Taylor Jean Sport Fishing: A Legacy of Excellence in Competitive Fishing
Welcome aboard the Taylor Jean, one of the most decorated sport fishing vessels on the tournament circuit. With a history of hard-fought victories, record-breaking catches, and an unwavering commitment to the sport, the Taylor Jean Sport Fishing team has built a reputation as a dominant force in some of the most prestigious offshore fishing competitions.
From the Mid-Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico, the Taylor Jean has consistently proven its skill, endurance, and strategy in high-stakes tournaments, bringing home multiple championships in tuna, shark, marlin, and dolphin categories. Our crew’s dedication, passion, and experience continue to push us to new heights as we compete against the best anglers in the world.
A History of Championship Wins
Taylor Jean Sport Fishing – captained by Ken Hager (with Capt. Blaine Birch in recent years) – has amassed an impressive record in East Coast big-game fishing tournaments since 2013. Below is a comprehensive summary of the team’s tournament placements, notable catches, and winnings, organized by
Taylor Jean Sport Fishing – captained by Ken Hager (with Capt. Blaine Birch in recent years) – has amassed an impressive record in East Coast big-game fishing tournaments since 2011. Below is a comprehensive summary of the team’s tournament placements, notable catches, and winnings, organized by category.
Our journey to greatness began with an impressive showing in the Mid Atlantic Tuna Tournament, securing a third-place finish and setting the foundation for future success. With a small check, the first of many to follow of $1,675.
Mako and a check for $10,250
Mako Taylor Jean has been a consistent contender in New Jersey’s annual Mako Mania shark tournament. Bringing home second place and $20,282
This was a breakout year for Taylor Jean, proving our ability to take on the fiercest sharks in the ocean and taking home money in the top 3 prestigious shark tournaments in the area.
With another first-place Mako, we solidified our reputation as a top contender in the world of competitive shark fishing. Bringing home $3,772.
A first-place finish in the Mako Fever Tournament was a defining moment, proving that Taylor Jean was not just participating but dominating. $8,500
As our focus expanded beyond sharks, we claimed victory in the dolphin category at Hoffman’s Invitational. It was a small tournament but local where we docked our boat so we joined and brought home $1,000 for 1st place dolphin.
An outstanding performance in the Mid Atlantic 500, with consistent daily wins and a 2nd place finish in White Marlin, marked our entry into the billfish circuit. Taylor Jean has been a standout performer in this high-profile billfish and tuna tournament. Their most significant MidAtlantic achievement came in 2017, when angler Ken Hager boated a 72-pound white marlin to take 2nd Place Heaviest White Marlin, earning a hefty $217,665 prize . This 72-lb marlin was one of the top catches of the 26th annual MidAtlantic and netted one of the tournament’s largest checks.
Tuna fishing became a major focus for Taylor Jean, leading to another top finish.
This year, the team weighed a 452-pound blue marlin – a massive fish that briefly held 2nd place before finishing among the top blues of the week .
A landmark year with multiple first-place victories in both tuna and blue marlin categories.
This was a defining year for Taylor Jean, as we swept multiple categories in the South Jersey Tuna Tournament, proving our expertise in targeting yellowfin and and were rewarded with a check for $49,279 for the effort.
Another strong performance at the Mid Atlantic, showcasing our versatility across multiple species. Bringing home 2 checks, one for $36,707 and $34,639.
The Blue Fin Open and Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring brought some of our most exciting and competitive wins to date.
1st Place Heaviest Tuna $170,000
The Blue Fin Open and Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring brought some of our most exciting and competitive wins to date.
Won Top Dolphin Team with the largest mahi-mahi.
Earned $21,360 for 2nd Place Release and 3rd Place Overall Boat.
took third place heaviest bottom fish with a beautiful African Pompano.
took 2nd place in the tournament in a nail biting competition where we tied and took first for a bit only to end the day at second place taking home $40,000. With this win the Taylor Jean has added to their winning streak making it the 13th consecutive year bringing home a check, with many more tournaments planned for this year!
tournament just started on Wednesday May 29th..check back in for updated results.
From 2013 to 2024, Taylor Jean Sport Fishing has amassed $835,789.72 in verified tournament winnings. Key payouts include:
This figure excludes smaller prizes, suggesting their total earnings may surpass $900,000.