It’s 9. 100% (10) Managed by Tony. (Image: FGBNMS/Drinnen)The Depot (Auburn) The A & P Social (Montgomery) Connecticut. . Half-day (2 dives, 4 hours, $850) Three-Quarter day (3 dives, 6 hours, $1100) Full-day (4 dives, 8 hours, $1300) Forever Young is the Florida Keys very best when it comes to hunting Lionfish! Forever Young works closely with Reef Environmental Education Foundation. Call us today at 305-664-2461. Hop on board with Captain Jon-Paul and prepare for an Islamorada backcountry adventure! This renowned fishing hotspot has some of the best inshore and backcountry fisheries in the world, home to dozens of exciting species. Fatalities, however, are rare. Fortunately more and more dive destinations are starting to open up lionfish hunting for tourists. Lionfish; For more information on spearfishing regulations, visit FWC’s Spearing page. 32 ft 1 - 6 People From $167 per person. roller pole spear. The affable natural storyteller is known as a pioneering lionfish hunter, recognized for spearheading efforts to remove the invasive non-native species from Keys waters — and for serving the flavorful fish in numerous ways. 5" $17. Spearing is defined as "the catching or taking of a fish by bow fishing, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing its body. MACKEREL, CEROThe Indo-Pacific lionfish, a dark red-and-white striped coral reef fish that is as voracious as it is beautiful, is experiencing what some people call “lionfish karma. January 6 to January 7 at. Muller, Jr. , at roger@mullerinsurance. Deep Sea. Cobia. com. It is an enjoyable activity that requires patience, skill, and knowledge of the. Mote Marine Laboratory, Summerland Key, FL 9AM-5PM on Mondays each week. Key West. Their Boats are Top Notch mechanically,Very Clean and always gassed up ready to go in morning. he rigged a spear. I am a little confused about the boundaries of the management areas and state parks in the keys. Reef Patrol Buddy Highlights: Find and spear Lionfish hiding on the reefs2. The Roatan Marine Park offers certification classes for any snorkeler or diver interested in obtaining a lionfish spearfishing license. S. In densely invaded areas, lionfish can consume 460,000 prey fish per acre per year, including ecologically and economically important fish like grouper and snapper. Legal Gear: hook and line, spear, hand-held nets and any otherwise legal. The places to go spearfishing in the Florida Keys on the Atlantic side can be divided into three basic areas. Meanwhile, offshore, you can find Mahi Mahi. Spearfishing, when done correctly, is the most sustainable way to harvest fish. Three Lengths to Choose: 20", 28" or 36" (51cm, 71cm or 91. The objective of spear phishing and phishing. Epic South Florida Fishing. On a dive trip to the Florida Keys, my husband and I wanted to learn how to hunt invasive Lionfish. Smaller Wahoo also visit reefs closer to shore in search of food, so there’s a chance to land them there too. Download an outline ( kmz, 3 kb) of all the Sanctuary Marine Zones. May 9, 2023. If you would like a recommendation for another fishing or spearfishing captain please reach out via the contact form below or at Dibsonbottom@gmail. to noon while you meet and take plenty of “shell-fies” with the 2023 Key West Mermaid Pod. Octopus Freediving Gear. Divers can vie for prize money while helping preserve native reef fish populations during the 14th annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby and Festival. 8, throughThe method he demonstrates to safely handle and fillet a lionfish begins with peeling the skin off first, then filleting the rest of the fish. This is our 9th annual Florida Keys "locals" derby; fishing allowed in Monroe County waters only. , 2017). 2023 Invasive Species Program Schedule Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival Get Info Hosted by Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina Islamorada, FL September 7-10, 2023 Florida Keys Lionfish Sweeps Get Info Drop off REEF Campus, Key Largo, FL and Mote Marine Lab, Summerland Key, FL April 1. Florida Keys spearfishing derbies are now held annually to help eradicate the toxic, dangerous and destructive lionfish threatening to destroy the Florida Keys ecosystem. This year’s first prize. Within the no-take areas of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (Visit:. Atlantic coastal waters. Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local captains that know where to put you on fish. From the manufacturer. About 20 divers on a chartered REEF trip from Keys Dives in Islamorada bagged 25 lionfish on two drift dives near Alligator Reef as part of the May awareness campaign. It’s a place known to have this invasive species, and many fishermen love to go here to catch these fishes. 4' is the best for hunting lionfish, 6' is good for general pole spear hunting, and 8' is best for targeting larger fish in clear water. Looe Key Reef Resort and Dive Center, Looe Key, FL (305 872-2215, Curtiss Carter) - Lionfish Dive Trips AM Friday and Saturday. Mote Marine Lab, Summerland Key – 8AM to 10:30AM. Dust the top side only of the filet meat into the spice crust mixture. If you would. Another way I handle the Lionfish is to use a container like the Lionfish tamer. from . REEF's 13th annual event will include two full days of lionfish fishing, followed by a family-friendly festival at picturesque Postcard Inn Resort & Marina. Pompano Beach, Islamorada, Tavernier, Marathon, Key West, Boca Raton, and many others. All of our charters are individualized around your. Lionfish. The Indo-Pacific lionfish, a dark red-and-white striped coral reef fish that is as voracious as it is beautiful, is experiencing what some people call “lionfish karma. Florida stone crab is a type of crab found in the Atlantic Ocean. "The big concern is by. Spearfishing For Lionfish In Islamorada Spearfishing For Lionfish Starting at $1000 | 4 - 8 Hours | Inshore, Nearshore | 1 - 6 People | Trip #1926 About Your Trip. Our 2022-2023 Lionfish Tournament Assistance Applications have closed, but our 2023-2024 Applications will be live soon. Address: Forever Young Charter Co. Well-built pole spear designed for experienced fishers. Lionfish are spreading through the Western North Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. org or call 305 852 0030. St. This time, they nearly matched that total—and. When I use the 4-foot polespear my kill ratio is more than 90% but if I use the 2. John Mirabella, owner of the off-the-beaten-path Castaways Waterfront Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Marathon, could well be called the "Lionfish King" of the Florida Keys. IST Aluminum Pole Spears with 3-Prong Paralyzer Tip are the perfect starter packs for the beginner fisher or grab-and-go addition to your existing set of gear. scuba diving. This year’s Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day removed almost 15,000 lionfish from the Northwest Florida waters in just two days. The Spiegel Grove At a Glance. Today we celebrate our 25th wedding. The fossil record suggests that Lionfish have caused many other predatory fish species to go extinct due to it completely outclassing them in size. Within 100 yards of any designated public bathing beaches, commercial or public fishing piers, or portions of bridges where fishing is allowed. Within the no-take areas of the Florida Keys. Local divers collected a record-setting 426 invasive lionfish during an Earth Day lionfish derby in the Florida Keys. REEF's 12th annual event will include two full days of lionfish fishing culminating in a family-friendly festival at picturesque Postcard Inn Resort & Marina. Subscribe now for more The F Wo. This year’s Emerald Coast Open (ECO), the world’s largest lionfish tournament, removed a record-breaking 24,699 lionfish, marking a significant step in the fight against the invasive species that poses a major threat to native marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. Lionfish native to South America first published on the Atlantic coast of Florida near Dania Beach in 1988 The report of lionfish has grown rapidly since the mid-2000s. Amberjack – Fair. A spear fisherman catches invasive lionfish in the Caribbean. Here are the steps I usually follow when spearfishing. Gloves will also protect your hands from irritation by non-venomous. Specialties: Forever Young offers fishing, scuba diving, spearfishing, snorkeling and custom charters to individuals and groups up to six. 100% (10) Managed by Tony. Dive Shops that are Lionfish Friendly If you are interested in learning how to become a Certified Lionfish Hunter or just helping with this environmental cause by diving, snorkeling, spearing, netting, or any other way of removing Lionfish from the Ocean, please email