4th Annual Lionfish Bash Results Are In: 276 Invasive Lionfish Removed from Bimini Ecosystem. Fun Family Fishing Event Raises Funds for Spinal Injury Victims. South Bimini, Bahamas – Bimini Sands Resort & Marina on South Bimini in the Bahamas hosted The Woody Foundation’s Lionfish Bash for the fourth year in a row on August 15-17, 2014. The popular family spearfishing event led to the removal of 276 lionfish – a non-native, invasive species that is threatening native fish stocks in the Bahamas and Florida – from the waters around Bimini.
The Lionfish Bash is an annual event created to raise awareness about lionfish as well as to benefit The Woody Foundation, a Miami-based non-profit organization that raises funds to aid in the recovery of persons with spinal injuries. Foundation Board Member James “Woody” Beckham, whose severe spinal injury during a college rugby game in 2011 launched The Woody Foundation, attended the Lionfish Bash in person as he has done every year, inspiring all the participants.
The results of the 4th Annual Lionfish Bash:
Lionfish: Rick Rodriguez, shown at left, (36.5 oz.)
Smallest Lionfish: Cody Gunthner (0.061 oz.)
Top Junior Angler: Trace Colson (18.5 oz.)
Most Lionfish Caught, 1st Place: Team Spears & Beers (80)
Most Lionfish Caught, 2nd Place: Team Extra Expense (70).
The fun weekend event included a Captain’s Meeting at the Square Grouper tiki bar, a full day of spearfishing in the spectacular waters around Bimini, and an Awards Banquet at the resort’s waterfront Bimini Twist Restaurant. Most Lionfish Bash participants brought their own boats to the event, but Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center’s 40-foot dive boat, the Dive God, took out a group who did not have their own vessels.
“The Lionfish Bash is one of the most fun and rewarding events we host each year,” said Bimini Sands President and CEO Frank Cooney. “We enjoy seeing Woody Beckham, his family and fellow board members from The Woody Foundation, and watching the fun as the Lionfish Bash participants helped to rid our beautiful coral reefs of these invasive fish.”
“Thanks again to the Cooney Family for hosting The Lionfish Bash,” said Woody Beckham. “Everyone thoroughly enjoys this unique adventure to Bimini. I can’t wait ’til next year’s event!”
About Bimini Sands
Located just 50 miles from Miami on the Bahamas gateway island of South Bimini, this year-round resort features luxury one- and two-plus-bedroom villas with beach or marina views; a full-service marina accommodating boats up to 100 feet; the new Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center; three freshwater swimming pools, including an Infinity Pool overlooking the Gulf Stream; upscale dining-along with the island’s only sushi bar-and a full suite of eco-adventure water-sports activities. Minutes from Bimini International Airport with service to Florida and Nassau, Bimini Sands’ idyllic location offers spectacular views of Bimini’s luminous blue waters, sunsets over the Gulf Stream, coral reefs, and a secluded ocean beach just steps from your door. Family-owned and operated for more than 16 years, Bimini Sands Resort & Marina is one of the Bahamas’ best-rated family vacation destinations. For more information, visit www.biminisands.com and www.biminiscubacenter.com.
About The Woody Foundation
The Woody Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization formed in 2011 to raise funds for the recovery of people with spinal cord injuries. The namesake of The Foundation – James “Woody” Beckham – suffered his spinal cord injury while playing rugby with his college club team in January 2011. His family and friends have bonded together to support Woody by making donations to local charities that help others with similar spinal cord injuries. For more information, visit www.woodyfoundation.org.