Fishermen start your engines, because with over $5,000 in prizes to be won, simply for removing a few invasive lion fish species from Bahamian waters, gassing up the boat will be more than worth it.
As the fishermen do their part, members of the public who aren't able to catch any lionfish can remain on the shore and sample delicious
lionfish offerings that will be prepared by Island Smokehouse. Topping it all off, the evening will conclude with a performance by Willis & The Illest, a conscious roots dub-style reggae band that fuses rock, hip-hop, jazz and other genres into their musical sound.
"The main objective of the lionfish tournament and tasting is to familiarize the public with the fact that lionfish is good eating," said tournament director Jenny Pinder. "One person described the taste as if a grouper and crawfish had a baby, so we're getting the public aware that it's good eating and doing our part to get rid of them, because the lionfish is destroying the marine life and Out West Hospitality Group just wants to do its part with the community to try and rid our waters of this invasive species that is causing havoc in our waters."
Fishermen can head out at the crack of dawn on Saturday, July 19 to engage in Hawaiian sling fishing (spear fishing) for the lionfish, anywhere in Bahamian waters that they want to fish, but they need to be back to the marina at Island Smokehouse at Elizabeth and Bay Street by 3 p.m. for their fish to be counted and weighed between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
"If fishermen want to, they can bring their boat to Elizabeth and Bay, or they can drive their fish catch in if they're, say, out at Lyford. But they just need to be there by 3 p.m." said Pinder.
The fisherman catching the most lionfish will take home $800, an electric scooter and $400 in gift certificates redeemable at any Out West Hospitality restaurant including Traveller's Rest, The Beach House and Island Smokehouse.
The person catching the biggest lionfish will walk away with $800 and $400 in restaurant gift certificates.
As patrons wait for the fishermen to return with their catch, they can indulge in lionfish dishes prepared by Island Smokehouse like sliders, ceviche and tacos, with all the popular Bahamian sides.
BREEF, BASRA and the Bahamas National Trust will also have a presence at the event. Demonstrations on the proper way to handle lionfish and their cleaning will also be done.
With bouncy castles to keep the children entertained, Pinder said the lionfish tournament and sampling event should amount to a fantastic day for adults and the littlest members of the family.
"It's going to be a great day by the bay, not to be missed," she said. "The general public will pay $10 dollars to sample and be educated on how to handle, clean and cook the delicious fish. Included in the cover charge, patrons will be able to enjoy scrumptious lionfish dishes, Bahamian sides, a cash bar and vote on their favorite lionfish dish."
Willis & The Illest caps off the day's activities with a performance at Island Smokehouse, starting at 9 p.m., and patrons will be in for a treat from the group fronted by lead vocalist Willis Knowles, as the band bridges the gaps of music, people and culture through their energetic performances representing love, peace, unity and positive vibes.
Fishermen have to sign up with Jenny Pinder to compete in the lionfish competition, by emailing jennypinder@me.com or telephoning 427-1542.

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