Florida starting a lionfish state records program

The State of Florida is starting a lionfish state records program to give fishermen a bigger incentive to catch the invasive species. 

Lionfish are a nonnative, invasive species that threaten Florida’s native saltwater fish and wildlife.

They were introduced into Florida waters in the late 1980s but their population has boomed in recent years – and that is causing real problems in Florida waters.

The state is taking every action it can to slow their expansion, including removing all commercial and recreational limits for the fish.

And now they want to recognize the fishermen who catch the biggest and heaviest lionfish.

The current record is 18.78 inches.

You can qualify by both length and weight for largest and smallest lionfish.

They also have divisions for junior and hook and line.

Record holders will be recognized on MyFWC.com and may receive prizes as well.

You can apply for the records programs by visiting MyFWC.com/Lionfish and clicking on “State Records Program.”

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