What's Biting FL
Panhandle

Hogfish in Panhandle

Hogfish
Lachnolaimus maximus · Photo: Brian Gratwicke, CC BY 2.0

Spearfishing on reefs, or live shrimp on light bottom rigs. Seasons and sizes differ between the Keys and the Gulf.

Next seven days

DayBiteWhy
Wed, Nov 117New Moon feeding boost
Thu, Nov 126
Fri, Nov 136
Sat, Nov 146
Sun, Nov 155Breezy 20 mph
Mon, Nov 164Strong wind 30 mph
Tue, Nov 174Strong wind 25 mph

Seasonal pattern

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Editorial baseline for Florida. Green months are prime, yellow fair, red slow. Preferred water temperature 65–85°F.

Regulations that apply here

Applies to: state and adjacent federal waters · Licenses: State Reef Fish Angler designation required for anglers on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida who intend to fish for or harvest certain reef fish from a private vessel, renew annually

Species / zoneSeasonSizeBagNotes
Hogfish
Gulf State Waters
open now
Open year-round
14" fork length5 per harvesterLegal Gear: spears, gigs, hook and line, seine, cast net. Reef fish gear requirements apply. 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.
Hogfish
Gulf federal waters north of Cape Sable
open now
Open year-round
14-inch minimum size limit5-fish/person recreational bag limit

Source: FWC, extracted 2026-10-29.

See all Hogfish rules statewide.