bonnethead shark, shovelnose shark, shovelhead shark, shovel head shark, shovel nose shark, bonnet head shark
Environment:	Inshore, Nearshore, Surf
Ideal Temp:

About Bonnethead Shark

The Bonnethead Shark (Sphyrna tiburo) is a small species of hammerhead shark belonging to the family Sphyrnidae. They are usually gray or brown in color, with a distinctive shovel-shaped head that is rounded at the front and flattened at the back, resembling a bonnet or a shovel.

These sharks are typically found in shallow coastal waters in the western Atlantic Ocean, ranging from North Carolina to Brazil. They are also found in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Bonnethead sharks prefer habitats such as seagrass beds, mangrove swamps, and sandy flats.

Adult Bonnethead Sharks can grow up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) in length, but most individuals are smaller, averaging around 3.3 feet (1 meter) in length. They are omnivores and feed primarily on crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp, but they also consume small fish, mollusks, and seagrass.

Bonnethead Shark Fishing

World Record:
# Fish Caught:	43628 documented in database.
Earliest Record:	1/1/1830 12:00:00 AM and located at 29.56457, -94.39284.
Latest Record:	6/17/2024 4:30:00 PM and located at 30.66968, -81.46259.
Common Techniques:	Bottom Fishing
Popular Lure Types:	Bottom Rig
Fishing Spots:	2 Bonnethead Shark fishing spots.

Latest Bonnethead Shark Fishing Reports and Spots

What A Mess O' Fish - 11/6/2024 9:13:00 PM

 I stepped out this morning and it was drizzling rain and the flag was flapping in the wind and I was thinking we may be in for a blustery day. (View)

Trout'n - 11/3/2024 10:53:00 AM

 I fished Friday running up to the annual Florida/Georgia football game - great weather for a great weekend!  I had met Brian Roach and his fis (View)

Big Jack Makes the Day - 10/4/2024 6:19:00 PM

 We launched this  morning down at Sawpit under some really eerie skies -dark clouds as the sun came up- we were expecting rain but luckily nev (View)

Punching Above Their Weight - 9/24/2024 4:10:00 PM

 Another beautiful day maybe the last before this next storm hits!  I met Glenn and Patti Langford up at Old Town Bait and Tackle this morning (View)

Tyger Beauty - 8/1/2024 4:39:00 PM

t's always a treat to get to fish the outside of Tyger Island as the sun comes up - the sun shining on the marsh grass and trees with birds roo (View)

Biggest Fish of The Day: Bonnethead Shark - 7/15/2024 9:25:00 PM

 I fished with the Ankney group today - Blake and Cooper and Keira meeting them up at the Old Town Bait and Tackle boat ramp. We eased out of E (View)

Slam at First Spot - 6/17/2024 4:30:00 PM

  I was back to work today fishing with Chris Sneed and his buddy Chuck meeting them up at the Old Town Bait and Tackle boat ramp early. We eas (View)

Flounder Sandwiches Plural - 6/11/2024 6:42:00 PM

 I fished the Barker boys Jim and his son Harris meeting them down at the Sawpit Creek boat ramp early and after running up the Nassau we made (View)

Mixed Bag Makes For Great Trip - 6/10/2024 4:42:00 PM

Amelia Island I was back to fishing today after meeting the Hutchens Fishing Team - Dan and B and their daughter Zoey down at the Sawpit Creek (View)

Calling For The Slam - 6/4/2024 3:35:00 PM

 Amelia Island I was back to work today fishing south out of Sawpit Creek with Scott and Carron Frost. After meeting them early we headed up th (View)