Walton County’s Donald Vautrinot Named FWC Lionfish Commercial Champion
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) 2025 Lionfish Challenge marked its 10-year anniversary in a big way — and Walton County’s own Donald Vautrinot took top honors in the Commercial Division.
Vautrinot earned the title of Commercial Champion after removing an incredible 1,161.04 pounds of invasive lionfish from Florida waters during the summer-long tournament. His efforts helped highlight both the environmental importance and the skill of local anglers working to protect the state’s reefs.
The annual FWC Lionfish Challenge drew more than 500 divers statewide who completed over 1,100 dive trips and removed more than 30,000 lionfish. The competition rewards participants who remove the most lionfish throughout the season, with prizes and recognition for both recreational and commercial divers.
In the Recreational Division, Paul Carlson of Palm Beach County claimed the title of Lionfish King by harvesting 1,542 lionfish over 73 dive trips. He was followed by Kris Anderson of Texas with 1,098 lionfish and Helen Rodney of Broward County with 962.
“The diving community across our state plays a vital role in promoting conservation and raising awareness of this invasive species,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “Congratulations to our 2025 Lionfish King and Commercial Champion.”
FWC’s Jessica McCawley, director of the Division of Marine Fisheries Management, added, “Every year, we’re blown away by the enthusiastic participation during the Lionfish Challenge. We’re grateful to all the divers for their dedication to a healthy Florida marine ecosystem.”
Now celebrating a decade of success, the FWC Lionfish Challenge continues to inspire conservation-minded divers to help protect native species and preserve Florida’s underwater ecosystems.
Learn more at MyFWC.com/Lionfish.
Record-Breaking Gulf Red Snapper Season in Full Swing
Anglers across Northwest Florida are in the thick of the 2025 Gulf Red Snapper recreational season — and it’s one for the record books. With 126 total fishing days, this year marks the longest Gulf red snapper season in state history.
“Florida is the fishing capital of the world—with 4 million licensed anglers and generations of families who enjoy our waters,” Governor Ron DeSantis said in May. “Smart state management of Gulf waters has allowed us to offer these record-breaking opportunities year after year.”
The 2025 Gulf red snapper season opened over Memorial Day weekend and continues with fall weekend openings through December, including Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
Remaining fall season dates include: Oct. 24–26, Oct. 31–Nov. 2, Nov. 7–9 and 11 (Veterans Day), Nov. 14–16; Nov. 21–23, Nov. 27–30 (Thanksgiving weekend), Dec. 5–7, 12–14, 19–21 and 25–28 (Christmas weekend).
The extended season is made possible through data collected by the State Reef Fish Survey, which helps the FWC monitor recreational harvests and ensure sustainable fisheries management.
Anyone fishing for red snapper from a private recreational vessel in state or federal waters must be registered as a State Reef Fish Angler, even if exempt from fishing license requirements. Registration and more information are available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com. For full regulations and updates, visit MyFWC.com/Marine.
Fishing News is brought to you by The Ships Chandler, a trusted name in Gulf Coast boating since 1980, serving Walton County in its Freeport location (17309 Highway 331 (32439). The 14-acre marine and service center provides top-quality fishing and pontoon boats, outboard motors and complete marine support for local boaters and anglers. Coming soon: 170 paved, covered storage spaces for boats and RVs! Open Mon–Fri: 7 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday: 7 a.m.–noon; Sunday: Closed
(850) 880-6259
