Bonnethead
The bonnethead is the smallest member of the hammerhead family — a compact, shovel-headed shark built for warm, shallow inshore water.
Native to both the Western Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, it ranges from the mid-Atlantic coast of North America south through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico to South America.
What sets it apart from other sharks is its approachability: schools of them cruise grass flats in water barely deep enough to cover their dorsal fins, making them a genuine sight-fishing target on light tackle.
Scientific Name: Sphyrna tiburo
Also known as Bonnethead shark, Bonnet shark, Shovelhead, Bonnet hammerhead
- The smallest hammerhead, averaging 2.5–4 feet with a maximum around 5 feet and 24 pounds — the rounded, smooth cephalofoil (head paddle) is unmistakable among sharks.
- Head shape differs by sex: females have an evenly rounded front margin; males develop a distinct forward bulge along the anterior edge, making sex ID possible in the field.
- Gray to tan or greenish on top with a pale belly; small dark spots scattered across the back and sides. No ridge between the two dorsal fins.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- A warm-water coastal specialist native to the Western Atlantic from the mid-Atlantic seaboard south through the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and down to Brazil, and separately in the Eastern Pacific from southern California to Ecuador.
- Shallow estuaries, tidal bays, seagrass flats, and sandy surf zones are its core habitat — most commonly encountered in water under 10 feet, though it can range to at least 260 feet.
- Strongly temperature-driven in its movements: abundant on shallow flats from late spring through early fall, retreating to deeper channels or warmer offshore water as temperatures drop.
Specific Spots
- Shallow seagrass flats in 2–6 feet of water are the primary hunting ground — bonnetheads cruise these areas actively, often visible as dorsal fins cutting the surface.
- Sandbar edges and potholes adjacent to grass hold fish because tidal current funnels crabs and shrimp through these natural choke points.
- Tidal channels cutting through flats concentrate bonnetheads during moving water, especially in the late afternoon when feeding activity peaks.
Bonnethead FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Bonnethead?
Live shrimp and small blue crabs are the most consistent producers, present them on a Carolina or fishfinder rig to keep the bait near the bottom where bonnetheads are actively rooting.
What flies work for Bonnethead?
Crab patterns are the go-to, Merkin-style flies or smaller crab imitations in tan, brown, or olive match the blue crabs and small crustaceans bonnetheads are actively hunting on the flats. Present the fly ahead of a cruising fish and let it sink to the bottom.
What do Bonnethead eat?
Blue crabs and shrimp are the core of the diet, bonnetheads have broad, flat molar-like rear teeth purpose-built for crushing shells, which is why crab and shrimp imitations outperform most other presentations.
Where do Bonnethead live?
A warm-water coastal specialist native to the Western Atlantic from the mid-Atlantic seaboard south through the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and down to Brazil, and separately in the Eastern Pacific from southern California to Ecuador.
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