2025 Guide to Catching Hogfish | How to catch Hogfish
Capt. Nick Warrington • October 19, 2025
Fishing for hogfish is an exciting adventure that combines skill, patience, and the right equipment. Known for their delicious taste and challenging fight, hogfish are a prized catch for many anglers. Here's everything you need to know to successfully catch hogfish in the Sunshine State.
Fishing Spots
Habitat
- These bottom-dwelling fish prefer reef like habitats, especially rocky ledges and live bottom, where they can find an abundance of food such as shrimp and crab. Hogfish are also known for their unique behavior of using their elongated snouts to root through sandy areas in search of food.
Depth
- Hogfish can be found at varying depths from 10-200', but are most commonly caught between 40-80 feet.
Best Time to Fish
While hogfish can be caught year-round in Florida, there are certain times when they are more active and easier to catch. Along the west coast of Florida angler prefer November- May.
Bait Selection
Live Bait
- Shrimp and small crabs are excellent choices for hogfish. Ensure you bring plenty of shrimp, as you may go through several hundred while fishing.
Recommended Equipment
To increase your chances of landing a hogfish, it's crucial to have the right gear. Here's a breakdown of the recommended equipment:
- Rod- Use a medium to heavy spinning rod, around 7 feet in length, with a sensitive tip to detect light bites.
- Pair the rod with a quality size 4000-5000 spinning reel of your choice for optimal performance.
Tackle
- Line- Opt for braided fishing line in the 20-40lb range. This offers the necessary sensitivity and strength for handling hogfish around reef structures.
- Leader-Employ a fluorocarbon leader in the 15-40lb range to prevent break-offs from the fish's sharp edges on the reef. Use heavier leaders when fishing around rougher structures.
- Hooks and Weights:
- Use small circle hooks, around size 1/0 or 2/0, ideal for the way hogfish scoop baits off the bottom.
- Carry a variety of lead weights (0.5-4 ounces) to accommodate different depths and current conditions
Rigging and Presentation
Knocker Rig
- A "knocker rig" or "hog ball" style jig is effective for catching hogfish.
- Drop your bait straight to the bottom and wait for around 30 seconds. If you don't get a bite, lift your rod 6 inches to lift the bait up, then let it fall back down. Repeat this process until you feel a tug.
Light Bite
- Hogfish have a distinct light bite. Once you catch a few, you'll be able to distinguish their bites from other fish.
- Once hooked, be prepared for a fight. Hogfish are known for their powerful initial runs and can be quite erratic on their way to the boat.
Fishing for hogfish in Florida is a rewarding experience for any angler. By using the right equipment, gear and techniques, you can increase your chances of landing this prized catch. Remember to bring plenty of bait, target the right habitats, and be patient as you wait for that telltale light bite. Happy fishing!
For personalized advice and more tips, consider booking a guided fishing trip!
Check out some of our other blog posts:
Winter fishing in Crystal River is in full swing, and while cold fronts and weather windows have made things a little tricky at times, the fish are still cooperating for those willing to pick their days. December and January bring some of our favorite opportunities of the year, with solid offshore bottom fishing and dependable inshore action when conditions line up. Here’s a breakdown of what we’re seeing on the water.
Crystal River has arguably the best sheepshead fishing in the state of Florida. Learn about them with our sheepshead fishing guide! How, Where, and When to target sheepshead.
Fall has officially settled into Crystal River, and the fishing has been nothing short of outstanding. Cooler temps have fired up both offshore and inshore species, giving us some of the best action we see all year. Whether you’re chasing hogfish offshore or sliding into the backcountry for redfish and trout, now is th
Hello anglers! From inshore redfish action to offshore snapper and grouper, plus some surprisingly good scalloping, there’s a little something for everyone right now. Here’s what we’ve been seeing on the water:
Nestled between the dog days of summer and "The Season," when snowbirds and partiers flock to Florida, fall is a magic time when fishing is great and the conditions are peaceful.
July is more about scalloping than rod bending for me. Most of my time on the water this month is spent chasing scallops with clients, and for good reason. That said, there are still plenty of opportunities for anglers willing to work around the summer patterns.
Hot, Hot, Hot! June has brought blazing temperatures to the Nature Coast, and the heat isn’t letting up anytime soon. Fortunately, the winds have finally calmed down, making those longer offshore runs a lot more comfortable — and well worth the effort! The Gulf has been serving up some outstanding action for anglers willing to brave the summer sizzle.
As we dive deeper into the summer months, Crystal River fishing continues to provide excellent opportunities for anglers.
The first part of April has been plagued by strong winds, making fishing conditions more challenging for anglers. That doesn't mean fishing hasn't been hot! Inshore fishing for redfish and trout have been good. And offshore (when we've been able to get out) our snapper bite has been solid. We're looking forward to more settled conditions as we head into the summer months.