The "Old Hitler" Myth
By CAPT. MEL BERMAN, 970-WFLA

For several years now, whenever a giant hammerhead shark shows up in shallow Gulf waters, the ancient tale of "Old Hitler" is resurrected. Is it the unique head shape of this malevolent looking shark, or simply misconceptions about the hammerhead itself?


I received an email from Richard Clem, who told of a chilling encounter with "Old Hitler" that he had some 35 years ago.

Cap Mel,

1964 while shark fishing in the ship channel just east of Egmont Key I came within inches of Old Hitler. He does, or did, exist, I can assure you.

We used to shark fish a lot in that area. Usually between the 90' deep hole at the north east corner of Egmont and a small rock pile just off the south west tip of Mullet Key, er that's Fort Desoto Park now. Blacktips with their jumping action on the rocks and Sand and Lemon sharks with a rare hammerhead in the deeper water. An occasional Tiger and Mako were caught a little further out in the Gulf but not often. They could be very large. Back then it was also common to spot enormous Jewfish while diving and spear fishing around the pilings of the Skyway Bridge. Something I rarely did again after facing Old Hitler face to face that summer day in 1964.

We were in my father's 18 foot Osgood (built in Gulfport at the Osgood works near the Gulfport marina) with a 40 - 50 pound Sting Ray hanging out the back on a large hook which we used as chum and bait. We had gigged the ray on the flats near Tarpon key on the way out that morning. We had several lines out and had had a few small sharks on (always released) earlier. All of a sudden a school of sharks came up, finned the surface for 30 seconds or so and dove. Most were 5 - 8 feet long, not sure what type.

Then it happened. Old Hitler paid us a visit.

Right behind the boat an enormous hammerhead shark surfaced and attacked the ray hanging out the back. My buddy pulled the ray in as fast as possible fearing that the shark might damage the boat. The shark then hit the motor, a 60 HP McCullough two or three times, I guess because the engine was painted white and the Ray smell was all over it. Anyway, the animal then circled the boat once and came alongside, stretched out right beside us. I could have reached out and touched it!!!

Now remember, we were in an 18 foot boat. The fish was several feet longer than it was. It was HUGE! I have no idea what it would weigh but would love to have an educated guess by someone knowledgeable.

And one more thing, the shark had a broken dorsal fin. It kind of tipped to one side when on the surface.

Lastly, two weeks later my father had the boat in the shop for some bottom work and when they lifted the boat off the trailer with a fork lift, a big chunk of bottom fell out, rotted through. All I could think of was what would have happened if that had occurred when we were in Old Hitler's neighborhood.

Capt. Mel, I was 18 years old and a senior at Boca Ciega High School when this happened and I swear every word is gospel truth.

Questions,

How long do hammerheads live, how large do they grow, and, most importantly, does anyone else have any other stories about Old Hitler that date back to about this time period?

Love your show,

Richard Clem
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Dear Richard:

That was quite a spine tingling story about your long ago encounter with the great hammerhead shark. However, it is not unusual. This giant shark species is very common in sub-tropical waters, often reaching 15-feet and exceeding 1000 pounds.

Each one, when sighted, tends to be identified as "Old Hitler," particularly along the Suncoast. Though the hammerhead is a loner, there are several "Old Hitlers" swimming the shallows along the Gulf Coast from spring to late fall.
This wild looking species of shark has been a fascination for marine biologists.

Here's what Dr. Bob Shipp has to say about hammerheads in his book "Dr. Bob Shipp's guide to the fishes of the Gulf of Mexico:"


"The unique appearance of hammerhead sharks is responsible for the development of a rich lore about these animals. Sharks are swift, graceful, and strong, but because their paired fins are nearly rigid, they are unable to brake very effectively, nor can they wheel about and "turn on a dime" like their bony fish colleagues, thus, the well publicized circling behavior of sharks in preparation for a final attack. The enlarged head of the hammerhead appears to be a development, which increases agility and maneuverability. This allows them to more effectively pursue healthy prey. Some authors have theorized that the broadened head may improve sensory perception, especially smell and vision, and may be used to stir the bottom and locate prey there.

The abundance of hammerheads, along with their agility and adequate size, argues for their consideration as a potential threat to man, although the relatively small mouth and preference for fish is some consolation."

And this from Dr. Bob Hueter, Mote Marine Lab's shark expert:

"To my knowledge, no one has yet validated the age/growth curve for the great hammerhead, the species that "Old Hitler" ostensibly is. The juveniles appear to grow relatively fast, attaining a size of 6-7 feet in probably 2-3 years. So they might mature in about 6-8 years, but we really don't know. As far as longevity, a lifespan of 20-30 years is likely, but again we have no real solid information. Unbelievable in this day and age that we still have so many unanswered, basic questions about these animals. "

I'm sure this isn't the end of the tale. As long as there are these massive, unique-looking sharks roaming our near coastal waters, "Old Hitler' will continue to fire up angler's imaginations.