The West Florida Black Flags have officially secured their 2026 Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) roster, announcing the re-signing of Captain Danny Watts along with veteran angler Marty Wilson. After weeks of off-season speculation and shifting narratives, the organization has now confirmed the move.
Earlier reports suggested a potential return of two-time SFC champion Justin Drummond, but negotiations ultimately fell through. The Black Flags have instead doubled down on Captain Watts, who brings some new hardware along with him.
Watts and Wilson’s return was contingent upon securing a new vessel equipped with updated sonar technology, a benchmark now met. Captain Watts will helm American Made, a 2008 54-foot Hatteras convertible, providing the team with an upgraded platform heading into the new season.
Watts and Wilson won 2025's SFC's The Catch Pro-Am, alongside NFL standouts Kyle Rudolph and Blaine Gabbert. With that momentum, the Black Flags enter 2026's opening event in Key West with both confidence and experience.
West Florida Black Flags General Manager Bobby Fisher emphasized the importance of the signing in an official statement:
“Capt. Danny Watts and Marty Wilson have been excellent representatives of West Florida Black Flags Angling Club. We share the same commitment to building a championship organization and are excited to welcome them back to the club for 2026. With the season opener in Key West, we have an opportunity to set the tone in our home waters.”
Captain Watts also confirmed the deal and expressed enthusiasm about returning under the Black Flags banner:
“Our entire crew could not be more delighted to be flying the black flag high again this SFC season. We return with a new boat and some new faces in the cockpit, but one aspect remains the same: Honoring The Black Flag code. We’re relentless, and will be ready to raise the fish. Raise the Black.”
Backed by upgraded equipment and a battle-tested crew, we will see how that fares for the club leading into the heart of the Gulf Season.
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