My first Hammer.....on the Surf Rod

Ever since I started surf casting for sharks I've wanted to land a hammer or tiger on the surf gear. The idea of catching such an awesome shark on surf gear, casting your bait from shore to me is unmatched.

I decided to fish one of my usual spots up north since i was up north picking up a new rod from Pete Barrett, and texted my friend Ryan to come meet me after work.
The mullet were pretty thick at this spot being slammed by tarpon - but the problem was they were way offshore well out of casting range. Managed a small Jack but no takers on the surf rod. Ryan showed up and after an hour we decided that the fishing here sucked. He suggested we move to a spot farther south that has produced well for us in the recent past where we got some fat Blacktips.

It started out slow at first, but I soon managed a nice Spanish Mac on my new 8' 8-15lb bait rod I just picked up, cut him up and now were sharkin'. I half assed the cast too, it was maybe 50 yards off the beach.

My Surf set up is a Penn 8500LL on a 12' Tsunami surf rod spooled to the brim with 65lb diamond braid.
I always knew the diamond braid was good stuff but man do I believe it's worth the extra $$$ now.

We were standing around talking and joking like usual when the rod bounces a few times and goes slack.
"Damn bluefish" I thought, but as soon as I started reeling the circle hook set, and the shark took off like a bullet.
The hammer took me down to half a spool in no time at all and then decided to swim straight in while i reel like a madman barely keeping up. Then as soon as she hits the sandbar its back out to half a spool.
Slowly I worked her in, the weight was like nothing i ever felt on the surf rod. I've had a few big blacktips burn line like that but the weight was something else.

The hammer hit the bar maybe 40 yards out and then refused to be moved at all. For half an hour its back and forth mad dogging me, cutting to the left then the right. I probably gained like 10 feet during this part. I got several good looks at her when she went sideways in waves and I couldn't believe my luck.

Finally after one failed attempt to grab her and she burned off another 50 yard run, Ryan had a shot to grab her. I pulled as hard as I dared and a wave brought her in close. Ryan ran into the surf and beasts her back by the tail onto the beach - no tail rope, we weren't expecting such an awesome catch. Didn't bother to measure, after a 50 minute battle i'm sure the Hammer was exhausted, and I was ecstatic just to have landed it on the surf rod.
I'd estimate 6'6" - 7 '6" to the tip of the tail but i dont have much experience measuring hammers.
Snapped a few quick pics and off she went, swam off strong and I was whupped from the 50min battle on the surf rod. Big thanks to Ryan - good work bro def couldn't have landed that beast solo!!