A monthlong tournament has just kicked off to see who can take the most lionfish out of Northeast Florida waters. State wildlife officials are promoting similar tournaments around the state to thin out the invasive species’ numbers.
Divers at Jacksonville’s Mudville Grille signed up last week to prey on the spiny predator.
Benjamin Messinese, an Atlantic Beach resident, says you don’t have to think to catch a lionfish.
“They’re all over the place. They’re not skittish, they’re not scared,” Messiese said. “They sit still. They’re right there in front of you.”