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