How much is registration?
Registration is $120/team until the Wednesday before the derby; thereafter the cost is $150/team.
What is included in the registration packet?
Each team who registers will receive a pair of puncture resistant gloves valued at $50, two banquet tickets (additional tickets are available for purchase), a copy of Florida fishing regulations, a brochure explaining spearfishing regulations, a chart of local waters, and some additional goodies.
Do I need four people on my team to compete?
No; teams can consist of one, two, three or four people.
Where can I find official derby rules?
The 2011 official derby rules can be downloaded in .pdf form from the link at the bottom of this page.
Do all of my team members need to fill out a waiver?
Yes! All team members, including the team captain, need to fill out liability waiver forms and have them turned in by the Captain's Meeting the Friday night before Derby Day. If they are not turned in before the Derby begins, then your team will be ineligable. The waiver form can be downloaded in .pdf form at the bottom of this page or you can fill them out in person Friday night before the Derby during late registration.
What kind of capture methods can I use?
Competitors can use nets, spears, or slurp guns, but participants must be aware of local fishing regulations in regards to where fishing is allowed and what kind of gear is permitted. You can download FKNMS's spearfishing brochure at the bottom of this page.
As a general guideline, in areas where hook and line fishing is allowed, you can collect lionfish with hand nets. In areas where spearfishing is permitted, lionfish can be harvested by spear.
Throughout Pennekamp Park, collecting lionfish by hand nets only is allowed and you must have a permit.
How should lionfish be brought in for scoring?
Bring whole lionfish in on ice, spines can be removed if you wish. Lionfish can be brought in any type of container (coolers, bags, buckets etc), as long as it's during the acceptable scoring hours.
When will my team be scored?
Scoring occurs from 4:30-6:30 PM the evening of the derby.
Click on the .pdf links below for more information about spearfishing regulations, official derby rules, and liability waiver forms:
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 Spearfishing Regulations.pdf | 445.19 KB |
| Liability Waiver.pdf | 165.22 KB |
| Lower Keys Official Derby Rules 2011.pdf | 286.84 KB |