The Tribune

FISHERMEN and foodies did their bit towards controlling the lion fish population and educating the public about the invasive species at the inaugural Out West Hospitality Group tournament on Saturday.

Seven boats spearing lion fish vied for top prizes including over $5,000 in cash and awards while nine varieties of dishes were sampled and voted on by hundreds of people at the Island Smokehouse restaurant afterwards.

The favourite was lion fish prepared in lemon capers while lion fish peas and grits proved popular. Other dishes included beer battered, smoked, broiled, curried, cajun, and lionfish cakes.

Members of the Bahamas Reef Environment Education Foundation were on hand to demonstrate proper handling and cleaning of the lion fish, an invasive species to Caribbean waters which has wreaked havoc on the marine life in the Bahamas.

Over 200 fish were caught by using a spear sling, 110 of which were taken by Peter Maillis’ crew (pictured above) who won an electric scooter, $800 cash and $400 in Out West Hospitality gift certificates.

Andrew Pike and his crew captured the biggest and longest lion fish at 16.5 inches. They also received $800 and $400 in gift certificates. John Andrew McKinney boosted the prize money by donating an additional $500, split $300 to the second placed team and $200 to third.

Photos: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff