Bag it and Tag it – The author shows off a Florida Lionfish caught while snorkeling in 2010 – photo by Dr. Matthew L. Wittenrich

In an executive order signed earlier this month, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission has effectively declared war on the invasive Lionfish.  For the next 12 months, it is a virtual no-holds-barred, open season on this damaging predator.  Highlights include:

• No recreational license required to fish for Lionfish with either a pole spear, Hawaiian sling, lionfish-specific spearing devices, or HAND NETS! (note – you can’t go spearing for them in areas where spearfishing is offlimits)
• You can also harvest Lionfish as part of bycatch of other legal fishing methods.
• There is NO recreational or commercial limit on the harvest of Lionfish.  Seriously, you can harvest as many as you can.

Dr. Wittenrich and Lionfish researcher Zack Jud, snorkeling for Lionfish in 2010.

Now, let me tell you, these guys are pretty darn easy to catch with a hand net…even I caught one that had slipped out of the hands of both Dr. Wittenrich and Zack Jud.  Once you realize what they look like when at rest and where to find them, you’ll be spotting them without issues.  A calm, slow approach is probably all you really need.

For a bit more on Lionfish in Florida, you can visit the FFWCC website. I’ve heard they make great ceviche (check for other recipes in the Lionfish Cookbook). GAME ON Floridians!

When you catch ‘em, you GOTTA lip ‘em like a Bass! – Image by Dr. Matthew L. Wittenrich

(thanks to SaltyUnderground, Tal Sweet, and a more involved article at http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?article_id=83094711052)