Can you sell lionfish in Florida?

Lionfish caught in both state and federal waters off Florida can be landed in Florida and sold live in the aquarium trade. Must have documentation that the lionfish was imported prior to Aug. 1, 2014, and hold the appropriate wholesale or retail license.

Can you sell lion fish?

Sell lionfish harvest to the commercial market. Divers must possess a Saltwater Products License to sell commercially-harvested lionfish to a licensed Saltwater Wholesale Dealer. Learn more about FWC’s Commercial Saltwater Licenses.

Can you make money catching lionfish?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has a list of wholesale dealers buying lionfish on their website, typically hunters get about $5 or more per pound of their catch.

Where can I sell my fish in Florida?

In Florida, you can sell your catch to wholesale dealers licensed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Wholesale dealers may need corresponding federal dealer permits to purchase certain species in certain areas. Only sales to wholesale dealers count toward the Restricted Species Endorsement.

Is there a bag limit on lionfish?

Lionfish may be harvested from within the sanctuary without special permits as long as all existing state and federal (FKNMS) regulations are followed regarding no fishing areas and allowable gear types. There is no recreational or commercial limit on the number of lionfish an individual can collect from Florida.

Is there a bounty on lionfish in Florida?

Lionfish Removal in Florida Now Comes With a $5,000 Bounty.

How much can you sell lionfish for?

Prices vary, we have heard of lionfish being bought anywhere in the $4-$6 range for whole fish. Some dealers may require gutting and removing the spines beforehand. Head shots are encouraged to minimize the damage to the meat.

Do you need a license to hunt lionfish in Florida?

You do not need a license to hunt lionfish in Florida and there is no size or bag limit.

Can you sell caught fish in Florida?

Where can I sell my catch? In Florida, you can sell your catch to wholesale dealers licensed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Wholesale dealers may need corresponding federal dealer permits to purchase certain species in certain areas.

What fish can you sell in Florida?

Additional Permits

Where can I fish for lionfish in Florida?

Florida Panhandle from Mobile Bay, AL to Apalachicola, FL Jupiter, FL is one of my favorite places to dive along with the gorgeous Florida Keys, but it is the sheer quantity of lionfish in the northern Gulf of Mexico that makes it one of the best places to hunt lionfish.

Is there a limit on how many lionfish can be caught?

During this two-day season, the regular bag limit is six spiny lobster in state and federal waters of Biscayne National Park waters and off Monroe County, and 12 spiny lobster elsewhere. There is no bag limit for lionfish; harvesters can take as many as they want.

Is it legal to own lionfish in Florida?

The importation of live lionfish, breeding lionfish and the harvest and possession of lionfish eggs and larvae for any purpose other than destruction is prohibited (all 10 species of the genus Pterois). Lionfish caught in both state and federal waters off Florida can be landed in Florida and sold live in the aquarium trade.

How do you get rid of a lionfish?

Lionfish removal, or “hunting,” can be done freediving or scuba diving. In our case, scuba was necessary since we planned to dive at deeper depths.

How far off Destin can you dive to see lionfish?

The latter is what I did for the first time in May 2019 —12 miles off Destin, Florida. On three consecutive dives, our team of four divers removed every lionfish we could see on two reef sites and one wreck.

Do I need a fishing license to catch lionfish?

A recreational fishing license (unless exempt) is required for all other methods of harvesting lionfish including hook and line. The sale of commercially harvested lionfish requires a Saltwater Products License. Interested in selling lionfish?