How to catch Hogfish Offshore 101: Hogfish habits, Spots, and Tackle

12 minute Hogfish Seminar - Hogfish are one of, if not the tastiest fish that swims. A peculiar reef dwelling species, the12 hogfish hovers over and inspects the reef keeping it pruned of crustaceans and mollusks. Hogfish are abundant in Florida, especially off of Tampa Bay. Late Fall and Winter is prime time hogfishing. When the water cools, the hogfish congregate closer to shore on the reefs. The larger males will have a harem of females with him and spawn with then. The hogfish changes from female to male as it grows.
As an added note on hogfish sex identification, the mature males will have a black dot on the sides behind the pectoral fin. Their brown patch on the head and snout slope will be darker than the female's.
A prized fish for spearfisherman, their popularity for hook and line fishing has grown in recent decades. Fresh shrimp or live shrimp is all you need for bait to load the boat with hogfish. Sand fleas are another popular bait. When you find a good ledge, there can be dozens of hogfish living their during their prime time of spawning. I have found Pinellas County Florida to be a hotspot for Hogfish. John's Pas and Clearwater beach areas have beev very productive for me. I highly recommend giving this area a try for hogfish.
Visit stpetefishingoutfitters.com , tampafishingoutfitters.com, and tarponfishingoutfitters.us
Come by the stores for your next tackle purchase and mention Head First Fishing. You will receive a discount on your purchase!
www.hff.fish Fishing Charter Website
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Please watch: "Artificial Lure tips for Tampa winter Trout and Snook"
• Artificial Lure tips f...
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[@Wes_side_fishing]

Love the reel handle acting as a desk mic.

[@HeadFirstFishing]

Haha

[@shawnlachance5804]

Thanks for the great tips Capt. We'll be trying to find ledges in the CR & CK area(s)!! 👊

[@HeadFirstFishing]

How did it go?

[@casey240]

Great video thank you

[@HeadFirstFishing]

Youre welcome!

[@v-grooves8531]

Do you find yourself doing better on the top side of the ledge or the low side?

[@motivationandtravelchannel4575]

3:00 he talks about where to target hogfish

[@HeadFirstFishing]

Yessir

[@michaelhunt756]

Triple tail may be the only fish in the gulf that can beat a hog

[@HeadFirstFishing]

Thats fair.

[@jb5676]

Do you think those rubber / plastic crab lures would catch Hogs?

[@HeadFirstFishing]

I think they could, especially if you add some flavor to it.

[@jdh23h]

Try pan fry in coconut oil and only salt 🧂

[@kevinkovalesky3389]

Beautiful Gulf of Mexico!!

[@HeadFirstFishing]

Indeed

[@kevinkovalesky3389]

Dose the water clarity affected the bite at all? Looks super clean right now

[@HeadFirstFishing]

I haven't seen a difference.

[@cotts135]

What model and size is that Platinum Rod

[@HeadFirstFishing]

8 ft md fast

[@michaelhunt756]

caught a big hogfish on ballyhoo plug once, didnt expect that....

[@HeadFirstFishing]

Dang that is wild for sure.

[@larrykahn2835]

❤

[@Prone-Ski_BX]

What's the best months to catch Hog fish off Clearwater.

[@HeadFirstFishing]

Winter and early spring.

[@Prone-Ski_BX]

@@HeadFirstFishing 👍

[@edmilgermanvasquez6108]

Can u give me the coordinates please ?

[@HeadFirstFishing]

Lol

[@edmilgermanvasquez6108]

@@HeadFirstFishing Please I just bought a boat and I haven't caught anything I still don't know where to go

[@edmilgermanvasquez6108]

@@HeadFirstFishing 😩

[@HeadFirstFishing]

Get on navionics and zoom way in