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By Capt Jay Miller

Over the last few years I have pondered a lot of questions about the ocean. There is so much that we know, or think we know, yet there is even more that we know nothing about. We have explored only a mere percentage of all the oceans and its inhabitants.  Now, there is one question I have always felt I had the answer to. “Who is on the top of the food chain?” My answer, “Sharks”. This opinion is based on experience and not on the media’s portrayal of the species. Sharks themselves have a naturally eerie look to them. The mannerisms in which they exhibit will strike fear into the majority of people. From the Discovery Channel’s  “Shark Week”s and the many other programs about shark attacks and so on, I think these fish are portrayed by the media as extremely dangerous man eaters. This I don’t believe. Sharks are far and away one of the most important species in the ocean. they first and foremost are the “cleaners” of the sea. Without sharks dead, dying, or sickly sea creatures of all shapes and sizes would litter the ocean. Sharks keep a balance of life for the oceans. Think of them as the C.I.A. of the SEA so to speak. These agents are responsible for the stealthy taking of individuals that need to go. They can smell one drop of blood in millions of parts water, so they get a whiff of something from a long way away they come to investigate.

Looking For A Meal

Of all the shark species I think Hammerheads have to be my favorite. Just the cool look of the “hammer” part of the head is what does it for me. The eyes are on the outside of the “hammer” which has a somewhat alien appearance to it. Not to mention the speed, these animals are extremely fast and can turn 180 degrees on a dime. From time to time I have witnessed some amazing behaviors of Hammerhead Sharks. When a Hammerhead keys in on a scent or impulses, “look out buddy!” this fish is coming in hot!!

Here is a video that was taken with our GoPro, on an evening trip targeting Blackfin Tuna. Along with the Tuna, many schools of Little Tunny, or Bonito as most call them here in the Keys, were eating our baits as well. While fighting a Bonito, the impulses of the fighting fish alerted a nearby Hammerhead, and well, I’m sure you have a good idea what happens.