Smooth Hammerhead Shark

About the Smooth Hammerhead Shark

The Smooth Hammerhead is easily identified by its distinctive, flattened, hammer-shaped head, known as a cephalofoil, which lacks the central indentation seen in other hammerhead species, giving it a smooth, rounded front margin. Its body is typically dark olive to brownish-gray above, fading to white on the underside. This shark possesses a tall, falcate first dorsal fin and slender, somewhat streamlined body, allowing for powerful and agile swimming. They can grow to impressive sizes, often exceeding 13 feet in length.

Source: FishBase & iNaturalist

Habitat

This species prefers temperate to subtropical waters, often found in coastal areas over continental shelves, as well as offshore around islands. Unlike many of its hammerhead relatives, the Smooth Hammerhead shows a strong preference for cooler water temperatures. They can be encountered from near the surface down to depths of several hundred feet, favoring areas with abundant prey.

Distribution

The Smooth Hammerhead has a global distribution, inhabiting temperate zones in all major oceans at medium latitudes. They are highly migratory, often forming large schools and moving towards cooler waters during the summer months and towards warmer waters in winter.

Behaviour

Smooth Hammerheads are active, opportunistic predators, primarily feeding on a variety of bony fish such as mackerel, herring, and sardines, as well as skates, rays, and squid. They are known for their powerful swimming and can be found cruising near the surface or patrolling deeper waters. These sharks are often seen in large schools, particularly during their seasonal migrations, and are renowned for their strength and fighting ability when hooked.

Edibility

★★★★★

The meat of the Smooth Hammerhead is considered fair to good, with firm, white flesh that is mild in flavor. However, like many sharks, it must be bled and iced immediately upon capture to prevent the buildup of urea, which can cause an ammonia taste. Consumption should be moderated due to potential mercury accumulation.

Lure suggestion

For anglers targeting Smooth Hammerheads, heavy-duty tackle is paramount, including robust rods, large reels spooled with 80-130lb braided line, and wire leaders (300lb+ mono or fluorocarbon bites sections are often preferred over wire to avoid bite-offs while offering some stretch). Large natural baits are most effective, such as whole or cut mackerel, bonito, tuna, or rays, fished on stout circle hooks (16/0-20/0) under a float or on the bottom. Chumming can significantly increase your chances of attracting these powerful sharks.