Dana Point today Mr. Hammerhead - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

bigbarrels · 08-24-2015, 04:12 AM

Similar experience last summer without all the bumps. Hammerhead inches from yak for around 45 mins as I peddled wit a YT on board. This year using a fish bag (mainly bought for Baja trip but like it) and a shark shield and haven't had a shark up and close. Did have a big mako around 30 yards off taking a mega mac after it got hung up in some kelp

octico · 08-24-2015, 08:04 AM

That happened to me last year. Those bumps get nerve racking, trust me I know how you felt. The Mr. Hammerhead that bumped me and would not leave either. I hit him with the butt end of my gaff and that seemed to piss him off more.

Glad your ok.

Mr. NiceGuy · 08-24-2015, 08:22 AM

Hammerhead circling (attacking?) kayak fishermen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoiWtj-N49w

A list of 10 most dangerous sharks puts the hammerhead at #10:
http://www.planetdeadly.com/animals/dangerous-sharks

Another article places hammerheads as #10 on the list of most deadly sharks:
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Top-1...ks-81429.shtml

Swimming with the fishes: Hammerhead sightings in San Diego:
http://sdexpeditions.com/hammerhead-...ngs-san-diego/

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So, when a 12' hammerhead is alongside our kayak, what is the best response or deterrence?

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Chumming out the scuppers and Mirage drive pedal hole, .... yikes!

Makes me think twice about throwing water on a wet gunny sack to cool down fish on the bow.

Maybe this draws seals as well?

With the refined sense of smell hammerheads are famous for having, maybe they will smell fish anyway, no matter what we do?

"Blood in the water" is a common expression for a reason.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FISH11

Good thing you are OK. Yeah don't leave fish or bait loose on deck. All that scent is going out the scuppers and it's like chumming. When any sea life starts getting too close and might cause you to roll, hit it with whatever is handy. A paddle is a good tool because it has a long handle and that way you can keep your distance. Thanks for sharing.

ronbo613 · 08-24-2015, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Those hammer heads have small mouths (small bites)... nothing like a GWS. Based on my limited experience (ignorance) you are okay.

It's all relative. We were tuna fishing off SD in an 18' Boston Whaler when a hammerhead shark started swimming alongside the boat. It was easily longer than the boat. Betcha it had a pretty good sized mouth.

08-24-2015, 04:12 AM	#1
bigbarrels Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Vista Posts: 1,111	Similar experience last summer without all the bumps. Hammerhead inches from yak for around 45 mins as I peddled wit a YT on board. This year using a fish bag (mainly bought for Baja trip but like it) and a shark shield and haven't had a shark up and close. Did have a big mako around 30 yards off taking a mega mac after it got hung up in some kelp __________________ The shorter you are, the bigger your fish appear

08-24-2015, 08:04 AM	#2
octico Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: The city of Orange Posts: 1,278	That happened to me last year. Those bumps get nerve racking, trust me I know how you felt. The Mr. Hammerhead that bumped me and would not leave either. I hit him with the butt end of my gaff and that seemed to piss him off more. Glad your ok.