The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has announced that the recreational harvest of hogfish will be closed in both state and federal waters off the east coast of Florida and the Florida Keys starting November 1. The closure affects all waters south of Cape Sable, located on the Gulf side of Florida, extending up the Atlantic coast to the Florida/Georgia state line. The open season for recreational hogfish harvest in these areas runs from May 1 through October 31.
Recreational anglers can still fish for hogfish in state and federal waters north of Cape Sable in the Gulf. Those who plan to fish for hogfish anywhere in Florida’s state or federal waters from a private recreational vessel are required to register as a State Reef Fish Angler, with annual renewal necessary. More information about this requirement is available at MyFWC.com/SRFS, and anglers can manage their licenses at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
For up-to-date regulations regarding recreational hogfish fishing, individuals are encouraged to visit MyFWC.com/Marine and navigate to “Recreational Regulations” followed by “Hogfish.”
