Hogfish in Florida
hogfish rules, records and best waters.
- 24.2 lbrecord
Photo: Richard A. Ingebrigtsen, CC BY-SA 3.0
Florida Hogfish basics
Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) is managed by FWC as a saltwater species. The Florida record hogfish weighed 24.2 pounds (Panama City Beach, 2022).
The hogfish profile
Habitat of hogfish
“Newly spawned hogfish have a larval duration of about 26 days with the young settling in shallow inshore nursery habitats such as seagrass beds.”
“As hogfish mature, they gradually move to deeper waters and rocky bottoms, ledges and offshore reefs.”
What hogfish eat
“Long, hog-like snout 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.”
“Reproduction Hogfish are sequential protogynous hermaphrodites.”
“Meaning that all hogfish start their lives as females and, as they get older and larger, can turn into males.”
“Breeding season can last from November to June with the peaks in March and April.”
“During breeding season, the male hogfish defends a territory and a harem of females.”
“The male then breeds individually with the females, sometimes as often as daily, with spawning typically occurring in the late afternoon.”
“Age The oldest female hogfish recorded was 12 years old and 64 cm (~ 25 inches) and a transitional specimen was aged to 18 years.”
“It is believed that hogfish can live as long as 23 years.”
Seasons for hogfish
“Breeding season can last from November to June with the peaks in March and April.”
“During breeding season, the male hogfish defends a territory and a harem of females.”
“The male then breeds individually with the females, sometimes as often as daily, with spawning typically occurring in the late afternoon.”
Quoted from the FWC species profile.
Florida hogfish limits
| Where | Bag | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulf state waters | 5 a day | 14 in minimum | Open year-round |
| Atlantic state waters | 1 a day | 16 in minimum | Open May 1 – Oct. 31 |
Includes all state and federal waters south of Cape Sable, including the Florida Keys.
FWC saltwater regulations, checked October 2026. All Florida limits.
Florida record hogfish
| Category | Weight (lb) | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| All tackle | 24.2 | Panama City Beach | 2022 |
| Fly | 7.5 | Key West | 2008 |
| Youth |
FWC freshwater state records and Catch a Florida Memory saltwater records. Angler names left out.
Reef counties for hogfish
These counties have the most reef structure for hogfish.
- Bay County615 reef deployments
- Escambia County496 reef deployments
- Okaloosa County488 reef deployments
- Pinellas County367 reef deployments
- Miami-Dade County277 reef deployments
- Sarasota County261 reef deployments
- Volusia County191 reef deployments
- Palm Beach County154 reef deployments
- Lee County136 reef deployments
- Broward County128 reef deployments
- Collier County121 reef deployments
- Martin County121 reef deployments
- Duval County107 reef deployments
- Manatee County106 reef deployments
- St. Lucie County92 reef deployments
Other Florida saltwater fish
hogfish questions and answers
What is the daily limit for hogfish in Florida?
5 a day (Gulf state waters), size: 14 in minimum.
Who holds the Florida hogfish record?
The record weighed 24.2 pounds (2022).
Where should I fish for hogfish?
Use the bay and county lists above to find hogfish.
Where does FWC stock hogfish?
Not in the 2021-22 to 2023-24 reports for hogfish.
How big must a hogfish be for a Big Catch?
hogfish are not in the Big Catch program.
What is the scientific name of hogfish?
Lachnolaimus maximus.
Is a license required for hogfish?
A saltwater license, required from age 16 unless exempt.
When can I keep hogfish?
Yes: Open May 1 – Oct. 31.
How current is the hogfish information?
FWC data, checked October 2026.