Apex Predator Summer Showdown
Schedule
Sat, 29 Aug, 2026 at 07:00 am to Sun, 30 Aug, 2026 at 04:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
101 N Riverside Dr, Pompano Beach, FL 33062-5003, United States | Pompano Beach, FL
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Apex Predator Summer Showdown – 2026The Hunt Expands. The Mission Continues!
The Apex Predator Summer Showdown returns in August 2026 with an expanded format that opens participation to personal boats, and multiple dive outfitters as well as expanded hunt areas. This two-day conservation-focused tournament brings together the dive community to combat one of the greatest threats to Florida’s reefs — invasive lionfish.
Event Dates & Times
The Summer Showdown (Two Day Derby):
Tournament Start: Saturday, August 29, 2026 – 7:00AM
Tournament End: Sunday, August 30, 2026 – 4:00 PM
Awards: Sunday, August 30, 2026 – 5:00 PM
Mini Showdown (Single Dive Derby):
Tournament Start: Saturday, August 29, 2026 – 8:00AM
Tournament End: Saturday, August 29, 2026 – 1:30 PM
Awards: Saturday, August 29, 2026 – 1:00 PM
Tournament Format
The Summer Showdown (2 Day Derby)
The Summer Showdown Derby runs both Saturday and Sunday and is open to:
• Personal boats
• Divers using their own selected dive outfitters
Divers will compete in teams of two to remove as many lionfish as possible. Each participant will receive a commemorative Apex Predator challenge coin as well as a long sleeve hooded SPF shirt. Participants may hunt anytime between daylight Saturday morning and 4:00 PM Sunday, submitting fish for official measure and count on Sunday. Hunters may hunt anywhere in Florida, but all fish must be presented during the official count and measure ceremony on Sunday August 30th for the fish to count.
Mini Showdown – South Florida Diving Headquarters
In addition to the main derby, a Mini Derby will be hosted at South Florida Diving Headquarters. Participants will board a chartered dive boat and head out to designated dive sites to hunt. Divers will compete in teams of two to remove as many lionfish as possible during a two-tank dive. Each participant will receive a commemorative Apex Predator challenge coin as well as a long sleeve hooded SPF shirt.
• Single-boat, single-dive tournament (Saturday Morning)
• Participation limited to divers on the chartered boat
• Mini Derby awards at approximately 1:30 PM Saturday
• All fish caught during the Mini derby will be counted toward the Summer Showdown Derby totals if the participant has registered for both derbies.
Packet Pickup & Check-In
All participants for the Summer Showdown must attend packet pickup and check-in on Saturday morning in Pompano Beach.
This applies to both Main Derby and Mini Derby participants.
Awards & Scoring
Summer Showdown Awards
Main Derby awards will be presented Sunday at 5:00 PM following the official close of the tournament. Fish will be turned in in Pompano Beach.
Categories:
1. Most Lionfish Caught: $300 cash prize
2. Largest Lionfish: $200 cash prize
3. Smallest Lionfish: $100 cash prize
Mini Derby Awards
Mini Derby awards will be presented Saturday at 1:30 PM following completion of the single dive.
This derby will happen on a chartered boat with South Florida Diving Headquarters. Your Registration includes entry on the boat but participants must provide their own dive gear.
Categories:
1. Most Lionfish Caught: $150 cash prize
2. Largest Lionfish: $100 cash prize
3. Smallest Lionfish: $50 cash prize
Final Notes
• Tournament rules, safety requirements, and scoring details will be provided prior to the event
• All participants must complete packet pickup and check-in to be eligible for awards
• Conservation, safety, and sportsmanship are core expectations of the Apex Predator series
Join us and help protect Florida’s reefs while competing in the 2026 Apex Predator Summer Showdown.
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Where is it happening?
101 N Riverside Dr, Pompano Beach, FL 33062-5003, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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