Lion Fish Derby
Lionfish are a non native and invasive species in the Florida Keys and have exploded in numbers in recent years. In an effort to control the population of these predators and help the reef adapt we are proud to host an annual Lionfish Derby in Key West, FL. Bringing divers together from across the state we hope to bring attention to the problem and remove as many Lionfish as possible, plus have a great time. Our Derby is focused on safe and sustainable fishing practices to help our coral reef ecosystem thrive.
We welcome participants of all skill levels and backgrounds to join us for a weekend of fun and excitement as we roundup as many of the venomous Lionfish as we can.
Derby schedule July 14-16, 2023
Captains Meeting July 14th 2023 – 6pm @ Oveans Edge Poolside. All participants must attend and check in.
Derby start time – 6:47am July 15th 2023
Derby end time – All divers must be at the weigh in and signed inline before 5pm July 16th 2023 – Absolutely no exceptions will be made.
Weigh in times –
July 15th 2023 4pm till 6pm Drop off day 1 – All divers are encouraged to drop off any lionfish caught on day 1 to the weight in station on day 1.
July 16th 2023 3pm till 5pm Official weigh in day 2 –
July 16th 2023 6pm Awards ceremony will begin
Location
Captains Meeting July 14th 6pm @ Oceans Edge Poolside
Derby boundaries – Any legal waters to fish from the US.
Weigh in – Finz Dive Center 6003 Penisular ave Suite 4 Key West, FL 33040
Awards Ceremony – July 16th 6pm @ Oceans Edge Poolside
Lionfish Challenge
Did you know you can use your tournament catches to qualify for the FWC Lionfish Challenge. If you capture 25 lionfish you can get a commemorative coin and be able to keep an additional lobster during the sportsmen season for 2023. Finz Dive Center is the only checkpoint in the Lower Keys and will help get your coin. There are lots of additional prizes so check out the FWC Lionfish Challenge
The Key West Lionfish Derby is Presented by Finz Dive Center and Hunter Sportfishing.
Official Derby Registration form
$75 per person for teams up to 4 total
You can sell your lionfish caught in the tournament!
You must have your Florida Saltwater Products license (SPL) to do so. We will have a preferred vendor to buy all of your lionfish at the tournament. Did you know the SPL license acts as a fishing license for you also? Learn more and apply below for your Florida Saltwater Products License. (SPL)
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Key West, FL 33040