How To Catch Hogfish

Would you like to go hogfish fishing? Do you want to learn how to catch hogfish? Hogfish are a member of the wrasse family of fishes. It is difficult to catch using a regular hook and line because of its pig-shaped snout and also because it only picks at bait which makes it difficult to hook them. In this article, we share information about hogfish, fishing methods, fishing tips, and other information to improve your chances of catching more hogfish.

How To Catch Hogfish

1. Still Fishing

Still fishing, also known as bottom fishing or anchored fishing, is a popular method employed by anglers to target hogfish in their natural habitat. When employing still fishing for hogfish, anglers typically anchor their boats over known hogfish habitats such as reefs, ledges, or rocky outcroppings where these fish are commonly found.

Using a variety of baits including shrimp, crabs, or small fish like pilchards or pinfish, anglers present their offerings directly on or near the seafloor where hogfish tend to feed. The bait is rigged on a weighted hook or jig to keep it close to the bottom, where hogfish are known to forage.

Once the bait is in position, anglers wait patiently for hogfish to detect the scent and presence of the bait and move in to feed. Still fishing allows anglers to effectively target hogfish in their preferred habitats while providing them with the opportunity to present baits naturally and enticingly. This method requires patience and keen observation to detect subtle bites and strikes, but it can yield rewarding catches of hogfish for anglers willing to put in the time and effort.

2. Drift Fishing

Drift fishing is a dynamic and effective method utilized by anglers to target hogfish in their natural habitat. This technique involves allowing the boat to drift with the current over known hogfish areas such as reefs, ledges, or rocky bottoms while presenting baits or lures to entice the fish.

Anglers typically rig their baits, which can include shrimp, crabs, or small fish, on weighted hooks or jigs to keep them near the bottom where hogfish feed. As the boat drifts along, the bait is trailed behind, enticing hogfish to strike as it moves naturally with the current. Anglers must constantly adjust the depth and presentation of their baits to match the movement of the boat and the behavior of the hogfish.

Drift fishing allows anglers to cover a large area and explore different sections of the reef or structure where hogfish may be feeding, increasing the chances of encountering active fish. It requires skillful boat handling and precise bait placement to effectively target hogfish while drifting, but it can be a rewarding and exciting method for anglers seeking to hook into these prized reef dwellers.

3. Chumming

Chumming is a strategic fishing method commonly employed by anglers to attract hogfish to their location and stimulate feeding activity. This technique involves dispersing a mixture of ground-up baitfish, shellfish, or other attractants into the water to create a scent trail that draws hogfish to the area.

Anglers typically use a chum bag or bucket to slowly release the chum into the water, allowing the scent to disperse and attract hogfish from surrounding areas. Once the hogfish are attracted to the chum slick, anglers can present baits or lures rigged on hooks or jigs to entice them to bite.

Chumming can be particularly effective when targeting hogfish on reefs, ledges, or other structure-rich areas where these fish are known to congregate. Anglers need to use fresh and high-quality chum to maximize its effectiveness and appeal to hogfish.

Additionally, chumming requires patience and observation as anglers wait for hogfish to become active and feed in the chum slick before attempting to catch them. Overall, chumming is a strategic and proven method for increasing the chances of success when targeting hogfish, making it a valuable technique in the angler’s arsenal.

4. Night Fishing

Night fishing for hogfish can be a rewarding but challenging endeavor, requiring careful planning and specialized techniques. While hogfish are active during the day, they also feed at night, especially under the cover of darkness when they may be less wary of predators.

Anglers who choose to fish for hogfish at night often target them in areas where they are known to gather during daylight hours, such as rocky reefs, ledges, and structure-rich bottoms. Utilizing lights, either mounted on the boat or submerged in the water, can attract plankton and smaller baitfish, which in turn draw hogfish closer to the area.

Fishing with live or fresh-cut bait, such as shrimp, crabs, or squid, presented on bottom rigs or jig heads, can be effective in enticing hogfish to bite during nighttime hours. Additionally, using sensitive tackle and paying close attention to subtle bites are crucial for detecting hogfish strikes in the darkness.

Anglers should also be mindful of safety precautions when navigating and fishing in low-light conditions. While night fishing for hogfish may require additional effort and patience, it can offer a unique and exciting angling experience, often resulting in the capture of trophy-sized specimens.

Hogfish Tackle Setup

A medium-action spinning fishing rod with a 20-pound test will work for catching hogfish. Use the rod and reel with a 1/2-ounce jig head with a 2/0 hook.

