Looking for keys lionfish trip sept 22-25

[Mermaid0sea]

Hi,

Will be down in the keys during Sept and seeking a scuba charter that will allow me to hunt lionfish. I am flexible on time and location.


Thanks!
M

[kwtony]

The "Keys" is pretty long. People that live in Key West, might not be able to help a Key Largo diver, even if it is still technically in the "keys". I know of some spots up there, but if you could specify(roughly), between MM 0 - MM 100 so that the appropriate locals might be able to point you in the right direction, you might have better luck . Even a Upper Middle or Lower Keys would help.

Even with just a lion buster, from my experience many commercial dive companies simply wont allow poking devices while there are recreational divers near by. Some companies offer spear only trips specifically for those that need to see green blood...

Lions are great, but going out to target them specifically might not be the best plan of action, but a great secondarys. If you are on scuba and can carry a lion poker AND a speargun you might get more then just Lions. I know that when I am going down for bugs, I carry a gun just in case. Of course not to shoot the loster, but because I will always see a monster fish swim by if i dont have my weapons of mass destruction with me...or some stupid size grouper hiding out in the same holes as the lobsta...

That being said, a dead lion is a good lion...two for one special...

[Mermaid0sea]

Got you. We plan to stay in Key Largo but we are going to Key West one day maybe. Thanks for the info. I basically will not shoot regular fish so i may be out of luck. That being said I keep trying for derbies. Haven't been lucky yet. The weather got me the last tume and the first time did not go to areas that were not known for lionfish.

Thanks for the heads up.

M

[sharpshooter]

We have plenty of lionfish off St. Pete. for you to shoot. Are you eating them,research,etc.?

[Mermaid0sea]

I want some dinner. I don't have a boat. I would live tongo locally as well. I just happen to be going to the keys that wek and heard there are lots down there.

I have not seen many except the last time I went on a charter who was kind enough to take me to a secret spot to practice with my pole spear. I did finally try. I upgraded to a smaller easier to use elf spear to go with my zookeeper. Now all i need is some people willing to take me and i can chip in for gas and stuff. I could make cookies if that will get me on a boat

[kwtony]

Originally Posted by mermaid0sea

i could make cookies if that will get me on a boat

now were talkin!!!!!!

[sharpshooter]

One of my local friends named Stranglehold on this site has a boat and loves peanut butter cookies. You can probably bribe him. Another friend of mine bribed him with some great sandwichs. Good luck in the Keys and post a few pics of you and your lionfish catch.

[Mermaid0sea]

Thanks!!! I am down here now. Just getting set up. Thanks for the ideas.

[kwtony]

Stay off the roads for the day. Poker run... Its MADNESS out there right now!!

[Mermaid0sea]

Also let me know when you are goin in St. Pete. I will make cookies.

[sharpshooter]

How did you do on the lionfish?

[Mermaid0sea]

I need practice. I got one. My accyracy is 25%. Everybody has to start somewhere. I hope this will not deter people from taking me in the future. I went to Islamorada with Keys Dives. They don't go always in protected areas. I cannot say enough nice things about them. I had to cut diving short as i have to get back to west coast for family issues. So one lionfish better than none.

[kwyoungspear]

If you go down to key west hit up my dad, Bob Elkins. 3053043146. We hit the Lion Fish pretty hard as well as other reef fish and Lobster. He's been mainly Lobstering so I'm sure his spots are all stocked up.

[Tyson Brown]

Originally Posted by kwyoungspear

If you go down to key west hit up my dad, Bob Elkins. 3053043146. We hit the Lion Fish pretty hard as well as other reef fish and Lobster. He's been mainly Lobstering so I'm sure his spots are all stocked up.

Do you guys run charters, or are you just a swell guy?