Apex Predator Lionfish Derby – 2026
The Hunt Expands. The Mission Continues.
The Apex Predator Lionfish Derby returns in May 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
Apex Predator Open (Two Day Derby):
Tournament Start: Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 7:00AM
Tournament End: Sunday, May 31, 2026 – 4:00 PM
Awards: Sunday, May 31, 2026 – 5:00 PM
The Mini (Single Dive Derby):
Tournament Start: Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 8:00AM
Tournament End: Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 1:30 PM
Awards: Saturday, May 30, 2026 – 1:00 PM
Tournament Format
Apex Predator Open (2 Day Derby)
The Main Apex Predator Lionfish 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 large mesh dive bag. 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 May 30th for the fish to count.
Mini Derby – 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 large mesh dive bag. If you need rental gear and/or tanks please contact South Florida Diving Headquarters directly. 954-783-2299
• Single-boat, single-dive tournament (Saturday Morning)
• Participation limited to divers on the chartered boat
• Mini Derby awards at approximately 1:30 PM Saturday
• All fish caught during the Mini derby will be counted toward the Apex Predator Open Derby totals if the participant has registered for both derbies.
Packet Pickup & Check-In
All participants for the Apex Predator Open must attend packet pickup and check-in on Saturday morning in Pompano Beach or virtually at a Friday night MS Teams meeting.
This applies to both Main Derby and Mini Derby participants.
Awards & Scoring
Apex Predator Open Awards
Main Derby awards will be presented Sunday at 5:00 PM following the official close of the tournament. Fish will be turned in in Pompano Beach.
Categories:
-
Most Lionfish Caught: $300 cash prize
-
Largest Lionfish: $200 cash prize
-
Smallest Lionfish: $100 cash prize
Mini Derby Awards
Mini Derby awards will be presented Saturday at roughly 1:00 PM following completion of the single dive.
This derby will happen on a chartered boat with South Florida Diving Headquarters. Your Registration includes entry on the boat but participants must provide their own dive gear. If you need rental gear and/or tanks please contact South Florida Diving Headquarters directly. 954-783-2299
Categories:
-
Most Lionfish Caught: $150 cash prize
-
Largest Lionfish: $100 cash prize
-
Smallest Lionfish: $50 cash prize
Final Notes
• Tournament rules, safety requirements, and scoring details will be provided prior to the event
• All participants must complete packet pickup and check-in to be eligible for awards
• Conservation, safety, and sportsmanship are core expectations of the Apex Predator series
Join us and help protect Florida’s reefs while competing in the 2026 Apex Predator Lionfish Derby.