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The female great hammerhead was measured at 14.5 feet long and 1,262 pounds
the "hammer" measured over three feet wide
The great beast on a trailer
The "hammer" measured over three feet wide
Note the bulging belly of the pregnant shark
Capt. Bucky Dennis (left) and the great beast
SARASOTA, Florida -- A fisherman from Port Charlotte reeled in a hammerhead shark that was so big, it could be a new world sport fishing record, Mote Marine Laboratory reported Wednesday night.
It took Bucky Dennis of Port Charlotte five hours to land the beheamouth after it towed the fishing boat 12 miles from Boca Grande Pass.
"Because Mote Marine Laboratory didn't have a freezer large enough to preserve the fish, the A.P. Bell Fishouse, 4522 121st St. W., Cortez, agreed to donate space it its freezer." Mote Marine Labs reported. "A.P. Bell also had a scale large enough to weigh the animal and it was taken there for weight and measurements around 6 p.m. Wednesday."
The female great hammerhead was measured at 14.5 feet long and 1,262 pounds, with its hammer measuring more than 3 feet across. She was possibly pregnant.
It's dorsal fin is huge," said Dr. Robert Hueter, director of Mote's Center for Shark Research. "She was very rotund."
Laws allow fishermen to catch and take one shark per day.
Mote said the catch helps draw attention to the status of sharks worldwide.
"We don't encourage the killing of sharks, especially large specimens that help sustain a species. We encourage tagging sharks and releasing them. But we are grateful that this animal has been donated to science. It will help us understand more about these animals," Hueter said.
Shark species, in general, are declining, so everything scientists can learn from individuals animal is important, Hueter said.
"Thanks to this donation," Hueter said, "we hope to be able to teach even more people about the
status of sharks and their importance to the world's oceans, and how to protect and save these animals."
Reader Comments
46 people have commented so far.i want to catch something famous and i want one alive, so i could have a pet to feed my personal enemies to.
- matt feher · pittsburgh US · Jan 17, 2007 @ 7:10am
Great catch! THATS a sledge hammerhead ! And for all you Hyp's that I'm sure will be agast at this catch hammerheads gather by the tens of thousands in the warm southern waters.
- Robert Rolin · Onalaska Texas · Jun 15, 2007 @ 10:34pm
One word describes that"DAMN"!!
- Austin Creel · Grand Ridge,Florida · Jul 16, 2007 @ 10:07pm
why kill sch a beautiful creature just for some act you call a sport...and btw this dead shark was no beast as claimed
- John Doe · Florida,Florida · Nov 23, 2007 @ 7:37am
As an avid scuba diver and admirer of sharks in general, I would have much more enjoyed reading about the successful catch and release of such a beautiful shark rather than the unnecessary killing of it. I realize fishing is a sport and enjoy fishing myself, but a creature that majestic deserved to keep living in my opinion.
- JL · El Paso, TX, USA · Mar 10, 2008 @ 9:18pm
Man, why do people insist on the senseless slaughter of an important food chain animal? That female was probably very old, and not only important because of being a female, but pregnant, so all those babies died and for what? An ego needing stroking? SHAME SHAME SHAME!!
- Kimo · Hawaii · Apr 23, 2008 @ 2:00am
In response to Robert Rolin's comment "and for all you Hyp's that I'm sure will be agast at this catch hammerheads gather by the tens of thousands in the warm southern waters.", the Great Hammerhead is considered an endangered species by the International Union for the Conservation for Nature, perhaps they used gather by the hundreds of thousands.
- Erich · Massachusetts · Jul 18, 2008 @ 5:31am
Perhaps there used to be a deer population of hundreds of thousands in Massachusetts Erich. Oh but thats a different story you all needed somewhere to live and more roads to drive on etc.etc. All I mean by Hyp's is if your going to gripe and give these LEGAL fishermen a ton of manure for catching a fish look in the mirror and think about all the little things you take for granted that in someway affected nature in someway or another.
