Tiger Shark

Galeocerdo Cuvier

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: The dorsal surfaces of juveniles are covered with dark blotches on bluish- or greenish-gray to black background. The blotches fuse to form tigerlike vertical bars or stripes as the shark grows. The coloration fades to gray and the stripes become less distinct in adults. The snout is blunt and wide and is much shorter than the width of the mouth. There are long labial furrows around the corners of the mouth, reaching to the eyes. The teeth are serrated with deep notches on the outer margins, and are similar in both jaws. The interdorsal ridge is low.

Size: Up to about 18 feet

Age at Maturity: Males reach sexual maturity at 7-9 ft, while females become mature at 8-10 ft.

Range: Cape Cod to Uruguay, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea

Habitat: Coastal water close inshore to the outer continental shelf and offshore, including oceanic island groups.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Heaviest sporting outfits required for adults.

Fishing Method: Still fishing, drifting

Food Value: Small ones are good

State Regulation

Daily Limit: 1 per angler or boat, which ever is less (This is a composite regulation grouping all sharks , except Atlantic sharpnose, Bonnethead, and Spiny dogfish, into this 1 per angler or boat limit. This does not include the sharks prohibited from harvest. If you are unsure of the species and whether you can keep it, release it) For more information see the federal regulations.

Minimum size: 54″ FL

Federal Regulation

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Spiny Dogfish

Squalus acanthias

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: The Dorsal fins are both preceded by a single spine and the anal fin is absent. The color is slate-gray or brownish-gray above and pale gray to white below and the body is scattered with small white spots. The interdorsal ridge is weak. .

Size: Up to about 4½ feet

Age at Maturity: Females reach maturity at 12 years of age and from 29.9-30.1 inches in length, while most males mature at 6 years and about 23.6 inches in length.

Range: Greenland to Florida and Cuba but it is uncommon south of North Carolina.

Habitat: Coastal and offshore. Found in surface waters to 3,000 ft. and is usually near the bottom in waters between 43 and 52°F.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Light gear works well such as spinning and baitcasting outfits.

Fishing Method: Still fishing, drifting

Food Value: Very good

State Regulation

Daily Limit: 1 (This is 1 fish limit from the small shark composite (SSC) which includes Atlantic sharpnose, Bonnethead, and Spiny dogfish)

Minimum size: 30″ FL

Federal Regulation

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Spinner Shark

Carcharhinus brevipinna

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: The anal, first and second dorsal, pectoral and lower caudal fins are black-tipped (look as if they were dipped in jet black paint). The first dorsal fin is fairly small, originating over or just behind the free tips of the pectoral fins and the apex is rounded. The snout is pointed and is as long as or longer than the width of the mouth. It is gray or bronze above with a light conspicuous wedge-shaped band or Z-shaped line on the sides beginning near the pectoral fins and gradually widening rearward to the pelvic fins to merge with the white on the belly. It has no interdorsal ridge.

Size: Up to around 9 feet

Age at Maturity: Female spinner sharks mature at 5.6-6.6 feet (TL) and males mature at 5.2-6.7 feet (TL).

Range: Virginia to Florida, including the Gulf of Mexico and possibly into the Caribbean.

Habitat: Coastal waters and offshore, common in shallow waters less than 100 feet.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Live baitfish such as Pilchards, fresh cut baits. Light ocean gear and medium to heavy spinning tackle.

Fishing Method: Still fishing, casting, drifting

Food Value: Very good

State Regulation

Daily Limit: 1 per angler or boat, which ever is less (This is a composite regulation grouping all sharks, except Atlantic sharpnose, Bonnethead, and Spiny dogfish, into this 1 per angler or boat limit. This does not include the sharks prohibited from harvest. If you are unsure of the species and whether you can keep it, release it) For more information see the federal regulations.

Minimum size: 54″ FL

Federal Regulation

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Atlantic Sharpnose

Rhizoprionodon terraenovae

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: Dorsal surfaces brownish-gray with scattered white spots in adults, white below; dorsal and caudal fins black-edged in juveniles. Second dorsal fin originating over or behind midpoint of anal fin. Mouth with long labial furrows around corners, not interdorsal ridge.

Size: Small shark of usually less than 4 feet.

Age at Maturity: Males: between 2 and 2.4 years of age; Females: between 33.5-35.5 inches

Range: New Jersey to Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, will also stray as far north as New Brunswick, Canada

Habitat: Sticks to coastal waters but has been found at depths of around 920 ft. Often close to surf zone or in enclosed bays, sounds harbors, marine to brackish estuaries.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Small live or dead baitfish or cut bait on light tackle with a wire leader.

Fishing Method: Still fishing, drifting

Food Value: Very good

State Regulation

Daily Limit: 1 (This is 1 fish limit from the small shark composite (SSC) which includes Atlantic sharpnose, Bonnethead, and Spiny dogfish)

Minimum size: 30″ FL

Federal Regulation

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Scalloped Hammerhead

Sphyrna lewini

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: The head is broadly arched and hammer-shaped, marked by prominent indentations at the mid-line (“scalloped”). The pelvic fins have straight rear margins. Its color is deep olive to brownish-gray above, shading to white below and has no interdorsal ridge.

