REEF’s 2025 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival
April 24 - April 27
$120
The 16th Annual Florida Keys Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival is open for registration!
Early bird registration is now open through March 21, 2025 for $90.00/team. Registration will remain open from March 22-April 24 for $120/team. All teams must be registered before the Captain’s meeting at 6:30 PM on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Event Schedule:
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Thursday, April 24 : Captain’s Meeting & Kick-Off Party. This will be hosted in-person at the Florida Keys Brewing Company. Teams may join in-person or virtually. (At least one member from each team must be present at the Captain’s Meeting).
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Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26: Fishing open sunrise to sundown
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Sunday, April 27: NO FISHING
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Team weigh-in/team fish drop-off: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
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3:00 PM: Awards Ceremony
Be sure to join us at the Lionfish Derby & Arts Festival from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM on the REEF Campus Sunday, April 27. This will include local artists, conservation non-profits, family-friendly activities, food trucks, local breweries, and more! Check out our website for additional information :
Additional Details:
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Minimum 2 people per team, maximum 4 people
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Don’t have a boat? Local charters are available:
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Key Dives: Islamorada. Lionfish charters available. Call to book: 305-664-2211
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Quiescence Diving Services: 6-pack boats available for lionfish charters. MUST BOOK ENTIRE BOAT. In-water guides come with additional fees. Call to reserve a boat: 305-451-2440.
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Call shops for rates and to reserve space.
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Teams that will be fishing in the areas that fall under the FKNMS and FWC permit must schedule a time to come to REEF campus to pick up packet material, permits and flags from April 21-23. Teams can also pick up permits and flags at the Captain’s Meeting.
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Teams will be able to take at least 80% of their catch after it is measured (REEF will keep some lionfish to use towards education and outreach activities).
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Fish MUST be dropped off at 12:30 PM Sunday April 27, no exceptions.
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All lionfish should be well packed on ice and teams must provide enough ice for lionfish.
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All rules and regulations can be found here: 2025 Florida Keys Lionfish Derby Rules
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to email me or lionfish@REEF.org or call 305-852-0030.