Along with the migration of tarpon comes a much larger fish: the great hammerhead shark. They regularly prey on giant herrings during the summer. Already last week there were reports up and down the coast of large hammerheads attacking schools of tarpon. Seeing this act of nature is a great experience.
Two days ago while we worked a large pod of tarpon, a 15-foot hammerhead busted up the school. Hundred-pound tarpon were leaping in all directions to escape the hammerhead. As the tarpon raced toward the beach the hammerhead was close behind and grabbed a panicked tarpon by the tail, biting it off instantly. This type of attack is common with hammerheads, which wound their prey then go for the kill.
While sunbathing on rafts about 200 feet from shore two girls were startled when the attack took place. This giant shark thrashed the surface with a fury while feeding on the tarpon only 20 feet from their rafts. Both swimmers leaped off their rafts and made it safely to shore. Though the shark was feeding on the tarpon, with no interest in the swimmers, it was scary to be so close. This hammerhead was estimated at 1,000 pounds with a 4-foot dorsal fin.
- Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call 727 595-3276, or e-mail sales@jawstoo.com
