Sport Fishing Championship

SFC Insider Rudy Tomarchio has learned that the New Jersey Sea Birds have re-signed Taylor Jean Sportfishing as their operating team on a new multi-year agreement, locking in one of the most consistent and decorated programs in the Atlantic Division heading into the 2026 SFC season and beyond.

The deal confirms earlier reports that the two sides were closing in on terms, and ensures continuity for an organization that has quickly become a model of sustained excellence on the SFC circuit. While we previously heard rumors of this being a multi-year deal, the statement released by Sea Birds AC Owner/President Ethan Rigel confirms this partnership is a minimum three-year deal.

“The New Jersey Sea Birds are thrilled to expand our partnership with Ken [Hager] and the Taylor Jean, cementing our team for the next three years and beyond,” said Sea Birds AC Owner & President Ethan Rigel. “We came into last season expecting the unknown but our results made massive waves in the sportfishing world, and demonstrates that we are committed to bringing the best athletes and team in the sport to the SFC.”

The Sea Birds are coming off a standout 2025 campaign in which they finished third overall at the Zane Grey Championship Playoffs in Cabo San Lucas and entered the postseason as Atlantic Division runners-up. Winners of the prestigious Walker’s Cay Open, the Sea Birds also recorded four second-place finishes and never finished lower than fourth in any SFC tournament last season, an unmatched level of consistency across the league.

At the helm is Captain Blaine Birch, who earned SFC First Team All-Pro honors and an Atlantic Division All-Star selection, while also being named a finalist for Captain of the Year at the SFC Awards. Birch’s success extended well beyond SFC waters, as Taylor Jean captured the White Marlin Open Release Division title, where Birch was named WMO Captain of the Year.

Capt. Birch provided this statement upon confirmation of the signing:

“The team and I are thrilled to have finalized a deal with the Sea Birds to return for the 2026 season. After an incredibly fun and competitive 2025, we’re excited to keep the momentum going with our amazing crew. Huge thanks to Ethan and Ken for their passion and commitment to the Sport Fishing Championship series. We know we’ve got a tough season ahead, and we’re looking forward to getting back together with the teams and chasing another killer year.”

Taylor Jean is a 62’ Viking whose roster includes 2025 SFC Mate of the Year Jarrett Birch (Blaine’s brother), First Team All-Pro mate/angler Stephen Birch (Blaine & Jarrett's cousin), Dave McKendrick, Stephen Melchiorre, Randy Karl, and Kade Roach.

2025 New Jersey Sea Birds Angling Club/Taylor Jean Results:

Fort Lauderdale Billfish Open: 2nd Place

Walkers Cay Open: 1st Place

HUK Charleston Billfish Cup: 4th Place Release, 1st Place Mahi

White Marlin Open (Billfish Overall): 1st Place

White Marlin Open “2025 Capt. of The Year”: Blane Birch

White Marlin Open “2025 Mate(s) of The Year”: Jarrett Birch & Steven Birch

Oak Bluffs Bluewater Classic: 1st Place Prize Money; 2nd Place Release Overall

HUK Big Fish Classic: 1st Place Bigeye Tuna

HUK Big Fish Classic: 2nd Place Overall

Beach Haven White Marlin Invitational: 3rd Place Overall

The MidAtlantic: 1st Place Blue Marlin; 2nd Place Release

Zane Grey Championship Playoffs: 3rd Place

*bold notes SFC competition

“I am happy to bring the Taylor Jean back to the Sport Fishing Championship to once again compete as the New Jersey Seabirds Angling Club,” said Ken Hager, boat owner/operator. “Last season proved that we have a strong captain in Blaine, our mate/anglers Jarrett and Stephen, all of our anglers, and with Ethan and his team.”

With the operating team now secured long-term, the New Jersey Sea Birds send a clear message: they’re not just chasing wins; they’re looking to build a dynasty.

Doing so requires more than the on-water competition; it involves building the community of support around the club both operationally and growing their fanbase. Returning in 2026 is the club’s Director of Growth Marketing & Community, Thomas Walsh. Walsh, a 2022 Winter Paralympic Silver Medalist, brings a balance of support experience with a fierce competitive mindset that carries over well to the 24/7 grind of competitive offshore fishing.

Walsh provided this statement while supporting his fellow Olympians from his home in Vail, Colorado:

“It has been a privilege to be brought on to support Ethan with the New Jersey Sea Birds Angling Club alongside the Taylor Jean crew. Despite last year being somewhat of a scramble to get our team organized and up and running, we were able to prove successful with what we could make happen. This year, we are more prepared, organized, and set up for even greater success. With Ethan as our lead bird, Sarah [Evans] and I are working hard behind the scenes on numerous aspects of the team and it is exciting to have Ken and the Taylor Jean in partnership for the vision for our organization.”