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:	43693 documented in database.
Earliest Record:	1/1/1830 12:00:00 AM and located at 29.56457, -94.39284.
Latest Record:	11/26/2025 6:07:00 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

Lady's Rule The Flounder Bragging Rights Board - 5/5/2026 6:58:00 PM

 Looks like we've got Chamber of Commerce weather this week -clear cool and sunny with only a slight breeze in the mornings. Today I met Alex a (View)

We Saved The Best For Last - 5/7/2026 4:53:00 PM

  We gotta work for 'em is what I've been telling my guests when they step on the boat -we're catching some fish but they definitely aren't jum (View)

After the Flood - 5/14/2026 4:54:38 PM

  We were off for a couple of days enduring some serious rainfall which was much needed - I talked to a friend that said he had 5 of rain at hi (View)

New Strategy Pays Off - 5/19/2026 8:05:43 PM

  After yesterday's dismal luck fishing Broward Island's downed logs we decided to go a different route and fish shell beds using jigs on the l (View)

Slammed It at the End - 5/20/2026 4:33:14 PM

 I fished with Jim Leshinski this morning meeting him up at Old Town Bait and Tackle early and just as the tide had started in we headed out of (View)

Rolling To A Good Week - 5/21/2026 4:34:19 PM

 After running up Lanceford to Oyster Bay I picked up Kenny King John Raker and John's mother Betty at their dock then we made a long run back (View)

We Scoured The Bottom - 5/26/2026 6:45:47 PM

 I was back to work today fishing north after meeting Sal and Ginney Dickinson up at Old Town Bait and Tackle early this morning. We had clear (View)

Rebound Down South - 5/27/2026 4:21:22 PM

 We elected to fish south this morning in hopes for some decent gamefish and the plan produced! Yesterday my anglers worked hard and caught a b (View)

Things Ought To Be Kicking Off - 4/24/2026 4:18:00 PM

 ...but not today! The water temperature is over 70 now in the backwater I'm starting to see bait and bonnetheads and saw our first Roseatte Sp (View)

Thankful the Fish Were Biting! - 11/26/2025 6:07:00 PM

 Hoping everyone has a great Thanksgiving holiday! Mabry stepped on the boat hoping that we'd catch at least a few fish today and little did sh (View)