- Robert Rolin · Onalaska Texas · Aug 6, 2008 @ 4:43pm
Great hammerheads are endangered and at risk for extinction...the fact that someone would kill this beautiful creature isn't the worst part. The fact that they would do it for sport, and brag, is worse! Catch and release allows fisherman to enjoy the sport of fishing without depleting our oceans of these apex predators.
- Kim · Camden, NJ · Aug 15, 2008 @ 1:52pm
Sadly, the larger the shark, the more important it is to the population as a whole. Some sharks take 20 years to reach maturity and start reproducing. So basically the really big sharks sustain the entire population. Although I disagree with the catching of sharks as a sport, (which is along the same lines as killing Lions and Tigers for sport) I do find small redemption in the fact that they donated the shark carcass to science.
- Matthew Tucker · Coarsegold. CA · Sep 8, 2008 @ 3:40pm
Yes every body here has a point. But what I would say is that I do know Bucky. The guy that hook this shark and on top of that has hooked 100 of these shark's from this size and small. And i could say that out of all the shark's he has hooked and landed this is the frist of this size he has taken home. And I also have hooked shark's of this size and have lost the fight. so If I would land A monster like this it's kind of hard to say that i would let it go But he did do the right thing by giving it to science. for a long time they did'nt think they got this big.As to bucky knowing it was pregnant He didn't know he hook this fish where day in and day out these shark's come up and eat our big tarpon. every day you see this in boca grande pass.So At least on this shark they learned about how many pup's theyy could have and they could still have baby's . something that has alot to say for it's self.
- Capt. Angel · Port Charlotte fl · Oct 22, 2008 @ 4:37pm
I think that in a way we can use this shark for science but at the same time what did this shark ever do to us. yes they bite but they think we are their prey. We are in their home so we have every right to get attacked in their eyes. I think that this is a STUPID sport GOD put these animals for us to admire not kill.
- Courtney · Akron OH · Oct 30, 2008 @ 2:37pm
Well Bucky So you caught a shark on a hook! I am surprised you have not recieved a heros welcome, etc. blah blah blah... Heed Carma...You know you did the wrong thing. Ignorance and stupity both in the same act. Not Priceless.
- Aquatic Man · OBX NC · Dec 18, 2008 @ 7:16am
What you all don't realize is this shark was to be released, however, while fighting this shark for somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 hours, she was too tired and worn out from the fight and having to tow a boat aroung the gulf of mexico could not be revived. So she was donated to Mote Marine Laboratory for Research. You can take pics and measurements of any species of fish and submit it for records you do not have to kill them. I am on a team that tag sharks for NOAA's Apex predator program and we do not condone the killing of any shark. LOngliners and comercial fisheries kill more sharks per year than all the recreational shark anglers in the world combined. If you want to complain about something complain about that, call your local fish and wildlife comission and tell them you are concerned about the current commercial regulations on sharks. Until you take a stand where it matters nothing will change.
- Ithicology Idealist · some beach, florida · Mar 22, 2009 @ 7:48am
It is really sad that this shark had to die for no reason and then to find that she was pregnant. Just terrible Bucky.
- Ann Berg · Myrtle Beach, South Carolina · May 6, 2009 @ 3:04pm
shame on you for killing a hammerhead, big or small. 1,000 pounds or her pups. Useless slaughter for self serving purpose. It is disgusting and offensive. Killing sharks especially ignorant given the oceans are in such a perilous state. Bucky should be at least fined for disrupting out the nature of balance. Lisa Gibbs
- Lisa gibbs · USA · May 7, 2009 @ 5:42am
Ur definetley right about commercial fisheries & long liners. That still doesn't give us the right to kill sharks. Any sharks! Especially one that great. We can enjoy catch and release just as much. Have a camera handy and practice proper release tech. If we want to change things, let's start with ourselves and lead by example. Bucky, ur an less than intelligent person!!
