The largest lionfish tournament in the world!

The Destin-30A-Fort Walton-Navarre area has some of the best fishing in the world. This stems from the lush, vibrant ecosystem under those emerald green waters. In an effort to keep this ecosystem flourishing every year, the Destin area hosts the Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament. It’s the perfect opportunity to Vacay Your Way with some Reel-Play! Salt Water Vacations has many properties with private boat slip access. And let’s face it, if you’re planning a fishing trip, you might as well hit the area known as the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.

The Emerald Coast Open (ECO) is the largest lionfish tournament in the world! Last year, ECO had 189 participants and removed 19,167 lionfish throughout the tournament and throughout subsequent events. For those of you who don’t know, lionfish are an invasive species not native to the area. They have very few predators and their abundance can cause havoc to an ecosystem. Where this tournament does not eradicate the species, it does cull them a bit and bring awareness to this dilemma.  

Big money, big prizes and most importantly, big bragging rights are up for grabs! Each team of up to 4 can go out for 2 days and harvest lionfish. You don’t have to be a professional, but you do have to sign up and get out on the water! 

The 2020 festival will be held from May 16th to May 17th at HarborWalk Village in Destin, Florida. With hundreds of vendors, ranging from good food and drinks to painting and local artists, you are guaranteed there will be something for every visitor to enjoy!

Salt Water Vacations invites you to come and enjoy some Reel-Play and Vacay Your Way. We have the perfect vacation home, condo or cottage to host you and your family and friends during this exciting Destin weekend. And don’t forget to check out our many properties with private boat slips to accommodate your watercraft. Give Salt Water Vacations a call today at (866) 675-2250 for more information on the tournament and festival or go online to saltwatervacay.com. We’ll help you find that perfect rental so you can enjoy some of the best fishing in the country.