The 2026 Sport Fishing Championship season officially began in Key West, and Pensacola has a team to rally behind.
American Made Sportfishing, a Gulf Coast-based offshore team competing aboard a 54’ Hatteras, will represent the West Florida Black Flags in the Gulf Division as part of the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC).
The SFC, founded in 2022, is a professional offshore fishing league designed to bring structure, storytelling, and national visibility to the sport of fishing. With teams competing across divisions, earning points throughout the season, and coverage distributed through ESPN+, YouTube, Hulu and Disney the league is often compared to a traditional professional sports model played out on the open ocean.
American Made is the only team representing Pensacola in this year’s Championship, with a crew rooted across the Gulf Coast, including Pensacola, Orange Beach, and Biloxi.
“This season is about more than competition,” said the team. “It’s about representing our coast, our people, and showing what Gulf fishing is all about on a national stage.”
The team will compete in a series of Gulf Division tournaments throughout the season, earning points toward a championship playoff held in Cabo San Lucas later this year.
Fans can follow along and watch live tournament coverage during the Key West Classic this weekend:
• YouTube: 2:00–3:00 PM ET
• ESPN+: 3:00–5:00 PM ET
Team American Made Sportfishing
Captain Danny Watts
Donnie McMahon of Pensacola
Jack Lauter (Junior Angler) of Pensacola
Marty Wilson of Biloxi
Alex Diaz
As the season begins, the team is inviting the Pensacola community to follow their journey, support locally, and be part of a growing sport that is gaining national attention.
