The featured Gulf of Mexico catch and cook species for February 2025 is the Hogfish!
Hogfish are fun to catch and delicious to eat! Hogfish can be caught in the Gulf year-round!
Read on to learn how to catch Hogfish and make a delicious and healthy meal!
Fun Facts
- The Hogfish is closely related to the Parrotfish.
- Hogfish are named so due to their snout-like nose and behavior rooting through the sediments.
Species Profile
Although they are often referred to as a hog snapper, the Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) is actually a widespread species of wrasse. They range from the Gulf of Mexico through the western Atlantic Ocean, from Canada to South America. They typically live in shallow reef environments and prefer habitats dominated by soft corals or rocky ledges.

Appearance
Hogfish have a long snout-like nose and a unique dorsal fin composed of long spines leading down the back. They can be gray-brown to reddish in color, while the males are typically brighter in color. Male Hogfish will have a dark spot behind their pectoral fins and a band of dark color stretching from the snout to the dorsal spine. Hogfish have a very large mouth that can protrude open. They have sharp, long canine teeth and crushing plates in their throats used to break apart their prey.
Camouflage
Hogfish have a special adaption for active camouflage, allowing them to change the color of their skin within seconds to adapt to their surroundings. They have what is called, dermal photoreception, where they can detect light through their skin and then use special cells (opsins) to change the color of their skin to match the world around them!
Biology and Life cycle
Hogfish can grow up to 24 pounds and reach a length of 36 inches, although the average size is usually much smaller. In the Gulf the regulation size is 14 inches to the fork. Hogfish are opportunistic feeders, often sifting around through bottom sediments looking for critters to eat. They typically prefer crustaceans (shrimp, crabs) or mollusks.
Hogfish are social fish and often form groups with one dominate male and several females in a defined territory. They will spawn from November to June, often within these social groups. Hogfish, as with many other wrasses, are hermaphrodites and will change sex over time. All hogfish with start out as females and mature into males later in life. This change typically occurs around the age of 3, once they reach of size of about 14 inches. Hogfish have been found to live on average 11 years, but it is thought that they can live up to 23 years. The oldest caught Hogfish was 18 years old.
Young Hogfish will often live in shallow nursery habitats, including seagrass beds or patch reefs. As they mature they move to deeper waters with ledges, offshore reefs, or other hard structures. While they can live in waters up to 200 ft, they often are found in less than 100 ft water depths.
Catch
To maintain a healthy fishery, it is important to use sustainable fishing practices when catching and releasing fish. A Florida fishing license is required to land all saltwater species in Florida regardless of where they are caught (state or federal waters). Florida fishing licenses require a fee, however, fishing licenses from a shoreline are free. Both types require you to register for the license on the FWC website which can be found here: https://license.gooutdoorsflorida.com/
Habitat
- Common in 10 – 200 ft water depth
- Prefer a hard bottom with structure. i.e. reefs, ledges, rocks, crevices, and artificial wrecks
- Live along the ocean floor, along the edges of structures
Season and Regulations

- Hogfishing in the Gulf of Mexico State waters is open year-round.
- You are allowed to keep 5 Hogfish per person, per day.
- The minimum size limit is 14 inches to the fork. Hogfish must be 14 inches or greater (to the fork) to keep.
Measurement: Measure the Hogfish with the mouth closed. Measure from the tip of the snout/mouth to the fork of the tail. The fork of the fish is defined as the center point in the tail. As the Hogfish can have long tail offshoots, we measure to the fork instead to get an accurate size of the fish.
Fishing regulations can change frequently, always check current FWC regulations before fishing. Regulations can be found here: myFWC
While you always hope to catch “The Big One” small fish are often caught during a fishing trip. If your catch is smaller than the regulations allow make sure you return them right. Fish should be returned to the water as quickly as possible and resuscitated. Learn more about the Return ‘em Right program here.
If in deep water (>50 ft) a descending device should be used to help the fish make it home. Using best release practices will help the future of your local fishery!
Descending devices are required when fishing for reef fish. You can get a free descending device sent to you by following this link: https://returnemright.org/
Spearfishing
The most common, successful, and sustainable way to catch Hogfish is by spearfishing. With this method, there is no bycatch and no harm being done to undersized fishes. Additionally, as the Hogfish often eats crustaceans by digging through the sediments, it can be more difficult to catch by typical hook and line. Its curiosity towards divers and wide body shape also makes it an ideal fish for spearfishes to target.
Spearfishing can be conducted while scuba or free diving. Always take precautions to be safe when spearfishing. It is best to go with an experienced diver or be trained before attempting this method.
When spearfishing you still have to follow fishing regulations, meaning that you cannot shoot a hogfish less than 14 inches in size. As the spearfishing method requires you to estimate the fish size, make sure you have practice with accurately estimating fish size underwater! You can practice hunting fish species of non-regulated sizes until you feel comfortable with this skill!
*Remember fish can look bigger underwater, so be careful when picking your target!!!*
Hook and line fishing

