Alabama state waters, out to 3 miles
Size78 in fork length minimumFork length: snout to the fork of the tail
Bag1 per person per day
SeasonOpen year-roundOpen today
AL MRD 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Often mistaken for
Scalloped hammerheadNotched, wavy hammer edge. Tell them apartSize78 in fork length minimum
Bag1 per person per day
SeasonOpen year-round
Great hammerheadNearly straight hammer, tall sickle dorsal. Tell them apartSize78 in fork length minimum
Bag1 per person per day
SeasonOpen year-round
Keep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
The hammer's front edge is smoothly curved with NO center notch — the scalloped's is scalloped. More on the smooth hammerhead page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for smooth hammerhead in Alabama?
78 in fork length minimum. Measured as fork length: snout to the fork of the tail.
How many smooth hammerhead can you keep in Alabama?
1 per person per day.
When is smooth hammerhead season in Alabama?
Open year-round.
How current is this Alabama smooth hammerhead rule?
Source: AL MRD 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at a smooth hammerhead in Alabama and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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