Hogfish

Hogfish: Lachnolaimus maximus

Florida Regulations: 

Gear Requirements:

• Legal Gear: spears, gigs, hook and line, seine, cast net

• Reef fish gear requirements apply

State Waters Harvest Seasons:   Gulf of Mexico      Atlantic

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 

Gulf Federal Waters Rules

Atlantic Federal Waters Rules

State Record:  19 lb 8 oz, caught in Daytona Beach

Image Credit:Diane Rome Peebles