Hogfish are a reef species that inhabit rocky bottoms, ledges, and reefs throughout Florida’s offshore waters. They are easily identified by their long, hog-like snout, which allows them to feed on bottom-dwelling mollusks and crustaceans. Because they tend to root in the sediment in search of small prey, they are not commonly caught on hook and line. Hogfish are primarily harvested by spearfishing, and they are considered to be of excellent food quality.
Hogfish: Lachnolaimus maximus
Florida Regulations:
| Regulations | Gulf State Waters | Atlantic State Waters (includes all state and federal waters south of Cape Sable, including the Florida Keys) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Size Limit | 14″ fork | 16″ fork |
| Daily Bag Limit | 5 per harvester | 1 per harvester |
Gulf state: Open year-round
Atlantic state (includes all state waters south of Cape Sable in the Gulf and Monroe County): Open May 1-Oct. 31
Gear Requirements:
- Legal Gear: spears, gigs, hook and line, seine, cast net
Federal waters:
Gulf federal waters north of Cape Sable: Open year-round, 14-inch minimum size limit, 5-fish/person recreational bag limit.
Atlantic federal waters: Open May 1-Oct. 31 annually. 16-inch minimum size limit, 1-fish/person recreational bag limit.
Habitat and Fishing Tips:
Hogfish are a reef species that inhabit rocky bottoms, ledges and reefs throughout Florida’s off-shore waters. They are easily identified by their long, hog-like snout, which allows them to feed on bottom-dwelling mollusks and crustaceans. Because they tend to root in the sediment in search of small prey, they are not commonly caught on hook and line. Hogfish are primarily harvested by spearfishing, and they are considered to be of excellent food quality.
Florida Rule 
State Record: 19 lb 8 oz, caught in Daytona Beach