The (in)famous Hammerhead shark family encompasses 9 different species boasting an amazing product of evolution - a laterally extended flattened head with eyes on the end of either side.

The odd-shaped head has a twofold function - it acts as a rudder, helping the shark make more swift and agile maneuvers in water and it allows for close to 360° vision for an ultimate predatorial skill boost.

How big

The most common of the species is the Smooth Hammerhead, which can reach up to 14ft and 370lbs. The Great Hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), however, outgrows it substantially, with the record shark caught at 20ft and 1280lbs (caught in Boca Grande).

Distribution

All of the species are widely spread throughout the tropical and subtropical belt, inhabiting mostly calm and shallow coastal waters. This, coupled with their innate aggression, makes them a real threat, with 3 of the 9 species known as particularly dangerous to humans. However, as statistics show, their attacks are usually non-lethal.

How to catch

As other sharks, chumming oily and bloody bait helps get them to the surface, where they can be still fished or slow trolled/drift fished. Any moderate sized mullet, mackerel, jack or other fish, stingray or squid should work, with artificials being successful as well. Hammerheads are considered excellent game, making fierceful dives to the bottom and pulling with great force.

Good to eat?

These sharks are edible, but not very tasty, and this is only if bled and iced immediately and properly prepared.