reef

Hogfish (Hog Snapper)

Lachnolaimus maximus

Sight-spearfishing target — also takes shrimp on a knocker rig over sandy hard bottom. Different rules Atlantic vs Gulf.

Preferred water temp65–82°F

Preferred depth20–150 ft

Holds onhard bottom, sandy reefs, rubble

In our regions

Northeast Florida — AtlanticCentral/Southeast Florida — AtlanticMiami & Keys — Atlantic sideSouthwest Florida — GulfFlorida Panhandle — GulfBig Bend — GulfBahamas — Bimini & Grand BahamaBahamas — Abaco & AndrosBahamas — Eleuthera, Exuma & Cat IslandNorth Carolina (Outer Banks + Cape Lookout)South Carolina CoastAlabama GulfMississippi GulfTexas GulfLouisiana Gulf

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 26, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 2 of 12 regulations for FL Gulf

STATE

FL Gulf — State waters (0–9 nm)

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 5 / angler / day
Minimum: 14″ FL (fork length)

FL Gulf (north of Cape Sable): 5/person, 14" fork min. Open year-round.

FEDERAL

Federal Gulf (9–200 nm) — GMFMC

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit: 5 / angler / day
Minimum: 14″ FL (fork length)

Federal Gulf: 14" FL min, 5/angler/day.