The Florida Lionfish Tournament Begins Today

It's an annual event in the Sunshine State and it serves a variety of purposes, including fun. The Florida Lionfish Tournament begins today, and you'll find all of the details here.

Fishing is a favorite Southwest Florida past time. There are strictly enforced seasons for harvesting most species of fish. However, it is always encouraged to catch and keep lionfish when you find them.

Lionfish are gorgeous. Many people buy them for fish tanks then release them into the wild exacerbating the problem. They are an invasive species with no natural predator to keep them in check. These fish have been wreaking havoc on our precious coral reefs.

This statewide fishing tournament opens on May 24th and runs through September 2nd, 2024. The goal is to get rid of as many of these fish as possible. This is the 9th year of the tournament and so far about 195,000 lionfish have been removed from the state's waterways.

The fish are mesmerizing with their bright colors and flowing spines. However, those spines contain a dangerous toxin. They are found in several spots on the fish but not all of them have venom so do your research. Once those spines are removed, the fish is OK to eat and the meat is good.

There have been efforts to create a viable commercial market for the fish but so far it has fallen flat. First, you have to dive to catch them. Next, not all of the fish have plentiful meat under those spines. Finally, some chefs and fisherman are weary of cleaning them. All of this drives up the price.

If you dive and like to fish, give catching these guys a try and maybe you can win some prizes too. To find all of the rules and how you can participate in the Florida Lionfish Tournament, just click here.

I recently took a road trip from Fort Myers to Jupiter in Palm Beach County and found myself on an unexpected adventure. I also made a great. off the beaten path discovery. Here is a new Favorite Florida Pit Stop for seafood and Florida gator in Okeechobee.

Favorite Florida Pit Stops is a dining series featuring places to pull off the side of the road for a break and a bite while traveling on some of the state’s main corridors and back roads too. Most are family-owned spots.

If you've ever driven to the Palm Beaches from Southwest Florida, you know the route through the center to the state can be circuitous and sometimes slow. Part of the reason is a little 730 square mile lake called Okeechobee. You have to drive above or below it to get to the east coast.

Typically, I drive below. Alligator Alley is one route. It's a little out of the way but you can drive faster. The other route inland leads through Labelle and Clewiston, along the bottom of the lake.

However, this time I did something of questionable judgement. I blindly trusted Google Maps. The route took me along the top, or northern side of the lake through Okeechobee. Because I was not in a hurry for once and up for a new adventure, I obliged.

Winding through backroads lost in thought I finally realized where I was. Skirting Lake O were a slew of campgrounds and mobile home parks. After being up since 4am for work, it was time for a pit stop.

The stretch of Highway 78 did not have many businesses, no strip malls, then I saw a sign for Okeechobee Fish Company. It was pretty rustic, more like a shack. But I saw people standing in the parking lot so I did a u turn. Good call.

Orders are taken from a side, walk up window. Dining is al fresco. There is a tent for shade or picnic-like seating under the shade of trees.

The menu is quite large with lots of local sea and lake food. You'll also found numerous southern sides and a few surprises. However, catfish and gator dishes rule. These local proteins are served solo, in tacos, and sandwiches,

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The Facebook photo above is fried frog legs. Okeechobee Fish Company sells those too. They look pretty meaty. You'll also find a large selection of shrimp and oyster dishes among other seafood options.

For those who want more than seafood there are burgers, wings and sometimes smoked ribs.

Okeechobee Fish Company is closed Sunday but I always advise doubling checking restaurant hours. I would almost drive this more circuitous route again, just to stop here.

Finally, here are a few photos from this pit stop for seafood and Florida gator in Okeechobee. Yes, I tried some gator. Catfish too.

Do you have a favorite Florida Pit Stop? Share it with me if you will. Email me here.