All images Courtesy of Endless Imagery
This edition of Furuno Captain on a Run highlights one of the tightest finishes in the history of the Florida Division, as Captain Jorge “Tito” Sanchez of Miami, Florida, aboard the Priceless, edges out the competition to claim the Lindgren-Pitman Florida Division Captain of the Year title.
In a season defined by consistency, pressure, and razor-thin margins, Sanchez secured the win by just 50 points.
Finishing just behind him was Florida Keys captain Cody Darbie on Killbox, who put together a strong campaign totaling 1,150 points. Darbie had opportunities to extend his lead late in the season, particularly during the Jimmy Johnson tournament, but momentum slipped away after an early bite on Day 2 that didn’t materialize into a leaderboard finish.
That opened the door—and Sanchez capitalized.
The Difference-Maker
Heading into the final stretch of the 2026 Lindgren-Pitman Florida Division schedule with the Jimmy Johnson and Final Sail events remaining, Sanchez and Team Priceless were trailing Darbie by 50 points. The margin was slim, but the path forward was clear—execute in the final events and stay consistent.
The turning point came at the Jimmy Johnson tournament, where Sanchez secured a 3rd place finish, earning 100 COTY points that ultimately proved to be the difference in the standings.
“That was a big one for us,” Sanchez said. “Overall, it was an amazing season. We had a great year and I’m really happy with the result.”
While Darbie and Team Killbox were unable to fish the final sanctioned Florida Division event, the Final Sail tournament, Sanchez and his team showed up in Miami with an opportunity to extend their lead.
A Season Built on Consistency
Unlike some standout seasons built on dominant wins, Sanchez’s run was defined by steady, consistent performance across the board.
“The fishing for us was consistent,” he explained. “I wouldn’t say it was great or slow but rather steady. Around six fish a day on average.”
That consistency proved to be the foundation of a championship run.
Sanchez also pointed to a mix of veteran experience and new energy within the team as a key factor.
“We’ve got some guys who’ve been with me for over 20 years, and some newer guys,” he said. “It all came together really well this year.”
Final Sail: A Swing for the Win
At the Final Sail tournament, Sanchez and Team Priceless entered with a chance to not only protect their lead but make a statement.
After a solid Day 1 that had them sitting in 4th place, the team made a strategic decision heading into Day 2—to go for the win.
“I’d rather win the tournament or finish at the bottom than sit in the middle,” Sanchez said.
That mindset led them to push into uncrowded water in search of a stronger bite. It didn’t pay off.
“We went to where we thought the fish would be, and it just wasn’t there,” he said. “Lost a couple early and never got it going. Probably our worst day in a couple years.”
Even so, the points cushion held—and it was enough.
Owner-Operator, Lifetime Waterman
One of the more unique aspects of Sanchez’s win is his role as both captain and owner of the Priceless, a family-run program with deep roots.
“I’ve been running boats for about 20 years,” he said. “The Priceless is me and my dad’s boat, so it’s a family thing.”
That perspective adds another layer to the achievement. This isn’t just a professional campaign—but a lifetime on the water paying off.
A Championship Run
In the end, the 2026 Lindgren-Pitman Florida Division came down to execution, timing, and a handful of critical moments.
A 3rd place finish when it mattered.
A competitor unable to fish the final event.
And a season built on consistency rather than peaks and valleys.
For Captain Jorge “Tito” Sanchez and Team Priceless, it was enough to secure the title—and earn their place atop one of the most competitive divisions in sportfishing.
A 50-point margin.
A season-long grind.
And a well-earned Captain of the Year victory.
Off the Bridge
A quick look beyond the tournament spread with Captain Jorge:
If you were a fish, what would you be?
“Sailfish”
First concert?
“2006 – Beyoncé”
If your team were a movie, which one would it be?
“Old School”
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