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

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)

Caught the Limit plus 1 - 6/5/2024 4:04:00 PM

I was again down at Sawpit this morning but a little bit later which turned out to be a good thing and a not-so-good thing. I met Cheryl McBrid (View)

Lead Changes - 6/6/2024 4:27:00 PM

  I was fishing up north out of Old Town Bait and Tackle this morning. After meeting Aaron Self his son Isaac and his cousin Robert we headed o (View)

Shell Banks and Grass Lines - 5/28/2024 5:59:00 PM

 I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend and took time to honor our fallen service men and women. It's amazing the sacrifice some made (View)

We Weren't Fishing We Were Catching! - 5/30/2024 4:40:00 PM

 It looks like I wrapped my week up fishing this morning with the Sparrow crew - Will his kids Abigailand William and his mother Nancy -meeting (View)

Something Learned - 5/25/2024 9:53:00 AM

 I wrapped up my week yesterday fishing with Kenny King and his friends John Raker and John's mother Betty meeting them again out at Goffinsvil (View)

Uptick In Redfish Bite - 5/22/2024 6:36:00 PM

  We waited to go until the top of the tide today meeting at 9am out at Goffinsville Park.  John Raker and Kenny King met me at the dock and wh (View)