Hammerhead Shark (Great, Scalloped, Smooth)
Identification
Three species of hammerhead sharks are encountered on the Outer Banks: the great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), the scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), and the smooth hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena). All share the distinctive hammer-shaped cephalofoil — the wide, flattened head with eyes positioned at the outer edges. The great hammerhead is the largest, reaching 12 to 15 feet, with a notched leading edge on the cephalofoil and a very tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Scalloped hammerheads reach 8 to 10 feet and have a distinctly scalloped front edge on the head. Smooth hammerheads, the least common on the OBX, have a smooth, unnotched cephalofoil and reach similar sizes to the scalloped.
Habitat and Behavior
Hammerheads are summer visitors to the OBX, drawn by warm water and abundant prey. Great hammerheads are typically found in deeper nearshore waters and around inlets, often following schools of tarpon, rays, and other large prey. Scalloped hammerheads travel in schools and are more commonly encountered in the sounds and near inlets. All hammerhead species are active, swimming predators that use their electroreceptive cephalofoil to detect buried prey. They feed on fish, rays, squid, and other sharks. Great hammerheads are known to prey heavily on stingrays. On the OBX, hammerheads are most active from dusk through the night.
Fishing Techniques
Targeting hammerheads from the OBX surf requires the same heavy gear used for tiger sharks — a 13 foot or longer rod, large conventional reel, 50-80 lb braid, and 150 lb minimum wire cable leader. Hammerheads have sharp teeth and powerful jaws that can cut through lighter leaders. Kayak-delivered baits past the outer sandbar are the standard approach at Cape Point and Hatteras Island beaches. Fish at night for the best chance. Great hammerheads in particular are wary and require long, quiet soaks with minimal disturbance. For charter fishing, drifting large live baits in deep water near the beach or in inlet channels produces hammerhead encounters. Trolling can also draw strikes from actively feeding hammerheads.
Baits and Lures
Live baits are the top choice for hammerheads, especially great hammerheads. A live bluefish is one of the most effective offerings — the vibration and scent of a lively bluefish draws hammerheads from a distance. Live menhaden and large live mullet also produce. For cut baits, whole fresh bunker and large chunks of tuna or bonito are effective. Scalloped hammerheads are less selective and will take smaller baits, but great hammerheads prefer substantial offerings. Use 10/0 to 12/0 circle hooks on heavy cable leaders. The freshness and size of the bait are the most important factors for consistent hammerhead success.
Best Times and Locations on the OBX
Hammerhead sharks appear on the OBX from June through October, with peak encounters in July and August. Cape Point at Hatteras is the premier location for all three hammerhead species, particularly great hammerheads. The deep water access and Gulf Stream proximity create ideal conditions. Hatteras Inlet and the southern Hatteras beaches are also productive. Scalloped hammerheads are more frequently encountered in Pamlico Sound and around Oregon Inlet. Ocracoke Island’s outer bars can produce hammerheads during summer nights. Fish from dusk through the night, especially during tide changes. Calm, warm water conditions following southerly winds are ideal.
Regulations
Great hammerhead and scalloped hammerhead sharks are prohibited from recreational harvest in NC state waters — catch and release only. Smooth hammerhead has a minimum size of 54 inches fork length. All hammerhead species must be landed with head, tail, and fins naturally intact. Hammerheads are particularly susceptible to stress from catch and release — they have high metabolic demands and can die from exhaustion more readily than other shark species. Minimize fight time when possible, keep the shark in the water at all times, and release quickly. Never lift a large hammerhead by its cephalofoil. Cut the leader close to the hook if the hook cannot be safely removed.