me, Roger J. Ideally, you’re a certified scuba diver, because hunting lionfish requires you to spend a fair amount of time fully submerged (snorkeling is not so conduciveIslamorada Spearfishing Adventures. Already boasting the largest newspaper circulation in the Florida Keys, The Keys Weekly is the only locally-owned and operated. It’s best to target the head so that the meat of the relatively small lionfish is not damaged. Deep Sea Fishing Charter in Islamorada. Our spearfishing charters are always a successful and fun filled adventue. Forever Young Charter Company: Lionfish Spear fishing charter - See 29 traveler reviews, 50 candid photos, and great deals for Islamorada, FL, at Tripadvisor. Invasive lionfish threaten native fish and the environment in U. Rachel Bowman, a dedicated pole spear huntress, is the Florida Keys’ only female commercial lionfish fisherman. Team Forever Young speared a whopping 426 invasive lionfish during a derby on April 23 off of the coast of the Florida Keys. The network includes a system of 15 national marine sanctuaries and Papahānaumokuākea. May 17 Harbor Docks. Lionfish. “Lionfish have been observed below 300 meters, but scuba diving is limited to less than 40 meters,” said Holden Harris, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher with the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station. Lionfish may be harvested from within the sanctuary without special permits as long as all existing state and federal (FKNMS) regulations are followed regarding no fishing areas and allowable gear types. 100% (9) Managed by Tony. Lionfish carry a deadly poison in their spines. At Hungry Tarpon Restaurant we feature an ocean-view Restaurant and Bar that gives you a little slice of the Florida Keys! Enjoy our delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner. diving. Lionfish Spear Tips; Lionfish Slings; Lionfish Speargun; Lionfish Sting Treatment; Bands, Gloves, Knives & Shears; Lionfish t-shirts & gifts; Dive accessories, sunscreen, etc;Places to spear Lionfish Invasive Species Spearfishing & Science Home: Tournaments: Calendar: Weather: Merchandise: Sponsors : Spearboard. Its tactics include impersonation, enticement and access-control bypass techniques like email filters and antivirus. Be aware though that the bones in the head of the larger lionfish are very strong and it can be difficult to pull the fish back off of the. St. Date Sunk: June 10, 2002 (Hurricane Dennis turned ship upright in July 2005) Location: 25° 04. Rates for spearfishing are the same as fishing charter rates. A new inexpensive trap may help control these voracious predators. We're still no. Upper Florida Keys Spearfishing Regulation . com . Three Lengths to Choose: 20", 28" or 36" (51cm, 71cm or 91. Browse for Boats & Accessories, get fishing tips from local Captains, find local businesses for all your needs, new product reviews and local events happening in your area. Spear fishing is generally successful to land large numbers of lionfish, but divers can descend to only about 130 feet without technical diving equipment, said Holden Harris, lead author of the. Our Fleet. . Baby Lion Fish start hunting and consuming native reef fish after 3 days. 00. com Team Forever Young broke the 2021 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival record for the most lionfish removed. Learn more about FWC's agency initiatives for invasive lionfish in our 2019 Action. The FWC's Lionfish Removal and Awareness Day Challenge offers fishermen and women the chance to score up to $5,000. Visitors can help the cause by ordering lionfish in local restaurants, where their delicate and delicious. Polespear Type: Single Polespears, Shaft Tip Thread: 8mm. Commercial spearfishing CPUE was. gig pole. $44. The latter is what I did for the first time in —12 miles off Destin, Florida. (Please note: No other spearfishing is allowed inside the marine park protected area. Long spear for catching big fish in deep waters. Equally startling is the fact the predatory. com I will be offering one Sandbar Excursion a week to keep the boat running. Give us a call at 305-296-3823 to answer any questions about this course. 90451 Old Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070Average for lionfish is 12 to 15 inches off Florida, but diver Dyllan Camplejohn of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, caught a 17. Quality material ensures a speedier. 