| Season |
January 1 to May 14
July 16 to December 31
All Atlantic Highly Migratory Species permit holders must abide by the non-offset, non corrodible circle hook requirement when targeting sharks in Federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean (3 to 200 miles off shore).
All Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) not retained must be immediately released to ensure the maximum probability of survival, without removing the fish from the water.
*Special permit required - All private vessel owners/operators recreationally fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Shark Species for personal use in Federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean (3 to 200 miles off shore) must obtain an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling Permit.
Consult https://hmspermits.noaa.gov or call toll free (888) 872-8862 for specific information and permits.
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| Size Limit |
78 inch minimum (measured from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail) |
| Daily Limit / Person |
Boat anglers - only 1 shark of any species per vessel, except 1 additional Bonnethead and 1 additional Atlantic Sharpnose per angler onboard vessels.
Shore anglers - only 1 shark of any species per angler, except 1 additional Bonnethead and one additional Atlantic Sharpnose per shore angler.
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| Delaware Range |
Atlantic Ocean |
| Abundance in Delaware Waters |
Uncommon |
| General Habitat and Food Preferences
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The Smooth Hammerhead Shark lives close to shore preferring shallow waters less than 65 feet in depth but may also be found well offshore in deeper waters.
They feed primarily on fishes, smaller sharks, skates, and rays.
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| Did You Know?
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In some areas, stingrays are a favored prey and comprise a majority of the Smooth Hammerhead Sharks diet. The venomous barbs of stingrays are often found stuck in the heads and around the mouths of these sharks.
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| Common Lures and Baits
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Whole stingrays are excellent baits for catching Smooth Hammerhead Sharks.
To draw sharks in, chumming is almost a necessity.
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| Typical Sizes Caught
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The second largest hammerhead shark after the great hammerhead, the Smooth Hammerhead Shark can attain weights of over 800 pounds.
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| Citation Minimum Length and Weight
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Live Release Award
Adult: 66 inches minimum
Youth (age 15 and under): 56 inches minimum
Sport Fishing Tournament Award
Adult: 100 pounds minimum
Youth (age 15 and under): 75 pounds minimum
Smooth Hammerhead Sharks are eligible for the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament and Live Release "Shark" awards, but not currently eligible for an individual species award.
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| Delaware State Record
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825 pounds
Brent Thomas
1981
Smooth Hammerhead Sharks are eligible for the general "Shark" record, which excludes mako and the protected shark species.
Smooth Hammerhead Sharks are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.
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