Bonnethead Shark

Oceans & Range: Western Atlantic Ocean — from Rhode Island south through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean to Brazil. Also found in the Eastern Pacific from Southern California to Ecuador. The smallest member of the hammerhead family. Very common in shallow inshore waters, grass flats, and estuaries throughout Florida and the Gulf Coast.

Preferred Water Temperature: 70°F–84°F. A warm-water inshore species that migrates seasonally — arriving in Northern Gulf waters in summer and retreating south in fall. Common on grass flats alongside Redfish and Spotted Seatrout.

Size & Weight: Typically 2–3.5 feet and 5–25 lbs. Maximum approximately 4 feet. The only shark species known to be omnivorous — seagrass makes up a significant portion of its diet. A fun light tackle catch on shallow grass flats.

Best Lures: Small swimbaits work on aggressive fish. Small jigs produce occasional catches on the flats.

Best Baits: Live shrimp are the top bait. Small live crabs are excellent. Fresh cut squid produces consistent results. Small live fish work well. Light spinning tackle (10–20 lb) makes for exciting sport with this smaller species.

Western Atlantic Ocean — from Rhode Island south through Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean to Brazil. Also found in the Eastern Pacific from Southern California to Ecuador. The smallest member of the hammerhead family. Very common in shallow inshore waters, grass flats, and estuaries throughout Florida and the Gulf Coast.

70°F–84°F. A warm-water inshore species that migrates seasonally — arriving in Northern Gulf waters in summer and retreating south in fall. Common on grass flats alongside Redfish and Spotted Seatrout.

Best Lures: Small swimbaits work on aggressive fish. Small jigs produce occasional catches on the flats. Best Baits: Live shrimp are the top bait. Small live crabs are excellent. Fresh cut squid produces consistent results. Small live fish work well. Light spinning tackle (10–20 lb) makes for exciting sport with this smaller species.

Typically 2–3.5 feet and 5–25 lbs. Maximum approximately 4 feet. The only shark species known to be omnivorous — seagrass makes up a significant portion of its diet. A fun light tackle catch on shallow grass flats.