Bonnethead Shark

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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