I think you are ok to keep sharks without HMS permit, assuming you were fishing within 3 mile state waters. Good Karma from the fish gods in any case!

That is incorrect. Vessel owners/operators who recreationally fish for or retain regulated Atlantic tunas (bluefin, yellowfin, bigeye, albacore, and skipjack), sharks, swordfish, and billfish in Atlantic Federal waters, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, must obtain an HMS Angling category permit or a HMS Charter/Headboat permit. However, General category vessels may fish recreationally for HMS so long as they are participating in a registered recreational HMS tournament and fishing under tournament rules. Vessels fishing exclusively in state waters are required to obtain the HMS Angling permit if they wish to keep their regulated tunas (bluefin, yellowfin, bigeye, skipjack, and albacore). Vessel owners/operators should check their state regulations regarding the retention of sharks, swordfish, and/or billfish in state waters.

No. You must have an HMS permit to fish for or retain. This will also be changing in 2018 to include a shark endorsement in addition to the HMS permit. There will be an online class and test to obtain the endorsement. You will also be required to use non-offset circle Hooks starting in 2018.