Apex Predator Lionfish Derby

Apex Predator Lionfish Derby – 2026 The Hunt Expands. The Mission Continues. The Apex Predator Lionfish Derby returns in May 2026 with an expanded format that opens participation to personal boats, and multiple dive outfitters as well as expanded hunt areas. This two-day conservation-focused tournament brings together the dive community to combat one of the greatest threats to Florida’s reefs — invasive lionfish. Event Dates & Times Apex Predator Open (Two Day Derby): Tournament Start: Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 7:00AM Tournament End: Sunday, May 31, 2026 – 4:00 PM Awards: Sunday, May 31, 2026 – 5:00 PM The Mini (Single Dive Derby): Tournament Start: Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 8:00AM Tournament End: Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 1:00 PM Awards: Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 1:30 PM Tournament Format Apex Predator Open (2 Day Derby) The Main Apex Predator Lionfish Derby runs both Saturday and Sunday and is open to: • Personal boats • Divers using their own selected dive outfitters Divers will compete in teams of two to remove as many lionfish as possible. Each participant will receive a commemorative Apex Predator challenge coin as well as a large mesh dive bag. Participants may hunt anytime between daylight Saturday morning and 4:00 PM Sunday, submitting fish for official measure and count on Sunday. Hunters may hunt anywhere in Florida but all fish must be presented during the official count and measure ceremony on Sunday May 30th for the fish to count. Mini Derby – South Florida Diving Headquarters In addition to the main derby, a Mini Derby will be hosted at South Florida Diving Headquarters. Participants will board a chartered dive boat and head out to designated dive sites to hunt. Divers will compete in teams of two to remove as many lionfish as possible during a two tank dive. Each participant will receive a commemorative Apex Predator challenge coin as well as a large mesh dive bag. If you need rental gear and/or tanks please contact South Florida Diving Headquarters