Did you know that Destin hosts the largest lionfish tournament in the world?! Whether you want to get out on the water and compete or savor expertly prepared lionfish dishes at your favorite Destin restaurants, the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament has something for everyone to enjoy! It blends environmental conservation, culinary innovation, and coastal fun for an unforgettable experience. The 2025 tournament will take place May 16 – 17 and Restaurant Week leads up to the main event May 9 – 17.
Why Lionfish?
Lionfish, which can be found in the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, have become a significant threat to local ecosystems due to their rapid reproduction and lack of natural predators. Efforts like the Emerald Coast Open play a crucial role in controlling their population and protecting native species. In 2024, over 147 participants from across the U.S. and beyond caught almost 12,000 lionfish! Lionfish have venomous spines that can cause pain and swelling if stung and are typically caught by spearfishing.
Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament
Compete with the best lionfish hunters in the world for the most, the largest, and even the smallest lionfish. Prizes include cash and gear (with over $100,000 being awarded last year!). Each team of up to four people can go out for two days and harvest lionfish. The final weigh-in is on Sunday, May 18, 2025. You don’t have to be a professional, but you do have to sign up and get out on the water!
Emerald Coast Open Restaurant Week
One of the best ways to control the lionfish population is by eating them! Thankfully they are some of the best tasting fish you can eat. They are light, flaky and buttery, so you’re in for a treat during Restaurant Week! Each day during this event, a different local restaurant will put their unique spin on a lionfish special. From lionfish fajitas and tacos at La Paz to curry grilled lionfish and lionfish ceviche at Harbor Docks, the area’s best chefs are creating delicious dishes to help bring awareness to the invasive species in our waters. The dishes will be judged and the winning restaurant will be announced at the end of the week.
Here’s a schedule for Emerald Coast Open Restaurant Week 2025:
- May 9: Crab Trap Destin
- May 10: Bitterroot
- May 11: Jasmine Thai
- May 12: Beach Walk Cafe
- May 13: La Paz (the 2023 and 2024 champion!)
- May 14: Brotula’s Seafood House & Steamer
- May 15: Harbor Docks
- May 16: Sura Korean Steakhouse
- May 17: AJ’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Festival
The fun doesn’t stop there! The Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Festival is a two-day event that features a variety of vendors and activities, such as lionfish tasting, fillet demonstrations, art booths, an interactive kid’s zone and more! Check it out May 17 and 18 at HarborWalk Village from 10am to 5pm. Bring the whole family for a fun and educational event.
Whether you’re a diver, a foodie, or a supporter of marine conservation, this event promises an unforgettable experience!
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