What's Biting FLBig Bend and Nature Coast
Hogfish in Big Bend and Nature Coast
Spearfishing on reefs, or live shrimp on light bottom rigs. Seasons and sizes differ between the Keys and the Gulf.
Next seven days
| Day | Bite | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Oct 30 | 7 | Strong tide swing 4.8 ft |
| Sat, Oct 31 | 7 | Strong tide swing 4.2 ft |
| Sun, Nov 1 | 6 | Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Strong tide swing 3.6 ft |
| Mon, Nov 2 | 6 | Storms possible, fish early and watch the sky. Strong tide swing 2.8 ft |
| Tue, Nov 3 | 6 | Strong tide swing 2.3 ft |
| Wed, Nov 4 | 7 | Strong tide swing 2.1 ft |
| Thu, Nov 5 | 7 | Strong tide swing 2.7 ft |
Seasonal pattern
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Editorial baseline for Florida. Green months are prime, yellow fair, red slow. Preferred water temperature 65–85°F.
Regulations that apply here
Applies to: state and adjacent federal waters · Licenses: State Reef Fish Angler designation required for anglers on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida who intend to fish for or harvest certain reef fish from a private vessel, renew annually
| Species / zone | Season | Size | Bag | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hogfish Gulf State Waters | open now Open year-round | 14" fork length | 5 per harvester | Legal Gear: spears, gigs, hook and line, seine, cast net. Reef fish gear requirements apply. In the Atlantic reef fish fishery, gear rules require dehooking tools, and as of Jan. 1, 2021, non-stainless steel hooks in all state waters, and non-offset circle hooks N. of 28 ° N. latitude. |
| Hogfish Gulf federal waters north of Cape Sable | open now Open year-round | 14-inch minimum size limit | 5-fish/person recreational bag limit |
- All anglers on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida who intend to fish for or harvest certain reef fish from a private vessel are required to obtain the State Reef Fish Angler designation, and renew annually.
Source: FWC, extracted 2026-10-29.