Species guide
How to catch Spanish hogfish
Bodianus rufus
saltwatergame fishLabridae
The Spanish hogfish is a colorful reef dweller known for its hunting of small invertebrates. It plays an active role in cleaning reef fish and is popular among anglers for its fight and taste. Commonly found on rocky and coral reefs across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.
Where they live
Found on rocky and coral reefs from shallow 1 meter to depths of 70 meters across the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and western Atlantic.
Typical size
Up to about 40 cm
What they eat
- brittle stars
- crustaceans
- mollusks
- sea urchins
Best baits
- crustacean bait
- mollusk bait
- shrimp
- clam
Best lures
- soft plastic crustacean imitations
- small jigs
- poppers
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- light tackle spinning
- reef fishing
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