As the new Sport Fishing Championship season quickly approaches, roster speculation surrounding the West Florida Black Flags has played out in dramatic fashion. After what looked to be the return of two-time SFC champion Justin Drummond to league competition, talks appeared to have stalled.
Sources close to the angling club now point to Captain Danny Watts and Marty Wilson being set to return to the West Florida Black Flags for 2026. From January, our reporting indicated that Watts and Wilson were in contention, pending they secure a new vessel with updated sonar capabilities. They seem to have followed through on their end of the deal, with Captain Watts now skippering American Made, a 2008 54’ Hatteras convertible.
Bringing Watts & company back into the fold provides continuity along with an opportunity to defend their exhibition title from winning the 2025 Catch Pro-Am alongside NFL players Kyle Rudolph and Blaine Gabbert.
SFC Insider Rudy Tomarchio is reaching out for comment from the Black Flags organization for official word on whether the signing is official. Be sure to follow along as this confirmation will leave one final chip to fall to finalize the 2026 Gulf Division field.
Third Coast Renegades return the favor and mount their own comeback win. Defending Champion Lone Stars knocked out of Zane Grey Championship Playoffs .
Lone Stars cash in the grand slam bonus, but two afternoon blue marlin have the Gulf Coast Cowboys on top heading into Championship Sunday
Renegades eye Gulf title, Lone Stars looking to rally tomorrow in ZGCP hunt.
Every fish matters this weekend in the hunt to the Zane Grey Championship Playoffs
Playoff scenarios and outlook for the regular season finale
Dino McDowell released the last fish of the tournament, which ultimately became a walk-off blue marlin.
