What's Biting FLTampa Bay
Hogfish in Tampa Bay
Spearfishing on reefs, or live shrimp on light bottom rigs. Seasons and sizes differ between the Keys and the Gulf.
Next seven days
| Day | Bite | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Nov 11 | 7 | New Moon feeding boost. Strong tide swing 2.8 ft |
| Thu, Nov 12 | 7 | Strong tide swing 2.7 ft |
| Fri, Nov 13 | 7 | Strong tide swing 2.6 ft |
| Sat, Nov 14 | 7 | Strong tide swing 2.4 ft |
| Sun, Nov 15 | 7 | Strong tide swing 2.2 ft |
| Mon, Nov 16 | 6 | |
| Tue, Nov 17 | 6 |
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 / 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. 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 limit | 5-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 2026-10-29.