GULF DIVISION POWER RANKINGS: June 11, 2025
We're heading into the third Gulf event of the season, and SFC Insider gives an update on the power rankings for the division.
Less than 24 hours away from the Gulfport Mississippi Open, here’s how the clubs stack up according to SFC Insider.
1) Mississippi Blues
This is their home event, and the team has been hot since an unlucky showing at the Hurricane Hole Louisiana Open on Mother’s Day weekend. Bluefin tunas should hopefully be gone by now, so the expectations are high for the Blues to get back in the winner’s circle. With the city of Gulfport supporting them, it’s hard not to bet on the Blues. This is also Captain Jimmy “Cricket” Crochet’s backyard, so it would be even sweeter to get this win for him at home to celebrate with family and friends.
2) West Florida Black Flags
After a third place finish in the Hurricane Hole Louisiana Open, the Black Flags are breaking in a new mate they picked up from Orange Beach, Alabama. Both Captain Danny Watts and Marty Wilson are from Biloxi, so there’s some hometown support for them as well. Only 500 points separate the Black Flags from the second playoff berth.
3) Gulf Coast Cowboys
Should “the script” hold true, the Cowboys are actually my pick to win this tournament. But these are power rankings, not odds to win the Gulfport Mississippi Open, so I have them ranked as high as third, even though they sit tied for fifth in the season point standings. When everything starts to come together for the Cowboys, watch out. They’ve been known to string together wins and big points once the ball gets rolling.
4) Louisiana Canyons
The runners-up at the Hurricane Hole Louisiana Open have been hit with several mechanical issues since, losing an engine on the way home was the beginning of it. Routine maintenance and modifications from purchasing a new boat. When purchasing a boat as big as a 92’ enclosed bridge, there’s a lot to learn and sort through, plus modify to their enjoyment.
5) Texas Lone Stars
Good news: Captain Spencer Johnson has his boat back for the first time this season. “Freebird” has been set free from a months-long refit. Bad news: there’s still a couple of items on the punch list that the crew is scrambling to sort out prior to the tournament. A couple of trips for parts and supplies will hopefully have them ready for the journey.
6) Third Coast Renegades
How are the division leaders second from the bottom?
Simple. There’s a substitute.
This isn’t Captain Landon Bell and Gregg Trenor on the boat this weekend. Captain Adam McGugin and Home Made, a 64’ Winter Custom based out of Orange Beach Alabama will be filling in. That team is formidable, but they still find their way near the bottom of the power rankings simply because of being a last-minute addition.
Preparation is always important to any operation. Even with the best captains, crews and equipment, late notice usually does not fare well for a competitive outcome. Be it boat repairs, maintenance, roster changes or replacing an entire crew. Preparation matters.
7) Alabama Angling Club
I am hearing there will not be representation from Alabama Angling Club this week at the Gulfport Mississippi Open, meaning the club will default to seventh place. Pretty safe bet to put this club at the bottom with that information.