- JT · Miami, FL · May 7, 2009 @ 6:12am
thats not a record i have a picture of a 18 foot hammerhead that was cought and released from last summer
- jj · brunswick, GA · May 7, 2009 @ 7:54am
the guy must have a small d..k and needed to prove something by killing this shark he then turns around and hooks and kills another large hammerhead. for what? why not take some pictures of the shark and then cut it loose? why kill it? what a jerk
- julie · venice, florida · May 7, 2009 @ 9:31am
what all you ignorant people bashing bucky dont realize is the fish took the hook bucky didnt put in the mouth. i do shark fishing myself and practice catch and release. but when a shark grabs a hook and pulls a boat around the gulf for 5 hours that alone would tire it out so much that it would die anyways. so before you ecco freaks start bashing people learn the facts about the animal.
- Shayne · st james city · May 7, 2009 @ 2:28pm
Are you people stupid? Read up a few comments and see that they never intended to kill the shark. The fight lasted for 5 hours and by the time they got the shark in it was already dead. He did not kill the shark so that he could bring it home and mount in on his wall. Stupid eco freaks.
- matt · becker, MN USA · May 7, 2009 @ 4:41pm
i'm gettin tired of all you tree huggers crying about people killing this and people killing that.for one,god didn't put animals and fish here for us to admire,he put them here for us to live off of,idiots.we as sportsmen and sportswomen spend millions of dollars every year for the preservation of majestic animals such as this.and for all the people bashing bucky for killing a shark,where do you think meat comes from trees.what about all the poor plants that get killed every year by vegans...give me a break already
- joe · panama city,florida · May 7, 2009 @ 8:42pm
I practice catch and release and would release any trophy caught as long as it could be revived. Seriously folks, don't take every opportunity to bash as YOU are not perfect! Please look at facts before judging, the fisherman did the right thing and donated the shark to science. No loss as I have read many articles and thought before I typed. Nice catch Bucky! Thanks for donating the hammer to science!
- John N · STL MO · May 8, 2009 @ 7:21am
thle yankees need to stay up north and let us southern people worry about catching these animals. Half of the people on here live where there is no ocean and dont even understand fishing.
- DC · WPB Flordia · May 9, 2009 @ 1:39pm
Anyone want to go for a swim?
- Kristi · Vero Beach, Indian River · May 11, 2009 @ 3:45pm
Hammerheads are vulnerable. They shouldn't be caught for sport. Sharks are magnificent animals. I hate that it's considered "cool" to kill them.
- Jessica · Los Angeles, USA · May 12, 2009 @ 4:47pm
I make my liven off cacthin sharks,and guys thats a giant great grey. Never seen anything like it in 11yrs off charter fishin. Good on YOU! nobody saved any buffalo for us!
- Pete Da Killa, Charter Fisherman · FL · May 13, 2009 @ 7:46pm
i sure if bucky had the benifit of hindsight, like all the rest of you critics, he may have handled it differently, just like all the divers critising with there dive sticks!!
- english andy · port richey, florida · May 18, 2009 @ 5:27pm
Catch and release.....I'd like to see someone gently remove the hook from a shark's mouth :).....OK you could cut the line, but to save the animal you might have to cut it real short - now count your fingers ....
- Jerry · Phoenix, AZ · May 19, 2009 @ 6:42pm
Now that's a huge hammerhead ... the kind you have nightmares about!
- Michael · Galveston · May 22, 2009 @ 12:22pm
This is not anywhere near as big as they get, it shows how ignorant the world is about the ocean, which covers 80% of the earth. They rather spend billions exploring space. We just caught a 12'6", 750lb Hammerhead,5-23-09(look it up)and 2 years ago, hooked up with an 18ft giant that would laugh at this one.(didnt land it, we were unprepared) And as far as the shortage, either we are real lucky/good or there aint no shortage! The "northeners" just dont relize what is swimming around in the gulf.
- Mando · Galveston · May 25, 2009 @ 5:26pm
why dont all you bunny hugging tofu farting bean sprout farting tree lovers shut up it was a great catch way to go bucky i am proud for ya
- dawg · bradenton fl · Jul 25, 2009 @ 6:43pm
I used to be all for killing every shark that swam (the "Jaws" effect). Now when I see pictures like these, it just looks sad and wrong. A couple of grinning rednecks yanking on the head of something they would never dare to face on it's own terms in it's own element. Like shooting wolves from a helicopter...not sporting, just sadistic.