Size: Can be up to about 12 feet

Age at Maturity: Males reach maturity at lengths of 5.9 feet total length, females mature at 8.2 feet total length

Range: Massachusetts to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

Habitat: Coastal and offshore, primarily in water warmer than 72°F in coastal bays and surfaces waters to at least 900 feet.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Live or fresh-dead baitfish with light tackle

Fishing Method: Still fishing, drifting

Food Value: Good

State Regulation

Daily Limit: 1 per angler or boat, which ever is less (This is a composite regulation grouping all sharks, except Atlantic sharpnose, Bonnethead, and Spiny dogfish, into this 1 per angler or boat limit. This does not include the sharks prohibited from harvest. If you are unsure of the species and whether you can keep it, release it) For more information see the federal regulations.

Minimum size: 78″ FL

Federal Regulation

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Sandbar Shark

Carcharhinus plumbeus
Sand Shark, Brown Shark

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: The first dorsal fin is large, triangular, and originates over or slightly before the pectoral insertion. The pectoral fins are large and broad. It has a snout that is shorter than the width of the mouth. The color is brownish-gray or brown above and white below. It does have an interdorsal ridge.

Size: Can get up to about 8 feet.

Age at Maturity: Males reach maturity between 4-5½ ft while females mature at 4½-5½ ft.

Range: From Cape Cod to Florida, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

Habitat: Inshore shallow coastal waters, including bays, harbors, and estuaries; typically in waters from 5-180 ft deep but can be found offshore occasionally to possibly 810 ft. They are bottom dwelling.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Fresh, dead fish or stingray wings make good bait. Heavy spinning and baitcasting, surf rods, light to medium ocean gear can all be used.

Fishing Method: Still fishing, drifting

Food Value: Good

State Regulation

Daily Limit: No Harvest

Federal Regulation

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Sand Tiger

Carcharias taurus

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: Its first dorsal fin is far back on the body, closer to the pelvic fins than to the pectoral fins. The first and second dorsal and anal fins are nearly equal in size. A flattened snout with long mouth extending behind the eyes and large teeth that are needlelike, protruding from the mouth with 1-2 small cusplets. They are gray to light brown color above, grayish white below, often with brownish spots scattered on the body. Juveniles have yellowish-brown spots. No interdorsal ridge.

Size: Up to around 10½ feet

Age at Maturity: Male maturity is reached at 6.3 feet at four to five years of age. Female maturity is reached at six years or over 7.2 feet in total length.

Range: Gulf of Maine to Florida, including the Gulf of Mexico, the Bahamas and Bermuda.

Habitat: Coastal; found from the surf zone and shallow bays to the outer shelves and are generally bottom dwelling.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Live or dead natural baits as well as artificials. Spinning, baitcasting, as well as fly outfits also work. This species is protected and should be immediately released.

Fishing Method: Still fishing, drifting

Food Value: Because they are good to eat they are now protected and cannot be kept

State Regulation

Daily Limit: No Harvest

Federal Regulation

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Nurse Shark

Ginglymostoma cirratum

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: The mouth is near the tip of the snout with conspicuous nasal barbells on each side; deep grooves connecting nostrils with the mouth. The first and second dorsal and anal fins are broadly rounded and the second dorsal fin is nearly as large as the first dorsal fin. The first dorsal fin originates well behind the pectoral fins and over or behind the origin of the pelvic fins. Caudal fins have no distinct lower lobe. It is dark brown to yellow-brown in color above, lighter brown below and occasionally with yellowish hues on the underside. Juveniles often have black spots. They have very small eyes and no interdorsal ridge.

Size: Can get up to about 9 feet

Age at Maturity: 7½ feet for females and 7 feet for males

Range: Rhode Island to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Rare north of Cape Hatteras

Habitat: Coastal; often in or close to coral reefs on or near the bottom; young in very shallow water; adults in progressively deeper water.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Cut bait of any kind but nothing artificial. Any kind of tackle except fly will work.

Fishing Method: Still fishing

Food Value: Excellent

State Regulation

Daily Limit: 1 per angler or boat

Minimum size: 54″ FL

Federal Regulation

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Lemon Shark

Negaprion brevirostris

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: First and second dorsal fins triangular, about equal in size. Yellowish-green, brown, or olive-gray color above, yellowish below. Has a blunt snout that is shorter than the width of the mouth and it has no interdorsal ridge.

Size: Can get up to about 10½ feet

Age at Maturity: Around 6-7 years

Range: New Jersey to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Uncommon north of Cape Hatteras

Habitat: Primarily coastal; common around coral keys, docks, bays, and estuaries; young frequent mangroves and grass flats.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Live or dead natural baits as well as artificials. Spinning, baitcasting, as well as fly outfits can all be used.