5cm) Lightweight Fiberglass Design. The reef and wreck spearfishing in Islamorada is some of the best in the Florida Keys! Our locations are endless, with spearfishing sites from Key Largo to Marathon, offering you. Buddy with a licensed Lionfish Culler Staff and learn hands on how to do a good deed for Cayman's reefs and rid them of the invasive Red Lionfish. The puff piece article goes on to state, “Mirabella is recognized throughout the universe of lionfish for spearfishing efforts to remove the voracious and wildly invasive non-native species from Keys waters,” According to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary spokesman Lucas Conway, Mirabella now faces a litany of charges from. The easiest rig is a long metal spear with about a foot-long rubber tubing in a circle at the non-prong end of your spear. 3262, on the Web. Possession and use of a measuring device required at all times. $900. The difference between poison and venom is the method of delivery. This year’s Emerald Coast Open (ECO),the world’s largest lionfish tournament, removed a record-breaking 24,699 lionfish, marking a significant step in the fight against the invasive species that poses a major threat to native marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. Hosted by Destin-Fort Walton Beach and the Florida Fish and Wildlife. Forever Young Charter Company: Lionfish Spear fishing charter - See 29 traveler reviews, 50 candid photos, and great deals for Islamorada, FL, at Tripadvisor. A big part of that is invasive Lionfish Eradication. Experience world class deep sea fishing at the legendary Bud N Mary's Marina. They are a local non-profit that is leading. 0:00. It was some of. Find. Over the years, we have removed thousands of Lionfish and introduced hundreds of divers to safe Lionfish hunting techniques. We specialize in spearfishing and Lionfish eradication charters, its what we live for and enjoy nothing more than sharing that with guests like you! Aside from spearfishing, Forever Young offers a full range of charter services. Dive Shops that are Lionfish Friendly If you are interested in learning how to become a Certified Lionfish Hunter or just helping with this environmental cause by diving,. com. When it comes to spearfishing for Lionfish, scuba in most areas is allowed because Lionfish is an. Pterois radiata,. Amara Cay Resort, 80001 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, Florida 33036, United States. Spiny Lobster or Florida Lobster are found in various water depths through the Florida Keys, they are fun to catch and are excellent table f. Cassell, 60, who's originally from Napa, California, built Great White with the help of some engineers. Tilden's Scuba Center, Marathon, FL (305 743 7255) - Lionfish Dive trips PM Friday and Saturday. 7-10, the fun and competitive event is sponsored by Reef Environmental Education Foundation. Lionfish were collected by spearfishing from 11 locations in the Middle Keys area, south andThe FWC is seeking public input on the bay scallop season for the Pasco County Zone at a virtual workshop being held on Nov. Reply. Since I rarely get to enjoy lionfish outside of the keys (lazy days in islamorada has exceptional whole fried. 5” stainless steel paralyzer tip will not let the fish slide up the shaft towards your hand and the barbs will keep it locked on!Invasive lionfish, native to the Indian Ocean, have had a big impact on reef ecosystems in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. 100% (10) Guided by Chris. The Forever Young teammates Tony Young, Jason Vogan, Luke Rankin and Jeff Tharp dominated the annual 2022 Earth Day “Locals” Lionfish Derby. 2022 Earth Day Lionfish Derby. Forever Young offers fishing, scuba diving, spearfishing, snorkeling and custom charters to individuals and groups up to six. Now, I have long been familiar with the problem: Lionfish are an invasive species in. Seafood and fish lovers have discovered this toothy predator’s light white meat is delicious, delicate and delectable to eat. In Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, divers are being encouraged to remove as many lionfish as possible. 