Know your target
Bonnethead fishing around Tampa Bay
Small hammerhead relatives root for crustaceans over sandy flats and grass edges. The shore-based shark fishing permit and Shark-Smart course rules apply when targeting bonnetheads too.
Also known as: Bonnethead shark, Shovelhead
Harvest status today: See FWC (as of Oct 26, 2026)
Season: Not listed on FWC page — check myfwc.comSlot: No minimum size limit (Group 1)Bag: 1 shark per person per day; 2 per vessel
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FWC regulations (Tampa Bay region)
| Season | Not listed on FWC page — check myfwc.com |
|---|---|
| Slot/size limit | No minimum size limit (Group 1) |
| Bag limit | 1 shark per person per day; 2 per vessel |
| Special rules | Before targeting or keeping sharks from shore, piers, bridges or jetties: complete the Shark-Smart Fishing course and obtain the no-cost Shore-based Shark Fishing permit; renew annually. Permit required at age 16 and older, even if exempt from a fishing license. Under 16: take the course unless fishing with a permit holder. Hook and line only. Use non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks with live or dead natural bait; no multiple hooks with natural bait. Carry and use a device that can quickly cut the hook or leader. Beach chumming is prohibited for every species. Keep gills submerged. Release prohibited and unidentified sharks without delay; never bring prohibited sharks onto a pier, bridge or dry land beyond the surf. Cut the hook or leader close to the hook if removal delays release. Avoid crowded beaches and swimmers. FWC does not recommend catch-and-release shark fishing from high piers or bridges. Retained sharks must remain whole with head, tail and fins attached until landed. Shark-Smart advice: use at least 80 lb test, flatten barbs and have release tools ready. The permit also applies at age 16+ when shore fishing for any species with a metal leader over 4 feet, a fighting belt/harness, or bait deployed other than by casting with a hook at least 1½ inches across its widest inside distance. |
Source: FWC: Sharks · Checked 2026-10-26
“Checked” is the dataset reference date.
Regulations change; always confirm with FWC.
A year on the water
When they're biting
Best months and baits are general guidance, not official.
JanFair
FebFair
MarGood
AprGood
MayPeak
JunPeak
JulPeak
AugPeak
SepPeak
OctGoodThis month
NovGood
DecFair
Swipe or scroll the table to see all months. General guidance: 0 = Rare, 1 = Fair, 2 = Good, 3 = Peak. Current month: Oct. Harvest status as of 2026-10-26 (America/New_York), at build time.
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | OctThis month | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonnethead | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Peak | Good | Good | Fair |
- winter
- Try warmer afternoons on sheltered sand near grass; cold fronts can slow activity.
- spring
- Look for small sharks rooting across shallow sand and grass edges.
- summer
- Shrimp or crab near a sand patch can draw bonnetheads; follow all shore shark rules.
- fall
- Try warm flats until sustained cooling slows activity. Identify every shark before handling it.
Top baits
Bait guide: hook placement, rigs and local seasonal tips →
Best months and baits are general guidance, not official.
cut
artificial
From the tackle bag
How to catch
General guidance; adapt tackle to conditions and follow current rules.
- Hook
- 3/0–5/0 non-offset, non-stainless steel circle
- Leader
- Heavy abrasion-resistant leader; Shark-Smart tackle guidance applies
- Weight
- 1/2–2 oz as needed
- Rig
- Carolina rig with a small crab section or shrimp
- Technique
- Place bait on a sand patch next to grass and let the circle hook load.
- Best tide
- Moving water near a sand or structure edge; ease back when current makes bait control difficult.
- Time of day
- Dawn or late afternoon within posted access hours
Find your shoreline
Where to go
Habitat suggestions, subject to access. Check each spot's status before going.
- Fort De Soto Park — East Beach Work nearby sand, grass or shoreline edges within permitted fishing areas. Call ahead
Hours not listed — call during business hours
- E.G. Simmons Conservation Park Shoreline Work nearby sand, grass or shoreline edges within permitted fishing areas. Open
- Dunedin Causeway Work nearby sand, grass or shoreline edges within permitted fishing areas. Open
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