Hogfish recreational fishing will be temporarily closed in both state and federal waters off Florida's east coast and the Florida Keys starting November 1. This closure encompasses all waters south of Cape Sable, on Florida's Gulf side, extending up the Atlantic coast to the Florida/Georgia border. The hogfish season for these areas runs annually from May 1 through October 31.
Fishing for hogfish remains permitted in state and federal waters north of Cape Sable in the Gulf. Those intending to fish for hogfish from private recreational vessels in Florida must register as a State Reef Fish Angler, with an annual renewal requirement. Additional information can be found at MyFWC.com/SRFS, and licenses can be managed at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.
For details on current recreational hogfish regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and select “Recreational Regulations” followed by “Hogfish.”