Join Us for Operation Lionfish 2024: Clear the Path!
Mark your calendars for June 28-29, 2024, and prepare for a weekend of fun, adventure, and charity at Operation Lionfish – Clear the Path! Hosted at the beautiful Sands Harbor Resort & Marina in Pompano Beach, FL, this event is a fantastic opportunity to support Warfighter Scuba, a non-profit charity that provides therapeutic SCUBA experiences for combat-wounded Purple Heart recipients.
Event Overview
Operation Lionfish promises an event-filled weekend with activities for everyone, all while raising money for a worthy cause. Here’s a breakdown of what’s in store:
Friday, June 28:
Location: Sands Harbor Resort & Marina, 125 N Riverside Drive, Pompano Beach, FL 33062
- Dock Party and Captain’s Meeting: 17:30 – 20:30 Hours
Enjoy music by Mango Man and listen to "Docktails and Tall Tales" by diving legend Neal “Dive God” Watson, sportfishing legend Capt Bouncer Smith, and lobster sniper Jim “Chiefy” Mathie.
- Captain Bouncer Smith Fishing Seminar: 18:00 – 19:30 Hours
- Dive Team Captains Meeting: 19:00 – 19:30 Hours
Saturday, June 29:
Location: Sands Harbor Resort & Marina, 125 N Riverside Drive, Pompano Beach, FL 33062
- Open Waves Warfare (Lionfish Hunt): 07:00 – 15:00 Hours
- Return to Base, Scales Open: 13:00 Hours
- Dock Party, Music by Mango Man: 15:00 – 19:00 Hours
- Scales Close, Kill Counts Tabulated: 18:00 Hours
- Awards & Veterans Salute: 18:30 Hours
- Silent Auction Closes, Dismissed: 19:00 Hours
Registration and Participation
Team Entry: $100 per team (teams can consist of up to 2 divers). Boats can have more than one team competing. Each team must have one member attend the mandatory captain’s pre-briefing at Sands Harbor Resort & Marina. Teams will receive two wristbands to the Awards Party, two event shirts, and two raffle tickets to win a Yeti cooler and more!
Operation Lionfish Payouts:
| **Most Lionfish** | **1-19 Teams** | **20-39 Teams** | **40+ Teams** |
|------------------------|----------------|-----------------|---------------|
| **1st Place** | $500 | $700 | $1,000 |
| **2nd Place** | $250 | $350 | $500 |
| **3rd Place** | | $150 | $250 |
| **4th Place** | | | $150 |
| **Biggest Lionfish** | **1-19 Teams** | **20-39 Teams** | **40+ Teams** |
|------------------------|----------------|-----------------|---------------|
| **1st Place** | $250 | $350 | $450 |
| **2nd Place** | $150 | $200 | $250 |
| **3rd Place** | | $100 | $150 |
| **4th Place** | | | $100 |
| **Sniper – Smallest Lionfish** | **1-19 Teams** | **20-39 Teams** | **40+ Teams** |
|-------------------------------|----------------|-----------------|---------------|
| **1st Place** | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| **2nd Place** | $100 | $150 | $200 |
| **3rd Place** | | $100 | $150 |
| **4th Place** | | | $100 |
Other Awards: Divers will win various awards and prizes from sponsors throughout the event and awards party.
Special Features
- Captain Bouncer’s Saltwater Fishing Clinic: Learn tips and tricks from the sportfishing legend himself.
- Dock Party: Enjoy live music by Mango Man and storytelling by diving and fishing legends.
- Silent Auction: Bid on exciting items and experiences, with all proceeds supporting Warfighter Scuba.
How to Get Involved?
- Register a Lionfish Team: Compete in the Lionfish Hunt with a partner. Registration is $100 per team.
- Sponsor a Veteran: Help a veteran participate in the Lionfish Contest.
- Join the Fun: Participate in the Captain’s Meeting, weigh-in, and awards party.
Support a Worthy Cause
Warfighter Scuba provides therapeutic SCUBA diving experiences for combat-wounded veterans, helping them heal and find peace through underwater exploration. By participating in Operation Lionfish, you’re not only having a great time but also supporting a crucial cause.
Rules of Engagement
- Fish must be dropped off no later than 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 29, 2024. No exceptions.
- Operation Lionfish Teams consist of 2 divers, but multiple teams can be on one boat.
- Registration includes two wristbands, T-shirts, raffle tickets, and entry to the Captain’s Party and Awards.
- Mandatory team captain meeting on Friday night at Sands Harbor Resort & Marina.
Gear Up!!!!
To ensure you’re fully prepared, Zookeeper, Force-E Scuba, & Life League Gear offers all the necessary equipment for a successful lionfish hunt. From Zookeepers, Lobster League protective gloves, and pole spears to high-quality snorkels, fins, and the Chiefy Snare by Lobster League, we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss the Captain’s Meeting for last-minute gear checks and dive strategies!
Key Sponsors
A special thank you to our sponsors:
- Guy Harvey Outpost Resorts
- ZOOKEEPER
- Fore-E Scuba Centers
- Neal Watson's Bimini Scuba Center
- Chiefy
- Florida Fish and Wildlife
- Dive Industry Association
- Life League Gear | Lobster League
Join us for an unforgettable weekend at Operation Lionfish 2024. Clear the path, support our veterans, and enjoy a fantastic community event. Register now and be part of the action!
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Images to follow the event by The League of Extraordinary Artists: www.TheLXA.com