Welcome
We are thrilled to announce the second annual 305 Lionfish Derby, a community-driven event designed to promote reef health, raise awareness about the invasive lionfish species and engage local businesses & residents in meaningful conservation efforts.
This unique event invites divers and conservation enthusiasts to remove invasive lionfish from our local reefs—promoting sustainable marine ecosystems.
305 Lionfish Derby participants will compete for the Most Lionfish Caught.
Grand Prize: $1000
Raffle prizes are provided by generous sponsors and community partners.
Event Registration
Thank you for registering for the 305 Lionfish Derby. We are excited to have you join us in this important conservation effort.
Reservation Required: To secure your spot on the dive boat, please call us at (305) 361-3483. Space is limited. We encourage you to book early.
Please note the following important details:
The registration fee covers participation in the derby, making you eligible for prizes and exclusive derby perks.
All participants diving with Diver’s Paradise are responsible for separate boat trip and rental gear fees.
Only registered 305 Lionfish Derby participants will be permitted on Diver’s Paradise event trips.
A.M. Departure
Registration includes the a.m. boat departure May 2 (one a.m. trip). Gear is not included. Gear is available to rent or to purchase at the dive center. Participants may do the following: scuba diving, spear fishing and other approved activities that are listed in the 305 Lionfish Derby rules & regulations for harvesting lionfish during the event.
Book All
Registration includes the a.m. & p.m. departures May 2 (one a.m. trip and one p.m. trip). Gear is not included. Gear is available to rent or to purchase at the dive center. Participants may do the following: scuba diving, spear fishing and other approved activities that are listed in the 305 Lionfish Derby rules & regulations for harvesting lionfish during the event.
Event Details
Event Dates
Participant’s Meeting
May 2, 2026
7:30 a.m.
305 Lionfish Derby
May 2, 2026
Important Dates
Sponsorship Deadline
April 1, 2026
Event Accommodations
Space is limited for the event as well as accommodations. We encourage participants to register and to book their stay early.
305 Lionfish Derby is proud to work with our Hilton Garden Inn sponsor.
305 LIONFISH DERBY 2026 RULES AND REGULATIONS
01. ELIGIBLE FISH
Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles complex) are the only fish eligible for entry. All lionfish must be caught during the derby dates and cannot be previously caught or frozen. Keep all lionfish on ice to maintain freshness.
02. FISH HANDLING
Individuals can take back their catch after measuring and are free to handle the fish as they wish.
03. Participant’s MEETING
The Participant’s Meeting will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026— 7:30 a.m. at Diver’s Paradise Dive Center (4000 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL). Light refreshments will be served. All individuals must attend and must also participate in the derby. Safe collecting and handling techniques as well as derby rules will be reviewed.
04. SHIRT PICK-UP
Derby shirts can be picked up before the Participant’s Meeting, starting at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026—at the event location (Diver’s Paradise Dive Center).
05. WAIVERS
All waivers must be signed by the diving participant. Failure to sign the forms before the Captain’s Meeting will disqualify the participant, even if registration fees were paid.
06. LEGAL CAPTURE METHODS
Only legal means of capture are allowed in areas where certain gear types are permitted. All federal, state and local laws must be adhered to. All necessary permits must be presented at the Participant’s Meeting. During the event, lionfish may only be caught using pole spears with paralyzer tips, hand nets, or hook and line. No chemicals, traps, or other mechanisms are permitted.
07. DERBY HOURS & COLLECTION ZONES
Lionfish may be taken from any waters within the invaded region, as long as collection occurs during derby hours and fish are dropped off by 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026. All Derby participants must dive from Diver’s Paradise charters.
08. LEGAL COMPLIANCE
All participants must follow all relevant federal, state and local laws, which will be strictly enforced.
09. PARTICIPANT COMPETITION
To qualify for prizes, all participants must be registered and provide proper identification.
10. REGISTRATION FEES
Non-refundable registration fees are $65 per participant and must be paid by April 1, 2026.
11. SAFETY MEASURES
Participants must wear protective gloves when handling lionfish. It is encouraged to carry a heat pack or thermos with hot (not scalding) water for first aid.
12. DERBY FISHING HOURS
Derby fishing hours are Saturday, May 2, 2026—9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All fish must be dropped off by 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026.
13. COOLER REQUIREMENTS
Coolers must be labeled with the individual participant’s name. The cooler should have sufficient ice to keep lionfish cold until drop-off. The host location will not provide ice.
14. DROP-OFF LOCATION AND TIME
The drop-off will occur at Diver’s Paradise, 4000 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL, on Saturday, May 2, 2026—9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
15. AWARDS CEREMONY
The awards ceremony will take place at Diver’s Paradise, 4000 Crandon Boulevard, Key Biscayne, FL, at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Individuals are not required to attend in order to win prizes.
16. PRIZE AVAILABILITY
One prize of $1000 for the most lionfish caught and confirmed will be awarded.
17. PRIZE Collection
If participant is not present at the awards ceremony, he/she must arrange to pick up the prize in person at Diver’s Paradise. Prizes will not be mailed.
18. FISH CONDITION
All lionfish must be in whole condition—no missing heads or tails.
19. MEDIA CONSENT
By entering the Derby, all participants agree to allow Derby officials, Diver’s Paradise, North Florida Divers, and Florida Fish and Wildlife to use photos for media and promotional purposes.
20. WEATHER CONDITIONS
Participants are responsible for their own safety and must make their own decision on whether to venture out.
21. TIE BREAKING
In the event of a tie for any category, the prize money will be split between the participants involved in the tie.
22. CASH PRIZES
All cash prizes will be awarded to successful participant via Bank of America bank check.
23. W9 AND PRIZE FORMS
Winning participants must submit a prize form and W9 form.
24. HONOR SYSTEM
The Derby operates on an honor system. All participants follow the rules.
25. DISQUALIFICATION
Participants found violating any Derby rules will be disqualified from receiving prizes and prohibited from entering future derbies.
26. OFFICIAL DECISIONS
The decisions of the Derby officials are final.
SPONSORSHIP
We invite your company to join us as a sponsor for the 305 Lionfish Derby. We also welcome in-kind donations of goods or services to be used as raffle prizes during the event.Â
These contributions provide additional visibility for your business, while supporting the 305 Lionfish Derby mission.
$1000
Identified as a Gold Sponsor on the web and digital event media, including shoutouts with tags/collaborations
Medium logo on the leadership board
Medium logo on the tournament banners
Identified as a Gold Sponsor on the registration page at sign up
Medium logo on the tournament shirt: (4) tournament shirts
$500
Identified as a Silver Sponsor on the web and digital event media
Small logo on the leadership board
Identified as a Silver Sponsor on the registration page at sign up
Small logo on the tournament shirt: (2) tournament shirts
$250
Mention on registration page at initial sign up
Tournament shirt