While many people target Hogfish by spearfishing, you can be just as successful with a hook and line. Hogfish tend to be more active during the summer or night hours but can be caught year-round. Winter is also a great time to target the Hogfish. Their typical diet includes crustaceans and mollusks, so sticking with these baits
will give you your best chances of success. Switching out bait often can keep the Hogfish in the area interested.
Bait
Hogfish love live bait, however frozen or artificial bait can also be used with great success.
Below are some great bait choices for targeting Hogfish:
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Squid
- Cut bait fish
- Artificial jigs
Tips and Tackle
When fishing for reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico it is required to use non-stainless steel, non-offset circle hooks when using natural bait. A dehooking tool and descending device are also required for fishing in federal waters.
- Hogfish are bottom feeders, so make sure you’re letting your bait sink to the sea floor (slow and steady) and giving it enough time to sit and attract the fish.
- Using light tackle and a weighted line can help your bait sink and disguise the line from the fish.
- If using dead bait, jigging the line can help to attract the fish. Once they bite reel them in quickly before they can hide in the rocks or reef structure.
- The best hook sizes for Hogfish are 1/0-3/0 hooks.
- 10-20 lb monofilament or 15-20 lb braided line works best
For best fishing practices and to learn more fishing tips, tricks, and regulations check out the free Florida Friendly Angler course: Florida Friendly Angler Certification Program
If you want to go fishing but don’t have a boat of your own, fishing charters are a great option! You can find a list of certified Florida Friendly Fishing Guides here: FFA Guides
Clean
Learn how to fillet your Hogfish Catch with Florida Sea Grant Agent Michael Sipos!
Cook
In the Gulf of Mexico, Hogfish is a sustainable seafood choice as the fishing stock is not overfished due to regulated and sustainable harvest. Hogfish caught by hand, such as by spearfishing is the most sustainable choice, as there is no bycatch. Hogfish caught by hook and line is the second best option. If you are buying Hogfish ask about the catching methods to ensure sustainability.
Hogfish meat is white, flakey, rich, and sweet. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, fried, grilled, sautéed, steamed, and more! Below is a recipe for cooking up your fresh catch:
Pan Seared Hogfish in a Lemon butter Sauce
Serving size: 1 fillet
Ingredients:
- 2 Hogfish fillets, each 4 ounces
- ½ Tbs blackening seasoning
- 3 Tbs butter
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup white wine
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 Tbs Capers drained
Instructions:
- Season the fillets with the blackening seasoning on both sides.
- Heat 2 Tbs of butter in a nonstick pan on medium-high. Once heated add both fillets and cook for 2-3 minutes on both sides or until the fish is not transparent, also called opaque, throughout when tested with a tip of a knife. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan add remaining butter, garlic, white wine, lemon juice, and capers and simmer for several minutes.
- Serve sauce over fish fillets and enjoy!
Next month sneak peek!

Our featured Gulf Catch for March is the Sheepshead!
Did you know Sheepshead have 3 rows of human like teeth used to crush prey with protective shells, such as barnacles or crabs.
Do you have a favorite Sheepshead recipe or a photo of you with your Sheepshead catch? Share it with us for a chance to be featured as a photo or recipe of the month! Submit here
More information on the Stock assessment for the Gulf of Mexico can be found here:NOAA Stock Assessment
Have a question? Ask the Authors!
For more detailed information, contact your local University of Florida Extension Office.
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