🐟 CATCHING HOGFISH

🍟Our Sponsors Pay You🍟

🐟 CATCHING HOGFISH

Reefs & bottom-picking specialists

---

🐟 WHAT IS A HOGFISH?

Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) are colorful reef fish known for their long pig-like snout used to root through sand and coral for crustaceans.

They’re known for:

• 🐽 Elongated snout for digging

• 🎨 Pink, gold & coral coloration

• 🪨 Living tight to reef structure

• 🎣 Subtle, quick bites

They’re one of the most prized shallow-reef table fish in Florida and the Caribbean.

---

🌊 WHERE DO HOGFISH LIVE?

• Coral reefs

• Patch reefs & rock piles

• Hard bottom areas

• 10–100+ feet of water

Common in the Florida Keys, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean.

They stay close to structure and sandy reef edges.

---

🎣 HOW ARE HOGFISH CAUGHT?

🦐 Natural Bait (Most Effective)

• Live shrimp ⭐

• Small crabs

• Cut shrimp

✔ Drop bait straight down
✔ Fish tight to bottom
✔ Light, sensitive setup

---

⚓ Bottom Fishing Technique

• Small circle hooks

• Light leader

• Minimal weight

• Slow, patient presentation

Hogfish often nibble before committing — watch your line carefully.

---

⚙️ GEAR TIPS

• Medium-light spinning rod

• 10–20 lb braid

• Fluorocarbon leader

• Keep drag smooth — they dart for reef holes

---

📅 BEST TIME TO CATCH

• Year-round in warm waters ⭐

• Calm seas

• Clear water conditions

They’re often active during steady tides.

---

🍽 ARE HOGFISH GOOD TO EAT?

🔥 Exceptional table fare

• Sweet, flaky white meat

• One of Florida’s most sought-after reef fish

• Excellent grilled or pan-seared

---

🌎 WHY HOGFISH MATTER

• Important reef predator

• Indicator of healthy reef habitat

• Highly regulated in many areas

• Popular spearfishing target

---

QUICK FACTS

• Change sex as they mature

• Feed mainly on crustaceans

• Often found in small groups

• Males develop darker forehead stripe