When it comes to fishing in St. Petersburg Florida, and having your own private charter, catching these elusive Hogfish is a dream for many anglers. This prized species is famous for its unique look and delicious flavor, but landing one can be tricky. Fortunately, at YACHTFISH Fishing Charters, our unique fishing techniques hold the secret to reeling in these bottom-dwelling beauties. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or new to the sport, our methods ensure you’re well-prepared for Hogfish success. Grab your gear—let’s get fishing!
Why Hogfish is the Ultimate Catch
If you haven’t experienced fishing for Hogfish, you might wonder what all the excitement is about. First, Hogfish are visually striking with their distinct hog-like snout, making them stand out from other species. But it’s their flavor that really gets anglers hooked—mild, flaky, and sweet, often compared to scallops or lobster. These beauties not only make for a great photo op, but they also taste incredible when grilled at the end of the day.
What makes Hogfish even more thrilling to catch is their elusive nature. These bottom-feeders sift through the ocean floor for crustaceans, ignoring most lines and hooks. But that’s where YACHTFISH’s unique fishing techniques come into play. Our specialized approach holds the key to outsmarting these tricky fish, turning a tough catch into an unforgettable adventure. Once you hook one, it’s an exhilarating experience like no other.
The Best Spots for Hogfish in St. Petersburg
At YACHTFISH, we’ve scouted out the best locations in the Gulf of Mexico to give you the highest chances of landing a Hogfish. We typically head out about 20 miles from St. Pete, where the water is deep (about 60-70 feet) and the bottom is perfect for Hogfish with no sand, just plenty of rocky structures where these fish love to hang out. These areas are prime real estate for bottom feeders like Hogfish. With over 100 proven spots on our depth finders, we know just where to find them.
Our Proven Technique for Hogfish Success
Catching Hogfish isn’t as straightforward as dropping a line and hoping for the best. These fish have a reputation for being a little standoffish when it comes to traditional fishing methods. But at YACHTFISH, we’ve developed a technique that reels them in with consistency.
Step 1: Chum the Waters
Before fishing for Hogfish, we chum the waters with cut-up shrimp which also attracts various fish like Gag Grouper, Porgies, and Yellowtails. The unpredictability of the catch adds to the excitement. As we wait for the Hogfish, many fish start biting, keeping everyone engaged.
Step 2: Switch to Live Shrimp
When Hogfish arrive, switch to live shrimp bait. These bottom feeders ignore dead bait but can’t resist wriggling live shrimp. Hook them up, drop to the ocean floor, and wait for the magic.
Step 3: The Hook-Up
When the Hogfish bites, you’ll feel the rod bend and the excitement begins. Reeling them in can be tricky—they often get hooked on the side of their mouths, and their big snouts might surface first. Keep reeling, and soon you’ll have one of the best fish you will ever catch.
The Gear You’ll Need for Hogfish
At YACHTFISH, we use a surprising and unique setup to catch Hogfish – drop-down spinners and the knocker rig. This setup involves a lead that rides directly on the fluorocarbon line. We prefer a 25-30 lb test with an offset hook to ensure a solid hookup. This rig allows us to keep our bait near the bottom, where Hogfish feed and gives us the best chance of getting a bite.
While some might think this Snapper-style setup will scare off the Hogfish, but we’re reeling in 8 to 10 at a single spot! In the Gulf near St. Petersburg, Hogfish feed on hard, sand-free bottoms, which keeps their focus downward, making them oblivious to the lead on the line.
“The system of how to catch a Hogfish with YACHTFISH Fishing Charters was insane. The day of days!” – RJ Boyle
(Catch his excitement firsthand—watch his action-packed video to see our Hogfish adventure unfold!)
Can I Keep the Hogfish I Catch?
Absolutely! Hogfish is a blast to catch and even better to eat! In Florida, they must be at least 14 inches to keep, so some smaller ones may go back. But with our expertise and the Gulf’s Hogfish abundance, we’ll be sure to reel in plenty of keepers for a delicious haul!
Once we return to shore, we’ll filet your fish for you, and you can take it to one of the local restaurants in St. Pete to have it prepared fresh. There’s nothing like enjoying a Hogfish sandwich with a cold drink after a successful day on the water.
What Makes Hogfish So Special?
Hogfish are part of the wrasse family, making them a bit different from the Snapper family they’re often mistaken for. They have elongated snouts, perfect for rooting around the ocean floor for crustaceans, which is why live shrimp are the bait of choice. These fish are also unique in that they all start life as females, but can change into males as they grow.
During the breeding season, male Hogfish will defend their territories and mate with several females. Their coloration changes as they age, with younger fish often having a variety of marks and colors that fade as they grow older.
Not only are Hogfish a prized catch for their taste and challenge, but they’re also a species that’s a little under the radar. If you’ve never caught one before, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Book Your Hogfish Fishing Trip with YACHTFISH Today!
Experience Hogfish fishing thrills with YACHTFISH Fishing Charters in St. Petersburg. We’ve guided anglers to success for years, welcoming all skill levels. Don’t delay, as spots fill fast, especially in peak season.
With YACHTFISH, you’ll catch great fish and unforgettable memories. The Hogfish are biting—book now for the adventure of a lifetime!
CALL or TEXT (727) 433-4200 to book a deep sea fishing charter in St. Petersburg today! Or BOOK NOW online.
