Apex Predator Summer Showdown

Apex Predator Summer Showdown 2026

 

The Hunt Expands. The Mission Continues. The Apex Predator Summer Showdown returns August 29-30, 2026, with an expanded format designed to welcome more divers, more boats, and more opportunities to remove invasive lionfish from Florida's waters.

Whether you're diving from your personal boat, hunting with your favorite dive outfitter, or joining us aboard the DX Divers charter for the Mini Showdown, you'll be competing in one of South Florida's premier conservation-focused lionfish tournaments.

Together, we'll work to protect Florida's reefs while competing for cash prizes, bragging rights, and the title of Apex Predator.

 
Event Schedule

Summer Showdown (Main Derby)

Saturday, August 29, 2026:

Tournament Begins: 7:00 AM

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Fish Turn-In & Measuring: By 4:00 PM
Awards Ceremony: 5:00 PM

Mini Showdown Presented by DX Divers

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Boat Departure: 8:00 AM
Return to Dock: Approximately 1:00 PM
Awards Ceremony: Approximately 1:30 PM

Tournament Format: 

 

Summer Showdown (Main Derby)

The Summer Showdown is a two-day lionfish tournament open to all participants. 

Divers may compete:

From personal boats
Through participating dive outfitters
As part of the DX Divers Mini Showdown
Participants will compete in teams of two to harvest as many lionfish as possible between the start of the tournament on Saturday morning and the official close on Sunday at 4:00 PM.

Hunters may dive anywhere in Florida during the tournament period; however, all fish must be presented during the official fish count and measurement on Sunday in Pompano Beach to qualify for awards.

Each participant will receive:

Official Apex Predator Challenge Coin
Car Seat Cover 
 

Mini Showdown Host at DX Divers

The Mini Showdown automatically registers you for the full derby and the mini. The mini is a single morning two tank competition held aboard a chartered DX Divers (Lady Go) on Saturday. 

Participants will compete in teams of two during a two-tank dive to harvest as many lionfish as possible. This mini derby is only for those on the chartered boat and helps keep the competition fair and equitable, making it a unique competition where the best hunters will come out on top! 

Each participant will receive:

Official Apex Predator Challenge Coin
Apex Predator Car Seat Cover

Important:

The Mini Derby Registration includes your seat on the DX Divers charter. 
Divers must provide their own equipment.
Tank rentals and gear rentals are available through DX Divers.
Contact DX Divers directly for rental information: 954-420-0009

The Best Part
Every lionfish harvested during the Mini Showdown will also count toward the Summer Showdown Main Derby. This means participants aboard the DX Divers boat have the opportunity to compete for awards in both tournaments! 

 
Packet Pickup & Check-In

Participants may pick up event items:

Before the Mini Showdown on Saturday
After the Mini Showdown on Saturday
During fish turn-in on Sunday
Additional details will be provided prior to the event.

 

Awards & Prizes

Summer Showdown Awards
Presented Sunday, August 30 at 5:00 PM.

Categories
🥇 Most Lionfish Caught — $150 Cash Prize

🐟 Largest Lionfish — $100 Cash Prize

🐟 Smallest Lionfish — $50 Cash Prize

 
Mini Showdown Awards
Presented Saturday, August 29 at approximately 1:30 PM.

Categories
🥇 Most Lionfish Caught — $150 Cash Prize

🐟 Largest Lionfish — $100 Cash Prize

🐟 Smallest Lionfish — $50 Cash Prize

 
Join us August 29-30, 2026, as we continue the fight against invasive lionfish and help protect Florida's reefs one dive at a time.

Apex Predator Challenge: Lionfish Derby Rules

 

• 1. Eligibility
  All participants must be certified scuba divers and over the age of 12. Participants under the age of 18 must have parental or guardian consent and be accompanied by an adult.
  Each team must consist of two divers. Both team members must be registered to participate in the event.
   
  2. Registration and Entry
  All participants must pre-register for the event.
  Participants must provide their own dive gear. If gear rental is required, participants must arrange it directly with the dive shop.
   
  3. Dive and Safety Requirements
  All participants must follow safe diving practices and comply with local diving laws and regulations.
  Participants must follow all instructions from dive boat captains and safety officers.
  Each diver must have and use a dive knife, lionfish containment device, and collection gear.
  It is the responsibility of each diver to monitor their own air supply, depth, and dive time to avoid decompression illness or any other dive-related risks.
   
  4. Lionfish Handling
  All lionfish must be captured using hand nets, spears, or pole spears. The use of chemicals, traps, or other non-permitted gear is strictly prohibited.
  Lionfish should be handled with care due to their venomous spines. Participants are encouraged to wear protective gloves and follow best practices for safely removing lionfish from the water.
  Coolers must be properly labelled with captain or team names and must contain enough ice to keep lionfish cold for as long as they are held at drop-off station.
   
  5. Count and Measure Procedures
  All lionfish must be presented at the official count and measure station by the designated time. Late submissions will not be accepted.
  Lionfish must be intact for count and measurement. Any mutilated or damaged lionfish (determined at the discretion of event staff) will be disqualified.
  Each team will present their catch for three prize categories: Most Lionfish, Largest Lionfish, and Smallest Lionfish.
   
  6. Prize Categories
  Most Lionfish
  Largest Lionfish
  Smallest Lionfish
   
  7. Disqualification
  Teams will be disqualified for:

  Failure to follow safety guidelines and dive protocols.
  Using non-approved lionfish capture methods or gear.
  Falsifying weigh-in results or attempting to weigh in lionfish caught outside of the challenge timeframe. No previously caught lionfish are allowed.
  Engaging in unsafe or unsportsmanlike conduct during the event.
   
  8. Environmental Impact
  Participants are encouraged to minimize their environmental impact. Do not damage coral reefs or other marine life during the capture of lionfish.
  All lionfish removed from the water are to be either consumed or disposed of according to local environmental guidelines. No lionfish should be released back into the ocean.
   
  9. Judging and Awards
  Only one winning entry per team will be allowed in each category. A single team is not allowed to win multiple categories.  
  In the event of a tie for any category the prize money will be split between teams, unless one of these teams has won a different category, in which case the team winning a different category will be awarded that prize.
  Judging will be conducted at the official weigh-in station, and decisions by the judges are final.
  Awards will be given at the end of the weigh-in session. Participants must be present to receive their awards.
   
  10. Weather and Event Cancellation
  In the case of severe weather, the Event Organizers reserve the right to postpone, reschedule, or cancel the event for safety reasons. Participants will be notified of any changes.
   

  11. Use of Underwater Propulsion Devices (Scooters/DPVs)
  Participants are permitted to use underwater propulsion devices, such as diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) or scooters, during the derby.
  Participants are required to declare their use of a scooter/DPV at check-in.
  Tournament officials reserve the right to inspect diver gear before and after dives to verify compliance.
  Any unreported use of a scooter/DPV will result in disqualification.
   
   
  General Rules:
  Have fun, stay safe, and contribute to the removal of this invasive species!
  Always follow local regulations and guidelines related to scuba diving, boating and lionfish capture.
  Always respect and honor the captains of the dive boats.

Mini Showdown (Morning Dive Derby): Car Seat Cover

Summer Showdown (2 Day Derby): Car Seat Cover

Summer Showdown & Mini (Both Derbies): Car Seat Cover