How to find Lionfish

[pclark2]

I am planning to do a lot of diving this summer in the middle keys (specifically off Long Key where I live but also down towards Marathon and possibly towards Islamorada). I know this is odd request, but I was wondering if anyone had any advice for how to find the invasive lionfish? The only one I saw last summer was on a night dive just cruising along the sand. I am interested in getting a lot of underwater photos of these guys and then removing them from the reef if possible (at the very least reporting them to REEF). I just have no clue how to go about finding these fish. I have read about the derbies and roundups where a single boat can bring in over a hundred in a single day.

The photos I want since I am trying to sell underwater photos printed on note cards. I figure a photo of a lionfish with a description on the back talking about how they are invasive and damaging to the reef would be a good idea. And I want to remove the fish from the reef for obvious reasons. Everyone has to do their part.

 

[blackvans1234]

Spear them, don't report them.

I read that once they learn to fear divers, they are much more difficult to find.
Make the first shot count!

 

[pclark2]

good to know. I plan to get a pole spear to use for them. I just have to find them first

 

[deepstops]

If you haven't dove the Keys in a year, you're going to be shocked at how many you will see now. I see/kill them on *every* dive now.

 

[vshearer]

and just poke them and leave them to die. Maybe something will learn to eat them.

 

[gypsyjim]

I did notice this last Feb on Coz, that my 24watt HID made the nasty pests stand out like the bulls eyes on a target. Might be useful, when hunting them.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

But make sure they are dead. I've speared a few that came off the the liontamer and swam away with a hole through 'em.

 

[deepstops]

But make sure they are dead. I've speared a few that came off the the liontamer and swam away with a hole through 'em.

Yep, they're resilient little bastages.

 

[pclark2]

Good to know. And are there any special type of hiding spots they like? I went diving on Monday through Dive Duck Key and didn't see any, but of course visibility wasn't best.

 

[Scuba_Jenny]

You won't find them swimming out in the open. Or at least I haven't seen any out in the blue. Look low on the reefs, near overhangs, or tucked in close to a coral head. Often they are motionless and all you see are the pectoral fins, so look for spikey lines.