Fishing Method: Still fishing, casting, drifting

Food Value: Good

State Regulation

Daily Limit: 1 per angler or boat, which ever is less (This is a composite regulation grouping all sharks , except Atlantic sharpnose, Bonnethead, and Spiny dogfish, into this 1 per angler or boat limit. This does not include the sharks prohibited from harvest. If you are unsure of the species and whether you can keep it, release it) For more information see the federal regulations.

Minimum size: 54″ FL

Federal Regulation

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Dusky Shark

Carcharhinus obscurus

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: First dorsal fin sloping, originating over or slightly before free tips of pectoral fins. Second dorsal fin with free tip length rarely more than twice fin height. They are gray or bluish-gray above, white below and have and interdorsal ridge.

Size: Can get up to around 12 feet

Age at Maturity: Around 8½ feet

Range: Cape Cod and Georges Bank to Florida, also the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

Habitat: Continental waters inshore to outer continental shelf and adjacent oceanic waters.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Fresh dead fish or a fresh chunk of cut bait works well. Medium to heavy ocean outfits are highly recommended.

Fishing Method: Drift, still fishing

Food Value: Good

State Regulation

Daily Limit: No Harvest

Federal Regulation

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Bull Shark

Carcharhinus leucas

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: First dorsal fin is large, triangular, rearward sloping, originating over or slightly behind pectoral insertion. Snout is much shorter than width of the mouth and bluntly rounded. It has small eyes and a stocky heavy body, especially in adults. The color is pale to dark gray above, white below and no interdorsal ridge.

Size: Can get to around 11½ feet

Age at Maturity: 10-18 years for females and 9-15 years for males (depends on location)

Range: New York to Brazil, including Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Rare north of Delaware.

Habitat: Primarily shallow coastal water; common in lagoons, bays, and river mouths; often enters far into fresh water.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Dead fish or cut bait with fresh-cut Barracuda being a favorite. Will take artificial baits if water is chummed, including large flies and topwater plugs. Spin, plug, and fly casters all can work but it is better suited to medium ocean outfits.

Fishing Method: Still fishing, drifting

Food Value: Good

State Regulation

Daily Limit: 1 per angler or boat, which ever is less (This is a composite regulation grouping all sharks , except Atlantic sharpnose, Bonnethead, and Spiny dogfish, into this 1 per angler or boat limit. This does not include the sharks prohibited from harvest. If you are unsure of the species and whether you can keep it, release it) For more information see the federal regulations.

Minimum size: 54″ FL

Federal Regulation

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Bonnethead Shark

Sphyrna tiburo

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: Head shovel-shaped, lacking indentation at midline, evenly rounded between eyes. Back and sides often with scattered small black spots. Color gray, tan, or greenish above, paler below. No interdorsal ridge.

Size: Averages 2-5 pounds, can get to about 5 feet.

Age at Maturity: Around 3 feet

Range: : North Carolina to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Rare to Rhode Island.

Habitat: Warm shallow waters along muddy or sandy bottoms, coral reefs, and grass flats. Also found in bays and deep channels and estuaries.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Small live fish or cut bait on light spinning and baitcasting gear

Fishing Method: Still fishing, drifting

Food Value: Good

State Regulation

Daily Limit: 1 (This is 1 fish limit from the small shark composite (SSC) which includes Atlantic sharpnose, Bonnethead, and Spiny dogfish)

Minimum size: 30″ FL

Federal Regulation

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Blacktip Shark

Carcharhinus limbatus

Life History

Description and Diagnostic Characteristics: The first and second dorsal fins, pectoral fins, and the lower lobe of the caudal fin are black-tipped (black markings may fade in adults and may be indistinct in juveniles) and the anal fin is white. The first dorsal fin is fairly large with a short free tip, originating slightly over or behind the insertion of the pectoral fins along the inner margin and the apex is pointed.

Size: Up to about 6½ feet

Age at Maturity: 36-39 inches total length (TL) and 38-44 inches (TL) for males and females respectively

Range: Massachusetts to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It is rare north of Delaware.

Habitat: Shallow coastal and continental shelf waters and the surface offshore. They are common near river mouths, bays and estuaries.

Angling Information

Bait and Tackle: Fresh cut bait and artificial lures including topwater plugs, flyrod poppers, large streamer flies, slow-swimming jigs, and underwater plugs. Spinning and baitcasting outfits and fly outfits work well for these small sharks.

Fishing Method: Still fishing, casting, drifting

Food Value: Very good

State Regulation

Daily Limit: 1 per angler or boat, which ever is less (This is a composite regulation grouping all sharks , except Atlantic sharpnose, Bonnethead, and Spiny dogfish, into this 1 per angler or boat limit. This does not include the sharks prohibited from harvest. If you are unsure of the species and whether you can keep it, release it) For more information see the federal regulations.

Minimum size: 54″ FL

Federal Regulation

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