Patricia Answers – What was your first experience with a Lionfish?
I was snorkeling and lobster hunting in Islamorada with Brian of Satisfaction Charters when I spotted a nice lobster and started after it. From the boat, Brian yelled something along the lines of “Don’t go near that!” because a lionfish was sitting right there in the shallows. He thought it was weird—you don’t usually see them that close to the surface in those waters.
He hopped back on the boat, grabbed a spear, and took care of it. Afterward I asked why he did that. That’s when I found out they’re venomous (so they can ruin your day), delicious (so they belong on a plate), and terrible for the reef (so they don’t belong here).
I’ve thanked Brian more than once. Lionfish hunting quickly became my favorite thing to do underwater. I probably would have learned about them eventually, but I’m glad I found out early so I could start making a difference sooner.
If you’re in the Islamorada area and want to go lobster fishing, Brian with Satisfaction Charters is the real deal. Super safe, tons of experience, and he knows those waters like the back of his hand. We’ve been friends for years and still go out with him multiple times a year.
