When Keys fishermen aren't actually out fishing, you will typically find them hanging out on the docks talking about fishing. Eventually the topic always comes around to what is their favorite fish is to target. This usually leads to a heated discussion on the various attributes of the great game fish that travel through the waters off our islands.

Of course when it comes to fishing, size matters. Invariably, for some fishermen, it simply comes down to catching the biggest fish out there. For others, the focus is on the intensity of the fight or the spectacular acrobatic display put on during the battle. Eventually every fisherman seems to develop a specific attraction that keeps them out there day after day pursuing their favorite species.

I know one guy who only targets blue marlin. As I understand it, his passion for catching these spectacular fish grew out of a desire to win a prestigious marlin tournament-which he has accomplished many times over. For me, tournament marlin fishing conjures up visions of large (i.e. expensive) sport fishing boats, equipped with skilled crews and the finest fishing equipment money can buy. Serious marlin fishing really is a team sport, requiring considerable coordination among the captain, mate and the fisherman. I guess if I had that type of money I could also be persuaded to chase marlin too. The glamour of the tournament circuit and the sizable calcuttas only serve to accelerate the adrenaline rush associated with big game fishing. Anyone who doesn't get tachycardia when they see a big marlin jumping behind their boat really needs to try another pursuit.

I know another fisherman who is absolutely fixated on catching tarpon. This guy will literally pole right over tailing permit just so he can get a chance to cast at a rolling tarpon. I have to agree that tarpon are certainly a worthy adversary, as they will always find a way to challenge your skills and tackle. Their stunning display of aerial acrobatics, accented with the sun glinting off their silvery scales can literally take your breath away.

This time of the year in the Keys provides ample opportunity to chase one of the most sought after trophy fish: Sailfish. I don't know anyone who doesn't like to battle a sailfish, especially when you consider that they are one of the fastest fish in the ocean. Their spectacular jumping displays and bill thrashing are the hallmark of a great battle. Fishermen will proudly fly sailfish flags from their outriggers as they return to the docks, ensuring that everyone knows exactly how many sailfish they caught/released that day!

Fortunately, living in the Keys, we get the opportunity to catch a large variety of fish during their seasonal migrations through our waters. For this reason, most local fishermen remain flexible about their quarry, and do not become obsessed with targeting a single game fish. Most fishermen are more than happy to take on any respectable "target of opportunity" that attacks their lures.

It seems to me that most fishermen seem to become addicted to a single species primarily due to its power and impressive jumping display (billfish, tarpon, etc.).

However for me, my favorite offshore fish is the wahoo. I don't know exactly how wahoo got their name, but I am pretty sure it was the result of an innate scream let out by a fisherman as he watched the line scream off his reel to the point that he started seeing the bottom of his spool. The wahoo's trademark strike is a fast and sustained long run once they have inhaled your bait. Even after they have smoked your drag, they still have plenty of stamina in reserve to fight all the way to the boat. To this day, I am still in awe as I get that first glimpse of a wahoo's iridescent colors, pulsating as the fish starts to slowly come up from the depths of the cobalt blue ocean. Of course the real reason I love catching wahoo is that they make great tasting firm filets, that are delicious no matter how you prepare them. This is one of the reasons I always have a down rigger in my pattern. I probably catch two-thirds of my wahoo deep trolling a skirted hoo.

No matter what your favorite quarry, this is a great time of year to get out there and pursue a trophy. Most of these challenging fish are just outside the reef in 150 to 300 feet of water, so it doesn't take a lot of time or fuel to get out there catch the fish of a lifetime.

Pete Peterson welcomes comments and suggestions sent to petersonventures@aol.com.