There is no evading the tax man. Captain Jake Scott of Salt Crazy Fishing Charters got that reminder fishing this week off the coast of Crystal River in Central Florida with captain Matt Parkhurst.
After battling what would have been a five to six foot blacktip boatside, a much larger hammerhead shark decided it wanted its cut. As Scott attempted to put a tail rope on the smaller shark, the larger shark came up from the depths to bite the smaller fish cleanly in half, almost taking the captain’s hand with it.
Jake, who posted video and pictures of the aftermath to Facebook, estimated the hammerhead to be somewhere between 12 and 14 feet in length.
“Hammerhead decided he wanted it more,” he said .
Home of the Monsters
Great hammerhead sharks, which can grow to up 20 feet in length and weigh up to 1,200 pounds, are common along the the Gulf of Mexico during late summer as they follow the massive schools of tarpon and cow nose rays making their annual southern migration toward south Florida and the Florida Keys.
Monster hammerheads are known to be opportunistic feeders, using fish that have been hooked by anglers as an easy meal. The occurrences are so common that they helped build the legend of Old Hitler the Hammerhead among local fishermen.
Reports of massive hammerheads have been especially plentiful this year in the waters north of Tampa Bay as the southern tip of the state has seen outbreaks of red tide and toxic blue-green algae that has decimated much of the marine life off the coast of Southwest Florida. Large migratory predators appear to be avoiding the areas affected by the ecological disaster.
“The Taxman Cometh”
Pay your respects to the “Tax Man” with the official Sharkophile performance fishing shirt. Perfect for being out on the water, hanging at your local beach dive bar or just relaxing on the couch during Shark Week.
According to the official product description, this long sleeve t-shirt was created for your active lifestyle. It’s made from 4.7-ounce, 100% filament polyester jersey knit. Freshcare™ anti-microbial properties and AquaFX™ wicking properties work together to keep you feeling fresh and dry. It features rolled forward shoulders and side seams, double-needle stitching on sleeves and bottom hem and a heat transfer label.
