Hogfish
What:
The hogfish is hands down one of the most prized fish in the ocean when it comes to table fare. Chefs go crazy over these things — the meat is sweet, white, and flaky with a flavor that falls somewhere between grouper and scallops. Their diet of crabs, shrimp, and small shellfish is what gives them that incredible taste. Hogfish are actually a member of the wrasse family, not a snapper or grouper like a lot of people assume. They get their name from their pig-like snout that they use to root around the bottom digging for food, just like a hog. They're easy to identify with their pinkish-orange color, elongated snout, and that dark stripe running from the nose up to the first dorsal spine. Males are more vibrant with deeper colors while females are more muted. One of the coolest things about hogfish is that they are protogynous hermaphrodites — meaning they all start life as female, and the dominant fish in a group transforms into a male at around 3 years old and 14 inches. They can grow up to about 24 pounds, though most fish you'll encounter are in the 3 to 8 pound range. They live up to about 11 years.
Where:
Hogfish are found throughout the western Atlantic from North Carolina and Bermuda down through the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas. Florida is ground zero for hogfish spearfishing — the Keys especially are loaded with them. They prefer patch reefs, hard bottom ledges, rocky outcroppings, and sandy areas near coral heads. You'll typically find them in relatively shallow water from 10 to 100 feet, though they tend to hang in that 15 to 60 foot range more often than not. Look for them on the sand edges adjacent to reef structure — the bigger males especially like to cruise these transition zones between sand and hard bottom where they can root around for crustaceans. The Bahamas are another hogfish paradise and a great place to target them if you're looking for a trip. They are also found around the Yucatan and throughout the Caribbean.
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When:
You can find hogfish year-round in Florida and the Caribbean, but the best hunting is typically during the warmer months from late spring through early fall when the water is warm and the fish are actively feeding in shallower water. Spawning occurs between November and April depending on location, and during this time you'll often see large males escorting groups of females — which makes them easier to find. During winter months, hogfish tend to push a little deeper into warmer water and can be more sluggish. Pay attention to local regulations because seasons vary by region — Florida has different rules for the Atlantic side versus the Gulf side, and size limits sit around 16 to 17 inches fork length depending on where you are. Always check current regulations before you go.
Tips:
Hogfish are often considered one of the best beginner spearfishing targets because they are relatively slow moving and curious. But don't let that fool you — they can still spook if you come in too aggressively. The key to hunting hogfish is stealth and patience. The best approach is to hang high in the water column above them and act disinterested while slowly and quietly closing the distance. Minimize your profile by pulling your gun back close to your body. Watch for the fish to accept your presence, then begin a calm descent. The kill shot is from above and slightly behind the fish's head along the lateral line.
For gear, you don't need anything heavy. A pole spear, Hawaiian sling, or a small single-band speargun in the 75 to 90cm range works perfectly. Hogfish are a great fish to practice your pole spear skills on. If you're using a speargun with a reel, it's more than enough to handle even the bigger males. These aren't fish that are going to smoke your reel — they just need a well-placed shot.
One technique that works really well is stirring up the bottom. If you're not seeing hogfish but you think they're in the area, get down near the sand and kick up a small cloud or fan the bottom with your hand. Hogfish are naturally curious and will come investigate the disturbance thinking something just uncovered an easy meal. This is similar to how they naturally feed — rooting around in the sand — so it triggers their instinct to come check it out.
Be selective with your shots. These fish are relatively easy to spear once you get close, so there's no reason to take a long desperation shot. Take your time, pick a legal-sized fish, and place your shot right behind the head. DO NOT WASTE THESE FISH — take what you need for dinner, respect the bag limits, and let the rest swim. Hogfish populations have faced pressure in some areas, and being a responsible harvester means future generations of divers get to enjoy them too.
Hogfish are almost impossible to catch on hook and line because of how they feed, which makes them truly a diver's fish. If you've never had fresh hogfish, you're missing out — seared, grilled, or even raw as sashimi, it's some of the best eating you'll ever have from the ocean.
Tips:
As mentioned above, the best way to find halibut is during grunion run at night in shallow water. Obviously, you will need a flashlight and the proper speargun. For Halibut, you do not need a long speargun at all. My biggest halibut to date was 42" long and 33 pounds. I actually stab the fish with a 18" long metal poker while I was diving at work. The point is that the fish allowed me to swim right up to it. Also, just use a regular flopper shaft, no need for a slip tip because you will be shooting into the bottom. Be patient! Halibut hunting requires you to cover a lot of ground and because these fish are so well camouflage lying on the bottom, you should swim slowly.