Hammerhead Shark in Maryland: what to know before you start looking

1. Where in Maryland can you actually find hammerhead sharks?

Hammerhead sharks are pelagic and prefer warm, deep water. In Maryland, they occasionally appear in the Atlantic Ocean beyond the continental shelf, 20 to 50 miles offshore from Ocean City. They are not found in the Chesapeake Bay, which is too fresh and shallow. The most reliable spot is the Baltimore Canyon or other offshore canyons where water temperatures exceed 70°F in summer. Check sea surface temperature maps and look for baitfish aggregations.

2. What is the best time of year to look?

Late July through September offers the best chance. Hammerheads migrate north along the Gulf Stream as waters warm. August and September have the highest sea surface temperatures and the most pelagic fish activity. Morning trips tend to have calmer seas, but hammerheads can be encountered at any time of day. Avoid winter and spring when water is too cold.

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3. How do you identify a hammerhead shark from a distance?

The most obvious clue is the distinct T-shaped head, called a cephalofoil, which is wider than the body. Even from a boat, you may see the head silhouetted near the surface. Hammerheads also have a tall, sickle-shaped first dorsal fin and a unique rolling swimming motion. Unlike other sharks, they often swim with the dorsal fin and part of the tail above water. Juvenile hammerheads are rarely seen near shore, so any hammerhead in Maryland is likely an adult 8-12 feet long.

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4. What behavior should you watch for?

Hammerheads often swim near the surface, sometimes with their dorsal fin cutting the water. They school by size and sex, so if you see one, there may be more nearby. They are known to follow commercial fishing boats, especially those chumming for tuna. Look for seabirds diving on bait balls, then scan the water around them. Hammerheads are shy and usually avoid boats, so maintain a slow approach and keep noise low.

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5. Which charter or tour gives you the best odds?

Book a full-day offshore fishing charter from Ocean City that targets tuna, marlin, or mahi-mahi. These trips run out to the canyons where hammerheads occasionally appear. Ask the captain about recent shark sightings and if they are willing to idle near chum slicks. Many experienced captains know the hotspots. Alternatively, join a pelagic birding trip, as seabirds often lead to baitfish, which attract sharks.

6. Is it safe to swim or dive near hammerhead sharks?

Hammerhead sharks are generally not aggressive toward humans, but they are large wild animals. In Maryland waters, encounters are so rare that safety concerns are minimal. If you do see one from a boat, do not provoke it or try to touch it. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources advises keeping a respectful distance of at least 50 feet. For divers, hammerheads are usually wary and will swim away.

7. How can you bring the experience home with wildlife art?

If you can't make it offshore, a quality print of a hammerhead shark can keep the excitement alive. TheHammerhead Shark Giclée Printis a minimalist black-and-white piece that captures the shark's distinctive silhouette. For a larger statement, theBlack and White Shark Ocean Depth Canvasfrom IDEA4WALL offers a dramatic coastal look. Both make great additions to a beach house or office. If you prefer color, theAbstract Shark Canvasadds a vibrant pop. Check out all ourwildlife shark artfor more options.

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8. Frequently asked questions about hammerhead sharks in Maryland

**Has a hammerhead shark ever been caught in Maryland?** Yes, a few have been caught by recreational fishermen offshore, but it's not common. The Maryland state record for a great hammerhead is around 400 pounds.

**Are there great hammerhead sharks in Maryland?** Great hammerheads (Sphyrna mokarran) have been recorded in the Atlantic off Maryland, but scalloped hammerheads are more likely.

**Can you see hammerhead sharks from the beach in Maryland?** Extremely unlikely. They stay far offshore in deep water. Your best view is from a boat or through binoculars on a pelagic trip.

**Do hammerheads attack people in Maryland?** No attacks have been recorded. They are not considered a threat.

**What other sharks might you see offshore in Maryland?** Common offshore species include blue sharks, mako sharks, thresher sharks, and occasionally tiger sharks.