Hogfish regulations
Spearfishing on reefs, or live shrimp on light bottom rigs. Seasons and sizes differ between the Keys and the Gulf.
Applies to: state and adjacent federal waters · Licenses: State Reef Fish Angler designation required for private vessel anglers on Atlantic and Gulf coasts intending to fish for or harvest certain reef fish; must renew annually.
| Species / zone | Season | Size | Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hogfish Gulf State Waters | open now Open year-round | 14" fork length | 5 per harvester | Legal Gear: spears, gigs, hook and line, seine, cast net. Reef fish gear requirements apply. |
| Hogfish Atlantic State Waters boundaryincludes all state and federal waters south of Cape Sable, including the Florida Keys | open now Open May 1-Oct. 31 | 16" fork length | 1 per harvester | In the Atlantic reef fish fishery, gear rules require dehooking tools, and as of Jan. 1, 2021, non-stainless steel hooks in all state waters, and non-offset circle hooks N. of 28 ° N. latitude. Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park. |
| Hogfish Gulf federal waters north of Cape Sable | open now Open year-round | 14-inch minimum size limit | 5-fish/person recreational bag limit | |
| Hogfish Atlantic federal waters | open now Open May 1-Oct. 31 annually | 16-inch minimum size limit | 1-fish/person recreational bag limit |
- All anglers on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida who intend to fish for or harvest certain reef fish from a private vessel are required to obtain the State Reef Fish Angler designation, and renew annually.
Source: FWC, extracted 2026-09-12. Review flags: The page mentions 'Special regulations apply for this species when fishing in Biscayne National Park' but does not list the specific regulations on this page.
Seasonal pattern
Jan
Feb
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Oct
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Dec