The Emerald Coast Open is quickly approaching, and excitement is building for this year’s lionfish tournament. But before the world’s largest lionfish tournament begins, the public is invited to attend the Lionfish Pre-Tournament Kick-off Party, taking place at Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant on the Destin Harbor on Friday, February 3, 2023 from 6-9pm.

This family-friendly event is the perfect way to get a taste of the excitement surrounding the Emerald Coast Open and learn more about this invasive species and its removal from the Gulf of Mexico. Attendees will enjoy free food, including gourmet lionfish samplings, live music, and plenty of giveaways and prizes.

In addition to the festivities, participants will have the opportunity to meet tournament participants, sponsors, organizers, dive shops, and charters. The event is a great way to find potential teammates or even a future dive buddy, according to ECO.

• Whether you are a seasoned lionfish hunter or just learning about the impact of this invasive species, the Lionfish Pre-Tournament Kick-off Party is the perfect opportunity to get involved. You will have the chance to learn about lionfish, how to get involved in the tournament, and meet others who are passionate about this important cause.

In 2022, The Emerald Coast Open removed over 11,000 lionfish in the two-day period. This impressive number was in addition to the 2,582 lionfish removed during the pre-tournament competition. In total, 13,835 lionfish were removed.  

So mark your calendars and head to Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant on the Destin Harbor on February 3 for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship. The Lionfish Pre-Tournament Kick-off Party is a great way to get ready for the main event. 

• Pre-Tournament is from February 1 – May 18, 2023
• Main Tournament Begins – May 19-20, 2023

To register for the ECO and to find out more about the event, click here.