How To Catch Hogfish In The Keys

Hogfish can be found on sandy bottoms around reefs, wrecks, coral patches, and rock croppings. Live shrimps, clams, small crabs, mollusks, and sand fleas are used as bait when fishing for hogfish. Bottom fishing and jigging are fishing methods used when fishing for hogfish.

How To Catch Hogfish In The Gulf of Mexico

When fishing for hogfish in the Gulf of Mexico, look for them over hard bottoms and ledges. Shrimps and crabs are the baits that are often used when fishing for hogfish. Chumming and baitcasting are fishing methods used to catch hogfish.

Best Baits For Hogfish

1. Shrimp

Shrimp is a highly effective bait for targeting hogfish, renowned for its ability to entice these colorful reef dwellers. Hogfish are voracious crustacean feeders, and shrimp present a natural and irresistible meal option for them. Anglers often use fresh or live shrimp when targeting hogfish, as the natural scent and movement of live bait can attract these wary fish more effectively.

Shrimp can be presented on a variety of rigs, including jig heads, dropper rigs, or standard bottom rigs, depending on the fishing conditions and angler preference. Rigging the shrimp to allow for natural movement and presentation is key to enticing hogfish bites.

Additionally, anglers may opt to tip their shrimp with a small piece of squid or fish fillet to enhance its appeal. Whether fishing from a boat or shore, shrimp bait can be an excellent choice for targeting hogfish in a variety of habitats, including coral reefs, rocky bottoms, and wrecks, making it a go-to option for anglers seeking success in hogfish fishing endeavors.

2. Crustaceans

Crustaceans serve as excellent bait for hogfish due to the natural feeding habits of these reef dwellers. Hogfish have a particular affinity for crustaceans, making them a prime target for anglers looking to lure them in. Crabs, shrimp, and small lobsters are among the most effective crustacean bait used by anglers targeting hogfish.

The scent and movement of these natural baits closely mimic the prey items that hogfish naturally feed on, enticing them to strike. Anglers often rig crustaceans on jig heads, dropper rigs, or standard bottom rigs, allowing for natural presentation and movement in the water column.

Fishing with crustaceans can be highly productive when targeting hogfish in various habitats, including coral reefs, rocky bottoms, and wrecks. Whether fishing from a boat or shore, using crustaceans as bait can significantly increase the chances of success when pursuing these prized reef species.

3. Squid

Squid is a versatile and effective bait choice for targeting hogfish. Its firm texture and strong scent make it irresistible to these bottom-dwelling reef fish. Squid can be presented whole, cut into strips, or even threaded onto hooks to mimic the natural movement of prey in the water.

Its durability allows it to withstand the pecking of smaller fish, ensuring that it remains attractive to hogfish for extended periods. Anglers often rig squid on a variety of rigs, including dropper rigs, Carolina rigs, or jig heads, depending on the fishing conditions and preferred presentation.

Squid can be fished near the bottom or suspended in the water column, depending on the behavior of the hogfish and the angler’s preference. Whether fishing from a boat or shore, using squid as bait can be a productive method for targeting hogfish in reef environments.

Hogfish Fishing Tips

1. Hogfish is usually found among coral reefs and on sandy bottoms at depths from 10 to 100 feet.

2. The best time to catch hogfish is in the winter from November to the end of February.

3. Hogfish can be caught year-round.

4. Hogfish are not fond of cut bait.

5. Chumming can be used to attract hogfish closer to your boat.

6. Peel the shrimp and hook it from head to tail.

7. Hogfish can be caught using drifting fishing, still fishing, chumming, and night fishing.

8. Light bottom tackle can be used to catch hogfish while anchoring over hard bottoms.

9. Spearfishing can be used to catch hogfish.

10. It is challenging to catch hogfish with a regular hook and line setup due to the pig-shaped snout of the hogfish.

11. If you have little to no experience catching hogfish, you can sign up for a fishing charter to benefit from the experience and guidance of a fishing captain who knows the fishing area and where to find hogfish.

12. Hogfish tend to just pick at the bait, making them hard to hook.

13. When hogfish are hooked, they put up a spirited fight as they drag the line seeking a rock crevice for safety.

14. Knowing the area they are located in, the right tackle and bait are important to catching hogfish.

The Bottom Line

Hogfish is found in the Gulf of Mexico and on the east coast. It is a member of the wrasse family and can be challenging to catch with a hook and line because of its pig-shaped snout and its tendency to pick at the bait making it hard to hook. In this article, we discussed fishing methods, fishing tips, and other information to help you successfully catch hogfish.

If you also go fishing for garfish, bonefish, permit, and bowfin, then read how to catch garfish, how to catch bonefish, how to catch permit, and how to catch bowfin.