KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — Heralding the height of the Florida Keys sailfish season, the 16thannual Key Largo Sailfish Challenge is set for Friday through Sunday, Jan. 6-8.

Characterized by friendly but serious competition, professionalism and camaraderie among anglers who put their 20-pound line skills to task, the event is to be headquartered at Sundowners on the Bay, located at mile marker 103.9 bayside in Key Largo.

Cash prizes and trophies await the tournament’s first-, second- and third-place teams.

The annual boat tournament’s action begins with a 6 p.m. registration Friday at Sundowner’s with cocktails and a kick-off party to follow.

Fishing begins Saturday, Jan. 7, with lines in the water at 8 a.m. Lines-out is to be called at 4 p.m. Sunday’s fishing runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cocktails and a buffet are set for 6:30 p.m., with the awards ceremony to follow at 7:30 p.m.

Auctions and raffles are to highlight the weekend event, whose proceeds benefit the Coral Shores High School band program.

Up to four anglers per boat can register. Entry fee for the first angler per boat is $525, the second and third pay $475 each, and there is no charge for the fourth.

Tournament registration: Tammie Gurgiolo at 305-240-9337 or fishnbully@msn.com