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Taylor Jean the Boats

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

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 category.

2011

Making a Name in the Mid-Atlantic

Mid Atlantic Tuna Tournament – 3rd Place Heaviest Tuna
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.

2013

Shark Fishing Dominance

Mako Fever – 2nd Place, 333 lb. Mako and a check for $10,250

Mako Mania – 2nd Place, 327 lb. Mako Taylor Jean has been a consistent contender in New Jersey’s annual Mako Mania shark tournament. Bringing home second place and $20,282

BTB Bailey Mako Rodeo – 1st Place Thresher, 398 lbs. and $9,000 in winnings

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.

2014

Continuing the Streak

South Jersey Shark Tournament

1st Place Heaviest Mako (Day One)

3rd Place Overall

With another first-place mako, we solidified our reputation as a top contender in the world of competitive shark fishing. Bringing home $3,772

2015

The Mako Hat Trick

Mako Fever – 1st Place Mako

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

2016

Hoffman’s Invitational – 1st Place Heaviest Dolphin

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,

2017

Big Wins at Mid Atlantic 500

1st Place Day 1-4 $3,698

2nd Place White Marlin

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.

2018

Proving Our Tuna Skills

Warriors for Warriors Shark/Tuna Tournament – 2nd Place Tuna $3,698

Tuna fishing became a major focus for Taylor Jean, leading to another top finish.

2019

Dominating the South Jersey Tuna Tournament & The Mid Atlantic

South Jersey Tuna Tournament

1st Place Heaviest Tuna

1st Place Heaviest Stringer bringing home $8,460 for the tunas.

The Mid Atlantic 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 .

1st Place Heaviest Blue (Small Boat Division)

2nd Place My Port Bringing home $31,396 for these two categories.

A landmark year with multiple first-place victories in both tuna and blue marlin categories.

2020

Total Tuna Takeover

South Jersey Tuna Tournament

1st & 2nd Place Yellowfin

1st Place Heaviest Yellowfin Stringer

1st Place Overall Stringer

3rd Place Heaviest Big Eye

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 big eye tuna and were rewarded with a check for $49,279 for the effort.

2021

Mid Atlantic Success Continues

2nd Heaviest Tuna (Day 1)

3rd Heaviest Tuna (Day 2)

3rd Heaviest Tuna (My Port)

2nd Heaviest Dolphin Overall

Another strong performance at the Mid Atlantic, showcasing our versatility across multiple species. Bringing home 2 checks, one for $36,707 and $34,639.

2022

Big Wins at Blue Fin Open & Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring

Blue Fin Open $16,957

2nd Place Heaviest Double Bluefin

1st & 3rd Heaviest Under

1st Heaviest Under Double

Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring

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.

2023

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A Year of Versatility

Key West Viking Challenge

2nd Place Billfish Release

1st Place Bottom Fish

South Jersey Schools Out Tuna Tournament $2,650

1st Place Heaviest Dolphin

3rd Place Heaviest Combined Stringer

3rd Place Heaviest Yellowfin Stringer

White Marlin Open 28,925

Day 3 Most Points Billfish Release

3rd Place Overall Billfish Releases

The Mid Atlantic $159,574

3rd Place Heaviest Tuna at 216 lbs.

Our 2023 season demonstrated Taylor Jean’s versatility, with podium finishes in billfish, dolphin, bottom fish, and tuna.

2024

Viking Key West Challenge (Key West, FL): Won Top Dolphin Team with the largest mahi-mahi.

White Marlin Open (Ocean City, MD): Earned $21,360 for 2nd Place Release and 3rd Place Overall Boat.

Cumulative Winnings

From 2013 to 2024, Taylor Jean Sport Fishing has amassed $835,789.72 in verified tournament winnings. Key payouts include:

$217,665 (MidAtlantic 2017)

$170,000 (Jimmy Johnson 2022)

$159,574 (MidAtlantic 2023)

$71,346 (MidAtlantic 2021)

49,279 (South Jersey Tuna Tournament 2020)

$28,925 (White Marlin Open 2023)

This figure excludes smaller prizes, suggesting their total earnings may surpass $900,000.