- tyrone · North Carolina, USA · Nov 2, 2009 @ 10:43am
Hey tyrone, why don't we use you for target practice instead? I have a lot of paintballs.
- goggle, not google · internetia · Nov 17, 2009 @ 7:12pm
of coarse we dont have oceans in illinois but i do know many surfers and divers are severly injured or killed by sharks every year.once i move to the cost i will be killing sharks DAILY.not all sharks though only ones notorius for attacking surfers.KNOWN FACT THE NUMBER ONE SHARK FOR ATTACKING SURFERS IS THE BULL SHARK.my cousin surfs and was nearly attacked by 2 sharks.one bit his board the other bumped him with his nose.i want to protect all surfers safety not the sharks.animal lovers think taking one shark out of the ocean realize how many fish u are saving daily a 800lb shark will eat 80lbs of fish daily minimum.now multiply that Xs 365 days a year Xs sharks average 20yr life span.save the fish not the sharks.
- scott of chicago il · chicago il · Dec 6, 2009 @ 1:36pm
that shouldve gone on the wall
- Cory · Sydney · Mar 2, 2010 @ 4:01pm
Get real people! For those of you who say "God put these animals here for us to admire", read the Bible! God had people sacrifice animals in His name. You lose, next group. Vegans, should we not slay animals for food because they are a living thing? Then you can no longer eat your vegan ways either, for you are also killing living things for food. So I suppose our world is coming to an end now that we have no source of food left, I will prepare all the others...........
- Steven · Marietta, Ok · Mar 8, 2010 @ 12:55pm
haha nice what did you use to cacth that a fishing poll
- fred · usa · Apr 15, 2010 @ 5:17am
Well done to bucky for catching this amazing creature and donating it to science. It truly is sad that the incredible beast was pregnant, however it is proving that this sharks may not be a dying breed as was expected. This discovery of how many pups they carry is amazing and we now know this species has a incredible chance of survival for many years to come. Cheers to Bucky and crew
- sylvia · Australia · Apr 18, 2010 @ 3:15am
nice job . you could have relesed but noooooooooooooo you had to kill it
- YO MOM · UK · Apr 24, 2010 @ 1:49pm
I am so disappointed that they killed this creature instead of photographing it and releasing it. It is an incredible catch but the men who caught it would have been far more commendable had thet not destroyed this animal for their own glory. At least it was donated to science and maybe we can learn more about and better understand hammerheads. So sad that she was pregnant. What a loss.
- Denise · Spokane, USA · May 10, 2010 @ 5:51pm
i hope that shark wasnt caught in myrtle beach=( i am gong there in a few days
- fred · kentucky · May 23, 2010 @ 4:30am
Nice catch I hear a theres a new record shark like 1350 lbs
- Bryan · Florida · Jun 19, 2010 @ 3:45pm
thank you bucky for catching such a great specimen that was generously donated to science to help us further our knowledge of these creatures.All you complaining about the death of this fish should also no bucky uses live stingrays as bait lol.
- andrew davis · england · Jun 24, 2010 @ 10:15am
How could someone kill such a magnificent creature?? I'd rather watch the shark kill the scumbsags who killed it than even hearing of something as psychotic like this!
- Shehan Conrad · Sri Lanka · Jun 25, 2010 @ 4:27am
You know that guys fish in the same areas to make money by guideing and tournament fishing? I fish down there jsut for fun but there are guys out there where alls their income is based on catching a fish. And when your fish gets eaten by a shark and thats your only one of the day then you dont get paid. That area has more sharks than noted. And yes he did use live stingray, the sharks main pray. So all of you enviromentalist people that are having a fit about killing one shark... get a life. These guys need money like everyone else. If it wasnt for these tarpon and tournaments for the tarpon, the guides would have no money to support a family. So before I bid you a good day, there is more than just those two sharks in Boca Grande Pass, Some even bigger.
- Travis Paxton · Port Charlotte · Jun 30, 2010 @ 9:26am