Hogfish recreational harvest will close in state and federal waters off the east coast of Florida and Florida Keys Nov. 1. This closure includes all state waters south of Cape Sable, which is on the Gulf side of Florida, and up the Atlantic coast. The Keys/east Florida hogfish season runs from May 1 through Oct. 31.
More: Herbed Hogfish On The Grill from Islamorada
Recreational harvest remains open in state and federal waters north of Cape Sable in the Gulf.
Visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Recreational Regulations” and “Hogfish” for more.
Source: Hogfish recreational season closes Nov. 1 in Keys/east Florida state waters
Appearance
- First 3 spines of dorsal fin greatly elongated
- Black blotch near end of dorsal fin
- Body deep, strongly compressed
- Snout elongated in adults
- Tail with elongated upper and lower lobes
- Young mottled with various colors, fading with age
Size: Up to 36 inches
Rocky bottoms, ledges and reefs offshore; young associated with seagrass beds
Long, hog-like snout 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.
Also known as hog snapper.
Popular food fish. Primarily harvested by spearfishing.
State Record: 19 lb 8 oz, caught in Daytona Beach
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