28 ft 1 - 4 People From $175 per person. Here’s a short list of the best places in Florida to go spearfishing: Destin: The best spot is the jettys near the Norriego Point and red snapper is one of the best catches. The best out of 11 Lionfish Fishing deals - enter destination and dates to check availability. The FWC only issues permits to tournaments, dive clubs or other organized events that want to remove lionfish and other invasive species by spearfishing in areas of state waters where spearing is not allowed To apply for a special event non-native species removal permit or for questions, email Lionfish@MyFWC. We then ate the lionfish. Lionfish Pole Spear: Help Save the Reefs. Spearfishing Team Removes Record 564 Invasive. Scheduled Thursday through Sunday, Sept. The state also recognizes weight and length records in spearfishing and hook-and-line categories for Atlantic and Gulf waters. Florida Keys. Lionfish are native to the waters of the South Pacific and Indian. Lionfish; Mangrove Snapper;. Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music . 75 lbs. Team Forever Young came in first place with a whopping 400 lionfish shot. Are you a seasoned lionfish hunter and looking for new territory or want to hunt while on a diving vacation? The list below features dive centers and private scuba diving guides that. Team Good Will Spearfishing brought in 43 lionfish for second place, team Wild Hogs Dive Club took third place with 35 lionfish, and. They are the perfect predator with voracious appetites; scientific studies have proven that a lionfish can reduce the numbers of small fish, juveniles and. 77 pounds, is the heaviest overall. Brooks. 02/15/2008. Key Largo is a bit oversaturated with divers and dive shops so the reefs and wrecks there generally stay clean of lionfish. Opt for a mask that allows much less air in and reduces the pressure that you have to deal with when you head underwater. Spearfishing is a popular sport in many parts of the world, and it has been gaining traction in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Spearfishing Team Breaks Derby Record By Removing 426 Invasive. Even places that have never allowed spearfishing in the past are finally realizing what a significant hazard to the marine environment the lionfish pose, and they are figuring out that allowing tourists to hunt lionfish in their waters is good for the reef and. Lionfish were originally from the Indo-Pacific area but now they are well established in The Caribbean Sea, North Western. With 281 participants embarking on 917 trips, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) annual four-month tournament removed 30,494 lionfish from. for spearfishing in Islamorada prices can range anywhere from an affordable $1,000 to $1,600, but the average price for a half day trip for spearfishing in. You take the pole spear with the lionfish on the end and push it into the pipe. Scheduled Thursday through Sunday, Sept. I made quick work of this fatty with an old pole spear. 1. It’s recommended that you opt for a suit around 1. For spearfishing lionfish, however, their harvest may simply augment current fishing activity. Current Reviews: 2. Strong 2-piece construction made of a composite material and carbon fiber. " Spearfishing is defined as "the catching or taking of a fish. Scheduled Thursday through Sunday, Sept. It was first discovered in the. ; Bait: Live or dead fish (including minnows and. 2022 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival. The sanctuary recently co-hosted a series of lionfish roundups, with the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF) offering cash and prizes for divers bringing in the biggest catches. Learn more about FWC's agency initiatives for invasive lionfish in our 2019 Action. of. It took roughly 10 years and cost $180,000, minus labor costs. Sponsors provide cash and prizes for multiple categories including most. 27 ft 1 - 6 People From $167 per person. Now lionfish prey voraciously on invertebrates and over 70 species of domestic fish. About Your Sanctuary. I might be staying in Islamorada later this spring and was wondering if I am safe to spearfish 3 miles out, as long as I am outside a marine sanctuary. Brand: Scuba Choice. Bonito – Possible. The original Travel Size Lionator is a light weight pole spear designed specifically for the invasive red lionfish in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and eastern Mediterranean regions. (850) 529-2475 • sharkman58@gmail. 