Team Chemistry Propells Darbie and the Killbox

With three events remaining in the newly formatted Florida Division of the InTheBite Captain of the Year Cup, Captain Cody Darbie aboard the 47’ Freeman Killbox has the lead. Darbie sits atop the standings with 1,150 points — 50 points ahead of Captain Jorge Sanchez aboard Priceless, who just capped off a big win during the February Leg 2 Sailfish Challenge, as the season enters its final stretch of three total sanctioned tournaments.

Born and raised in the Florida Keys, Darbie developed an instinctive understanding of how sailfish adjust to shifting wind and sea conditions. That local knowledge has translated directly into performance this season. He credits the current run to momentum carried over from strong summer tournament finishes, last year’s Gold Cup victory, and steady execution this year that includes a Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship Title, one win, and two second-place finishes in sanctioned tournaments.

“We’re having a great run, and it’s a credit to the crew and the preparation that goes into every event.” — Captain Cody Darbie

Darbie is quick to recognize his seasoned crew. The Killbox team has fished together for more than four years, building a rhythm that shows up when tournament pressure is highest. From the labor-intensive process of catching and preparing live bait days before a sanctioned tournament, to fine-tuning tackle and carefully monitoring conditions, the crew approaches each event with discipline and consistency.

Preparation has been a defining factor. The team places a premium on bait quality, gear readiness, and reading current edges before lines ever go in. In the Florida Division — where small adjustments often separate first from second — that level of detail has kept Killbox in contention week after week.

Next up for Darbie and his crew is the Jimmy Johnson Quest for the Ring, set for March 3–6 in Key Largo. With the Florida Division title within reach, Darbie is also working to fish the Final Sail in April — another key sanctioned tournament that could solidify his hold on the division lead. But keep an eye on Captain Jorge Sanchez and the Priceless team who sits right on Darby’s heels.

As the remaining sanctioned tournaments approach, the pressure builds. In a division known for depth and experienced teams, nothing is guaranteed. Darbie has positioned himself to lead his team toward the Florida Division title, but he will need a strong final stretch to secure one of the sport’s most respected professional achievements.

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Off the Bridge

A quick look beyond the tournament spread with Captain Cody.

If you were a fish, what would you be?
“I’d be some sort of pelagic. I like to travel and keep moving.”

First concert?
“I’ve actually never been to one.”

If your team were a movie, which one would it be?
“Top Gun”

2026 Standings:

Capt. Cody Darbie / Killbox / 1,150 pts.

• Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, 1st Place, 500 pts.
• Islamorada Fishing Club’s Sailfish Tournament, 3rd Place, 100 pts.
• Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament, 2nd Place, 300 pts.
• Florida Keys Gold Cup Championship Series Champion, 250 pts.

Capt. Jorge Sanchez / Priceless/ 1100 pts.

• Silver Sailfish Derby, 2nd Place, 300 pts.
• Operation Sailfish, 2nd Place, 300 pts.
• Sailfish Challenge, 1st Place, 500 pts.

Capt. Luis Coll / Luckyboy, Astra Sails / 500 pts.

• Dust ‘Em Off Sailfish Warmup, 1st Place, 500 pt

Florida Division Events Remaining

• March 3-6 Jimmy Johnson Quest for a RIng
• April 8-12 Viking Key West Challenge
• April 8-11 Final Sail Leg 3  

Follow the Florida Division race? Share this update with your crew and fellow competitors.

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The CHAMPIONSHIP OF SPORTFISHING.

The InTheBite Captain of the Year Cup is the world’s foremost competition for professional sportfishermen. The world’s only quantifiable metric for comparing the tournament success of captains, winning an InTheBite Captain of the Year Award is a major achievement. The Cup is composed of five divisions that span the sportfishing world: East Coast, Florida, Gulf Coast, Hawaii and International. It is comprised of 90-sanctioned tournaments. The SCORING SYSTEM is: 1^st Place: 500 points, 2^nd Place: 300 points, 3^rd Place: 100 points. Heaviest Marlin: 500 points. Overall Championship: 250 points. 12 Boat Tournament Minimum for points. *Hawaii Division Only: Points will also be given for 2nd Place Heaviest Marlin (300 points) and 3rd Place Heaviest Marlin (100 points)

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