Florida Man Catches 1,280-Pound Hammerhead Shark

A Port Charlotte fisherman caught a great hammerhead shark near Boca Grande on Tuesday that could be a new world sport fishing record.

SHARK IMAGES: 1,280-Pound, 14-Foot HammerheadWEIRD PHOTOS: News Of The Strange Slideshow

Fisherman Bucky Dennis was alone on his boat when the animal took the bait, a 25-pound stingray. A friend on a nearby vessel climbed aboard Dennis' boat to help. The five-foot-nine, 180-pound man also used shoulder harnesses.

Dennis said it took five hours to land the great hammerhead shark after it towed their fishing boat 12 miles from Boca Grande Pass.

The shark was donated to Mote Marine Laboratory and Mote Aquarium for further scientific study and possible exhibition in Mote Aquarium.

The female great hammerhead was measured at 14.5 feet long and 1,262 pounds, with its hammer measuring more than three feet across.