The sailfish is a gorgeous creature and one of the world's great game fish. But it's the wrong fish to represent Florida as its state fish.

That's the message just out from veteran fishing writer (and occasional Sport Fishing contributor) Byron Stout, of Fort Myers.

Say what? How could anyone object to the sailfish as the state fish?

To find out exactly how, read Stout's column online (Kids Should Protest State Game Fish). You can get gist of his argument there, and you can get his alternative proposal here: tarpon. (In fact, Stout references SF's December feature that rates the world's great game fish as justification.)

Is he right? Should tarpon be the official Florida state fish? Or sailfish? Or something else? (Hardhead catfish not eligible!) What's your 2-cents'? Click on the link below to chime in or at least read the forum thread on this one.

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