Huge Hammerhead Shark Thrashing in Shallow Waters Off the Coast of Texas

The last thing you expect to see in shallow waters is a huge hammerhead shark. This shark species is common in mild tropical and subtropical areas near continental shelves and coasts all around the world. 

You’ll find them in the top portion of the area referred to as the mesopelagic zone, which is the drop-off next to the continental shelf. They descend to 260 feet or thereabouts. A fisherman in Galveston County, TX spotted one in an unusual place. 

See the Huge Hammerhead Shark For Yourself

Jason Schilling claimed that he and his companions had gone fishing early that day close to San Luis Pass. He heard splashing at one time close to their location immediately north of the San Luis Pass bridge.  

At that point, according to Schilling, a sizable hammerhead shark was moving around with its head above the water. Schilling thankfully started recording when he took out his phone.  You can see this shark swimming and writhing in barely knee-deep water in this man’s cellphone video,

According to the angler, the hammerhead was enormous. Adult females often measure 15 to 18 feet in length, and adult males typically measure about 12 feet long. The greatest length measured for a huge hammerhead shark was 20 feet.

Why Do Sharks Swim to Shallow Water?

Sharks can go into shallow waters when they approach the shore to look for food. Sharks can occasionally be spotted in shallow seas and can approach the coast, but they rarely create a hazard to people. 

Warmer seas, a shortage of food, and the well-being of their young are some of the elements that affect the presence of hammerhead sharks near the shore. Sharks are most frequently encountered in nearshore waters throughout the summertime and are more inclined to be there at dawn and dusk.

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Coastal Fisheries Division, there are roughly 40 different species of shark swimming throughout Texas waters. The subsequent five are widespread: 

• Spinner shark
• Bull shark
• Bonnethead shark
• Blacktip shark
• Atlantic sharp nose shark

As you can see, hammerheads aren’t common in the area. Some sharks can get disoriented and come near shore by accident. There are several instances where brave individuals get in the water and push these creatures back toward the direction of the ocean.

We do not condone putting yourself in a situation like this. Instead, take a look at the video below and see just how close this hammerhead is to these unsuspecting fishermen. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Alessandro De Maddalena