Apex Predator Summer Showdown

Apex Predator Summer Showdown – 2026 The Hunt Expands. The Mission Continues. The Apex Predator Summer Showdown returns in August 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 The Summer Showdown (Two Day Derby): Tournament Start: Saturday, August 29, 2026 – 7:00AM Tournament End: Sunday, August 30, 2026 – 4:00 PM Awards: Sunday, August 30, 2026 – 5:00 PM Mini Showdown (Single Dive Derby): Tournament Start: Saturday, August 29, 2026 – 8:00AM Tournament End: Saturday, August 29, 2026 – 1:30 PM Awards: Saturday, August 29, 2026 – 1:00 PM Tournament Format The Summer Showdown (2 Day Derby) The Summer Showdown 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 long sleeve hooded SPF shirt. 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 August 30th for the fish to count. Mini Showdown – 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 long sleeve hooded SPF shirt. If you need rental gear and/or tanks please