Frequently Asked Questions: Winter Lionfish Throw Down 2025
- What is the Winter Lionfish Throw Down 2025? It’s an individual lionfish harvesting tournament organized by ZooKeeper to promote safe, record-breaking catches while protecting reefs, running from October 1 to December 31, 2025, with monthly challenges and grand prizes for the top harvesters.
- When does registration open, and what does it include? Registration opens on September 1, 2025, for a non-refundable $50 fee via the Fishing Chaos app. It includes a custom rash guard, sponsored items, an exclusive gift, eligibility for prizes, and entry into monthly drawings with one submission.
- What are the key dates for submissions and prizes? Submissions start October 1, 2025 (12:00 AM) and end December 31, 2025 (11:59 PM); all lionfish must be caught on or after October 1—no frozen or prior catches allowed. Monthly prize drawings are live on Facebook (dates TBD in October, November, and December), with grand prize announcements around January 10, 2026.
- Where can I harvest lionfish for the tournament? Harvests must be from Florida state waters in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf (including all Atlantic/Gulf states, Puerto Rico, and USVI), per state and federal regulations; catches outside these areas won’t count.
- Who is eligible to participate? It’s open to individual divers (no teams or commercial harvesters); for the 1st Place Grand Prize trip, winners must be 18+, have a valid passport through October 2026, and submit travel eligibility proof within 10 days of notification.
- How do I submit my lionfish catch? Each morning, registered participants get a daily email “identifier.” After harvesting, arrange whole lionfish (no missing heads/tails) with the identifier, catch date, county, dive buddy’s name, and count; take a clear photo and submit via the Fishing Chaos app’s “Submit Catch” within 24 hours of the identifier timestamp—one submission per day max, with the first counting if multiples are attempted.
- What will cause my submission to be rejected? Rejections happen for unclear fish counts, missing/invisible identifiers, county, or dive buddy info, duplicates/altered photos, or non-whole fish; tournament officials may audit randomly and request more evidence—non-compliance leads to disqualification.
- How is scoring determined, and what about ties? Scoring is based solely on the total number of verified lionfish submitted; in ties, the earliest submission via the app wins.
- What prizes can I win? Grand prizes: 1st—trip to Curacao (April 30–May 6, 2026, $3,465 value) + ZooKeeper swag ($110); 2nd—Descent Mk3i watch ($1,799.99) + swag; 3rd—Riffe 47″ Marauder spear + swag. The full list can be seen on the event page. Monthly: 5 prizes per month (min. $30 each) via drawing for anyone submitting ≥1 fish that month; all shipped within 5 business days.
- What safety rules must I follow? Prioritize dive planning, air monitoring, decompression, protective gloves, and a first aid kit; no reef damage allowed. Unsafe practices result in immediate disqualification—no exceptions—and participants assume all risks, holding organizers harmless.
- Can I get a refund or transfer my registration? No, the $50 fee is non-refundable and non-transferable; event goodies ship by late October to your registered address.
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What happens if I miss a submission deadline?
Late submissions (past 24 hours from the daily identifier’s timestamp) are not accepted. Ensure timely uploads to the Fishing Chaos app to stay eligible. -
Can I use the same lionfish for multiple submissions?
No, each lionfish can only be submitted once. Duplicate submissions or attempts to reuse fish will result in rejection or disqualification. -
Do I need specific equipment to participate?
You need standard spearfishing gear suitable for lionfish, including a pole spear, protective gloves, and a container for safe lionfish storage.ZooKeepers are the safest and most reliable containers available globally, but you can use any container. Ensure safety by carefully monitoring the flaps to avoid getting spears and fingers caught. Be cautious as spines may protrude from the bottom drains.
Ensure compliance with local regulations.
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How are monthly drawings conducted?
Each registered participant gets one entry per month for submitting at least one lionfish. Drawings are held live on Facebook (dates TBD), and winners are notified via the Fishing Chaos app. -
What if I have technical issues with the Fishing Chaos app?
Contact Fishing Chaos app support directly through the app or their website. For tournament-specific questions, reach out to ZooKeeper via https://lionfishzk.com/contact/. -
Can I participate if I’m not in Florida?
Yes, as long as you harvest lionfish in eligible waters (Florida state waters, Atlantic/Gulf states, Puerto Rico, or USVI) and follow local regulations. - Where can I find the full rules or contact support? Full rules are at https://lionfishzk.com/derbies/winter-lionfish-throw-down/2025-td/tournament-rules-2025/. For questions, contact ZooKeeper via the Fishing Chaos app chat or email patricia@lionfishzk.com.
