Divers and anglers competing in the Emerald Coast Reef Association’s third annual Haunted Harvest Lobster, Snapper and Lionfish Tournament raised more than $10,000 for artificial reef construction in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area, according to the nonprofit.
- The tournament was held Oct. 23-24 at Harbor Tavern on Destin Harbor. More than 20 competitors took part, and dozens of spectators, some traveling from out of town, turned out to cheer them on, according to ECRA.
Competitors had excellent sea conditions on the first day of the tournament. Water was rougher on day two, but many still headed offshore to compete, the association said. In addition to raising money for reefs, the event helped spread awareness of the ecological threat posed by invasive lionfish.
“Our tournament is more than just a friendly competition. It’s a way for divers, anglers, and ocean advocates to directly support the Emerald Coast Reef Association’s mission of building and maintaining sustainable artificial reefs,” said ECRA President Savanna Christy. “Events like this strengthen our community while helping protect and enhance the marine ecosystems we all enjoy. We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors and participants for making this positive impact possible.”
Awards went to the top three entries in each of five categories: spiny lobster, slipper lobster, red snapper by spear, red snapper by rod and reel, and lionfish. According to ECRA, every category was closely contested.
Returning competitors Team Lady Ray took first place for both the largest lobster, at 7.1 pounds, and the largest lionfish, at 16.92 inches. The team also came close in the red snapper category, finishing just behind Rick Johnson, whose 27.1-pound red snapper, taken by spear, earned the top spot.
Butch Ray, Captain of Team Lady Ray, said the team has competed in the tournament since it began.
- “We’ve competed in this tournament since the very beginning, and bringing home the largest lobster made this year one we won’t forget,” Ray said. “It’s a great group of people, the competition was close all weekend, and every dollar goes toward building reefs that make the fishing and diving here better for everyone. We’ll definitely be back next year.”
In other categories, Jacob Luttrell recorded the heaviest red snapper caught by rod and reel at 6.2 pounds, edging out his father, Seth Luttrell, who weighed in a 6.1-pound fish. The heaviest slipper lobster weighed in at 1.8 pounds and was brought in by Alex Fogg, who abstained from prizes. In the spiny lobster category, Brad Murchison and Christopher Prem each weighed in lobsters at 6.9 pounds.
Lionfish removal was a focus throughout the weekend. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Zookeeper, longtime sponsors of the lionfish category, returned this year to help make the event possible, according to ECRA.
Participants reported removing a combined 497 lionfish, according to the results. Those totals were not part of the tournament scoring and are used for FWC tracking. Kris Anderson reported the most, with 172 lionfish.
The tournament also supported scientific research. Samples were collected from lobsters weighed in during the event to support research led by Clemson University.
The Emerald Coast Reef Association is a local nonprofit committed to conserving marine ecosystems. Through education, community involvement and sustainable practices, the organization works to protect and restore the health of the ocean for future generations.
Full tournament results and membership information are available at www.ecreef.org.