36 ft 1 - 6 People From $175 per person. Handling. Things We Don’t Like. At Islamorada Spearfishing Adventures, we pride ourselves in providing an enjoyable and adventurous experience for our customers. The closest thing I can think of is grouper but better. . Minimum Size Limits: • •12" fork length Daily Recreational Bag Limit: • Atlantic - 3 per harvester • Gulf - 10 per harvester (includes MonroeAre you ready for an underwater adventure in the Gulf of Mexico? Join us as we spear Lionfish, an invasive species that threatens the local ecosystem. While lionfish are considered a threat to Caribbean plant and animal life, this venomous fish can be quite a delicacy when prepared properly. With the Lionfish pinned between. Trips were subset for lionfish food harvest (as opposed to lionfish collected for the aquarium trade) by spearfishing in GOM waters and excluded the Florida Keys. It also helps to make a quartering shot aimed from tail toward head so that the lionfish can be inserted head first into the container. To learn more about this fun sport, read this beginner’s guide to spearfishing. The $40 price was very well worth for the shrimp, clams,o and mussels. Rainbow Reef Dive Center staff show us the importance. Rachel Bowman, the Florida Keys’ only female commercial lionfish harvester, is passionate about protecting native species by controlling the population of invasive lionfish. 305-664-3483 info@islamoradadivecenter. S. freediving. Lion Fish Killer Pole Spear. 95. Ecology conscience divers that want the lionfish eliminated from the Florida Keys waters. Barracuda. Damn Good. Ocean Hunter Spearfishing 3 ATM Float. Since 2018 lionfish in the south Atlantic region have been reported with skin lesions. 5. Recreational divers and snorkelers are always on a separate boat. Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina hosted the two-day event, which saw 18 teams composed of four people remove an impressive 919 invasive lionfish. Make sure you add the lionfish to your "must catch" list, but make sure you know how to safely handle it first. Blackfin Tuna – Good. Varies in length, material, and thickness. Eric and Grace are a married couple who hunt for Lionfish and Gordon will show them how to turn this fish into a gourmet dish. ) Jacksons Restaurant (Pensacola)Teams of two to four people can register online before Aug. WARNING: The fins of the lionfish house needle-like spines, each having a venom gland that will inject venom when something presses aginst the tip of the spine. Jupiter, FL is one of my favorite places to dive along with the gorgeous Florida Keys, but it is the sheer quantity of lionfish in the northern Gulf of Mexico that makes it one of the best places to hunt lionfish. Tips sold separately. Whale Harbor Seafood Feast (Buffet) 912 reviews Closed Now. The use of powerheads, bangsticks and rebreathers remains prohibited when spearfishing. Spearfishing Florida Keys – Lobsters, Black Grouper Species of Fish Can You Catch While Spearfishing in Florida Keys Florida. com. Another important thing to keep in the mind is sizes and restrictions. m. Spearfishing. Nearshore. The meeting’s focus is lionfish ecology, best collecting tools and safe handling techniques. Key West Fishing Slam. per adult. Islamorada and Key Largo spearfishing trips will take you to waters of medium depth,. 100% (6) Guided by Zach. Buy our handy PDF file loaded with 78 Florida Keys diagrams. We are located on the west side of the Vaca Cut Bridge at 11710 Overseas Highway in Marathon; phone 305. Drop-off stations will be in Lower Keys (Mote Marine Lab) and Upper Keys (REEF campus and Postcard Inn Resort). Lionfish are able to spread so quickly due to their ability to reproduce rapidly and their lack of natural predators. ”. 99 $36. . Home; Key West Fishing Charters; Key West Deep Sea Fishing;. We are an Old Keys Style Resort & Marina located within a. You’ll also want a mask that allows for decent visibility. To Participate Drop off lionfish between April 1 to June 30, 2023 at: REEF Campus, Key Largo, FL 9AM-5PM Monday-Friday each week. Once in, just remove the pole spear and the fish is contained. The Florida Keys covers a massive water area that extends from Everglades to Key West. . Shaft is tolerable, but tends to unscrew itself while in use. com. Lions, which can grow to be over 2 feet long and weigh. Report inappropriate content. Destin. One of the best locations for beginner spearos is the city of Destin in Florida’s northwest. When spearing with Key Dives, you are on a boat dedicated to spearfishing. See full list on fishingbooker. Additionally, scientists have discovered that as lionfish age, larger individuals move. 99. 