Spearos leading the fight against lion fish

[Bill McIntyre]

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/26/us/a- ... -news&_r=0

[javimahi]

I know a couple guys that have been taking top spots in those keys derbies for a few years now. They take it very seriously and hopefully these events continue to grow because these fish will likely never go away. The good thing is that they are very tasty and using a pair of bandage scissors to cut a few spines off makes them harmless.

Here you can get an idea of all the small reef fish they eat from the reef:
https://www.facebook.com/REEFLionfish/photos/pb.124810934235590.-2207520000.1411750632./720821354634542/?type=3&theater

[Smudge]

Not that I've been out much, but I haven't seen any on the local Hollywood/Dania/Ft Lauderdale reefs yet. Which is a good thing considering that a few years ago they were polluted with them.

[db1]

Hey Bill, thanks for posting this. Interesting ecological problem, and awesome that spearos get some credit for being part of the solution.

On this note,

Are there any FL guys that would be willing to share some info with me about getting some lion fish? Maybe even take me out? I'd be happy to cover expenses etc... I'll be in FL next week. Long story, I'm happy to share more via PM or email/phone call... But I am working on a project regarding invasive species. We are currently focusing on Pythons in the Everglades, but I'd love to include lion fish in this first phase of the project if I could.

Any info/help would be appreciated.

PS. as an intro to the FL section, I am a SoCal freediver/spearo. Been diving for about 5yrs. Been fortunate enough to hook in with a great crew out here and learn far more than I ever could have without them. Happy to take out out of town visitors from the board, when I can. There's probably a couple guys here who can vouch for my high level of kook-ness.

Thanks, and I hope someone is willing to help out.

[chris oak]

Dylan is one of my west coast spearing buddies, he's legit and has nailed some nice seabass and yellows along our coast! Good luck when you head to Florida...YOU KOOOOOOK .

[db1]

Haha, thanks Chris.

Also, by the way, I realized I forgot to mention where I'll be. We are set up in Homestead for the week, so Lauderdale, Miami or northern Keys would be ideal.