Connecticut state waters, out to 3 miles
Federal waters only — Florida state waters prohibit all hammerhead harvest; can't be kept with tuna or billfish aboard.
Not on CT's prohibited list; federal HMS permit required and federal rules apply in CT waters.
NOAA HMS 2025 · CT DEEP 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Gear required HMS sharks
NOAA HMS 2025 · CT DEEP 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
Often mistaken for
Scalloped hammerheadNotched, wavy hammer edge. Tell them apart
Great hammerheadNearly straight hammer, tall sickle dorsal. Tell them apartKeep 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 ask5
What is the size limit for smooth hammerhead in Connecticut?
78 in fork length. Measured as fork length: snout to the fork of the tail.
How many smooth hammerhead can you keep in Connecticut?
1 shark per vessel per trip. Counts toward the Coastal sharks aggregate.
When is smooth hammerhead season in Connecticut?
Open year-round.
What gear is required for smooth hammerhead in Connecticut?
Non-offset, corrodible circle hooks required when fishing with bait. HMS Angling permit with shark endorsement required in federal waters.
How current is this Connecticut smooth hammerhead rule?
Source: NOAA HMS 2025 · CT DEEP 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 Connecticut and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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