The NJ Seabirds have been turning offshore fishing into a championship-level thrill ride.
People who have already watched or are aware of sportfishing tournaments and have felt the electric rush of anticipation from shore may get to experience a one-of-a-kind sportfishing championship soon. Imagine what it will be like 70 miles out, where the reel screams, the crew scrambles, and the ocean decides whether today is your day. That’s the world of Ken Hager, tournament angler, captain and core crew member of Taylor Jean Sportfishing, representative of the NJ Seabirds in the global Sportfishing Championship. Since 2012, he has a track record of placing in 1-4 major tournaments, including back-to-back wins at the White Marlin Open (2023 and 2024) and multiple MidAtlantic successes.
However, for Ken and his crew, success wasn’t a walk in the park or rather a ‘stride’ in the ocean. As the owner and captain of Taylor Jean from 2007 to 2021, he persistently faced one challenge: seasickness. He laughs, “I loved the ocean, but my body didn’t always agree. It took years of trial and error until I found my miracle, Bonine. That anti-motion pill changed everything.” With this, he was able to not just stay onboard but also in the game, and this remedy helped him focus on what truly mattered, preparation, precision and the thrill of the chase.
Last year, Taylor Jean Sportfishing gained great momentum and success by joining the Sportfishing Championship (SFC), which is a premier series of elite offshore fishing tournaments broadcast on ESPN+. As the proud team members of the NJ Seabirds, the crew brought in their fierce energy, competitiveness and distinctive camaraderie to a global stage. Whether it is about singing, dancing or goofing off between bites, the Taylor Jean crew always makes sure to bring as much joy to the tournament circuit as they do discipline. Their balancing act of fun and focus has propelled them forward.
When it comes to preparations for the tournaments, the Taylor Jean crew leaves no stone unturned and ensures to stand apart from others. They respool every reel before the start of each tournament, check and recheck drag settings, and test baits to swim as naturally as possible before deployment. Their attention to detail goes beyond only catching fish, and stretches to respecting the game, honouring the ocean and ensuring that every moment on the water counts. The team this year has already been placed in three tournaments, with three more to go. Their commitment, consistency and chemistry have all worked well in their favour to help them be placed in these crucial tournaments.
The vision of Taylor Jean Sportfishing has remained simple: to be the most competitive, top-of-the-line fishing boat out there, and have fun doing it. For Ken Hager, this mission goes beyond trophies and weigh-ins. It’s about family, friends, and creating stories that last longer than the season. Some of his best memories are with people that he cares about, fighting fish, blasting music and just living in the moment, Ken says.
Whether one is a lifelong angler or just dipping toes into the world of big game fishing, Taylor Jean Sportfishing invites all to be a part of something remarkable. With ESPN+ bringing the action on screens, the thrill of offshore tournament fishing is finally catching more attention and reaching the masses.
Lastly, Ken Hager emphasises that most charters offer a few hours of activity and a handful of souvenirs, whereas Taylor Jean provides a chapter in every individual’s story, one that stays with them. Individuals wanting to explore the ocean and remain aboard for an incredible experience can get in touch with Taylor Jean Sportfishing, with master captain Ken Hager.