8-inch carapace length (or 6 inches tail length) at any given time. Boasting a large beach area that allows spearos to fish directly offshore makes it a great choice for families. An adult lion Fish can produce up to 2 million baby lion fish per year. The pole spear is the typical spear of choice for lionfish, and is a simple fiberglass or aluminum spear with a loop of elastic rubber at the base to launch the. Select Options. Nov 2022 • Couples. Find out how to measure a spiny lobster. Because it’s the most “up-close-and-personal” type of fishing there is in the Keys; spearfishing is regarded as risky. Both freediving and scuba diving for lionfish is commonly practiced in the Turks and Caicos. It’s believed that lionfish, a popular Indo-Pacific aquarium fish, was first released in Florida’s Atlantic waters during the 1980s. please email [email protected]" (31. They are rarely captured with a hook and fishing line. Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival. Divers have been stung when a caught lionfish thrashes around and escapes a spear. Ok, trying to punch them with your fist is probably a wrong way, but otherwise any lionfish removed from or eaten on the reef is a successful hunt. 5" long for easy storage and travel and allows you to configure the length to your. Riffe 3 ATM Float. speargun. While catching a lionfish is relatively easy, it can be difficult — and dangerous — to remove the fish from the spear tip of an ELF and tow the animal without being injured by its venomous spines. Easily identified by its elongated fins, each species of lionfish has a pattern of zebra-like stripes. Non-native to the area, this species of fish is slowly invading the beautiful waters of the Florida Keys. Keep in mind: you cannot hunt lionfish in “No Take Zones” such as the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. That became clear when the world’s largest lionfish event — the annual Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament — announced May 23 that divers caught a record 24,699 lionfish off Florida’s Gulf Coast. All Spear Fishing and Lobster Charters Menu. Mote Marine Lab Summerland Key – 5PM to 8PM. Yes, people do eat lionfish and they are delicious! Eating non-native lionfish is good for the environment. Team Forever Young executed the impressive feat by diving repeatedly from sunrise to. Dive Knife. Catches must follow program rules and fishing regulations. ISLAMORADA — Divers can vie for prize money while helping preserve native reef fish populations during the 13th annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival. Call us at 833-227-8246. 8Key Dives brings back responsible and safe spearfishing to Islamorada. The meat is slightly sweet and is typically served chilled. Saturday September 10, 2022. 2) Not known to have any native predators. This. If you do get stung, immediately put the affected area in. We believe this is proper etiquette for all. With the Lionfish safely pinned between the Hawaiian sling handle and spear barb, I cut away the venomous spines in the dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins. 93 Get it as soon as Friday, Jul 7The Lionfish, (Pterois volitans and P. Spearing is defined as "the catching or taking of a fish by bow fishing, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing its body. The Islamorada Dive Center is a full service ocean adventure paradise. The Florida Keys are a popular diving destination, and the entire state is known for its lionfish hunting. Groups of divers gather for a day of spearfishing; last week, 22 divers, some from as far away as Texas, strapped on tanks in the Florida Keys and speared 573 lionfish in one day. Thereafter, registration until 6:15 p. American, Seafood $$ - $$$ Menu. Media contact: Amanda Nalley, 850-404-6100 or Amanda. Inshore. FWC encourages divers, anglers and commercial harvesters to remove lionfish in Florida waters to limit negative impacts to native marine life and ecosystems. The MAKO Spearguns 3 in 1 Spearfishing Traveler Pole Spear is perfect for small to medium size fish and perfect for travel. 2022 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Festival.