Hogfish Fishing in Miami
Lachnolaimus maximus
Hogfish are colourful reef fish with a long snout used to dig crabs from the sand. They rarely bite a hook, so most are taken by spearfishing divers. They are among the best fish to eat in Florida.
Quick facts
Most are 15 to 25 inches long.
Large males have a dark face.
Used to root for crabs and shellfish.
They often let divers approach.
Reefs and sand flats.
Where to catch them off Miami
Patch reefs
Shallow reefs off Key Biscayne.
Sand and rubble
Open bottom near reefs.
Deeper reef
Larger fish in 60 feet and deeper.
Season in Miami
How to read this meter
- PPeak best time to catch
- FFair can catch
- OOff rarely caught
- CClosed season, no harvest
Hogfish are open from May 1 to October 31 in Atlantic waters.
Key events
Hogfish closure
Atlantic hogfish are open to harvest May 1 to October 31 only.
Fixed by rule.
AffectsHogfish
Best time and conditions
Summer
Calm, clear water is good for diving.
Good visibility
Clean water helps spot fish.
Techniques and baits
Spearfishing
The most common way to take hogfish.
Live shrimp on the bottom
Sometimes works near sand.
Small crabs
Their natural food.
Slow approach
Divers move slowly to get close.
Top baits and lures
- Live shrimp
- Small crabs
Florida regulations
These are the Atlantic limits. On a Salty Fresh charter, your fishing license is included.
FWC: Hogfish rules · Last checked October 27, 2026
On the table
Excellent. Sweet, flaky white meat.
Which charter is best?
Saltwater Inshore
- $650 per trip
- 4 hours, 7:00 AM start
- Up to 4 guests
- Also targets Snook, Tarpon, Barracuda, Snapper, Cubera Snapper, Schoolmaster Snapper, Grouper, Grunt, Amberjack and Almaco Jack
Lobster Diving
- $850 per trip
- 6 hours, 8:00 AM start
- Up to 6 guests
- Also targets Lobster, Snapper and Grouper
Spearfishing
- $850 per trip
- 4 hours, 8:00 AM start
- Up to 6 guests
- Also targets Cubera Snapper, Snapper, Grouper and Amberjack
Hogfish FAQ
When is hogfish season in Miami?
May 1 to October 31 in Atlantic waters.
How many hogfish can I keep?
1 per person, at least 16 inches to the fork.
Do hogfish bite hooks?
Sometimes, but most are speared.
Are hogfish good to eat?
Yes, they are one of the best.
Which charter is best for hogfish?
The Inshore trip, or Spearfishing for experienced divers.
Can I cancel my trip?
Free cancellation up to 3 days (72 hours) before your trip. This applies to every trip, including iguana hunts and snorkeling. To cancel, call Capt. Charles at (305) 972-5659 or email saltyfreshfishingcharters@gmail.com.