The Lionfish Smash proved to be a success with over 100
lionfish removed off Bimini’s reefs.
Bimini, the Bahamas – The Lionfish Smash kicked off its 2nd year with the South Florida Freedivers Club hosted by Bimini Bay Resort and Marina. Five boats totaling 13 free divers weathered the treacherous conditions (seas 6-8 feet and wind upwards to 20 knots) to make this event a true success.
Juan Comendeiro’s team of four divers, on a 39-foot SeaVee from Miami, eradicated the most with 41 Lionfish. The next boat - Manuel J. Menendez’s boat “Majo” with 38 captured Lionfish, caught not only the smallest lionfish at less than 3 inches, but also the largest at one pound, fifteen ounces. Joe Fernandez’s boat “Robalo 1” was the third boat seizing 13 Lionfish. There were two ties for Junior “Slay Master’s” – Giovanni and Cheeca with three Lionfish each. The boat Majo carried the event’s “Slay Master” Manuel J. Menendez with 29 lionfish, winning a complimentary stay at Bimini Bay Resort and Marina in a two bedroom luxury suite complete with dockage.
Fendz USA and Bimini Bay Resort were the principal sponsors of the Lionfish Smash with all proceeds donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Miami. In addition to presenting long sleeve neon orange tee-shirts, the sponsors hosted a fabulous dinner where TV Host and Pressure Cook, Ralph Pagano delighted participants with his delicious interpretations of Bahamian flavors to serve up the Lionfish! “His attention to detail, delicate touch and keen sense of taste made the Lionfish heavenly,” stated Danielle Dunfee of Bimini Bay Resort. Pagano is known for successfully going to hell and back with Gordon Ramsay’s in Hell's Kitchen and the epic Battle Barramundi versus Bobby Flat on Iron Chef America.
The modern resort and marina at Bimini Bay was once again the ideal setting for the Lionfish Smash. “The entire staff was extremely accommodating and everyone associated with the tournament raved about the food both at our social function and in the resorts restaurants,” said Joe Fernandez, South Florida Freedivers President. “The resort and its staff made the “Bimini experience” rewarding for both the first time visitor and the seasoned diver.”
The South Florida Freedivers is a grassroots organization focused on bringing together people who utilize the ocean as their playground. Meetings are held every 2nd Thursday at 7:30 PM at Scotty's Landing in Coconut Grove - Miami, Florida. The purpose of these meetings is to put together a group of likeminded individuals who respect and honor the best of the sport; local fishing regulations and practices, selectivity and conservation, and above all diver safety.
