The Garden State’s exclusive professional representative in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) Atlantic Division.
The Garden State’s exclusive professional representative in the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) Atlantic Division.
2026
2026
Our mission is to unite and uplift the New Jersey maritime community as the exclusive professional representative of the Garden State. Through expert leadership and world-class competition, we transform our local fishing heritage into a global legacy of excellence—proving the strength of our flock on every ocean.
Our mission is to unite and uplift the New Jersey maritime community as the exclusive professional representative of the Garden State. Through expert leadership and world-class competition, we transform our local fishing heritage into a global legacy of excellence—proving the strength of our flock on every ocean.
Our mission is to unite and uplift the New Jersey maritime community as the exclusive professional representative of the Garden State. Through expert leadership and world-class competition, we transform our local fishing heritage into a global legacy of excellence—proving the strength of our flock on every ocean.
The Launch
Our journey began in 2025 as the Sea Birds took to the water for their first Sport Fishing Championship season on the renowned Taylor Jean.
The Pedigree
We bring a decade of dominance to the flock; the Taylor Jean carries a legacy of over $2 Million in earnings from 2013 to 2025.
The Standard
We didn’t just compete in 2025—we conquered, finishing 2nd in the SFC Atlantic Division, 3rd in the entire SFC league, and finished 1st Place Billfish Overall in the prestigious White Marlin Open.
The Roster
The Roster
Our Team
Our Team
We’re the New Jersey Sea Birds Angling Club, a premier billfishing team competing in the Sport Fishing Championship and representing New Jersey’s $2 billion fishery in high-stakes offshore tournaments.
We’re the New Jersey Sea Birds Angling Club, a premier billfishing team competing in the Sport Fishing Championship and representing New Jersey’s $2 billion fishery in high-stakes offshore tournaments.
Team Owner & General Manager
Ethan Rigel
Team Owner & General Manager
Ethan Rigel
Owner • Operator • Captin
Ken Hager
Owner • Operator • Captin
Ken Hager
Captain
Blaine Birch
Captain
Blaine Birch
Mate
Jarrett Birch
Mate
Jarrett Birch
Mate
Stephen Birch
Mate
Stephen Birch
Angler
Dave McKendrick
Angler
Dave McKendrick
Angler
Steve Melchiorre
Angler
Steve Melchiorre
Angler
Jay Brower
Angler
Jay Brower
Director of Growth Marketing & Community
Thomas Walsh
Director of Growth Marketing & Community
Thomas Walsh
Team Coordinator
Sarah Evans
Team Coordinator
Sarah Evans
Media/Photography
CJ Holbrook
Media/Photography
CJ Holbrook
The Vessel
The Vessel
Taylor Jean
Taylor Jean
The Taylor Jean is a 2022 62-foot Viking Sport Fishing Boat based in Brielle, New Jersey and North Palm Beach, Florida. One of the most decorated vessels on the tournament circuit, it has earned championships across tuna, shark, marlin, and dolphin categories.
The Taylor Jean is a 2022 62-foot Viking Sport Fishing Boat based in Brielle, New Jersey and North Palm Beach, Florida. One of the most decorated vessels on the tournament circuit, it has earned championships across tuna, shark, marlin, and dolphin categories.
2026 SFC
2026 SFC
Tournament Schedule
Tournament Schedule
Key West Classic (Key West, FL).
Key West Classic (Key West, FL).
Key West Classic
(Key West, FL).
April 17–19
April 17–19
April 17–19
Walker's Cay Open (Walker's Cay, BH).
Walker's Cay Open (Walker's Cay, BH).
Walker's Cay Open
(Walker's Cay, BH).
May 15–17
May 15–17
May 15–17
SFC Carrier Cup (Charleston, SC)
SFC Carrier Cup (Charleston, SC)
SFC Carrier Cup
(Charleston, SC)
May 29–31
May 29–31
May 29–31
Cape Cod Bluewater Classic (Cape Cod, MA)
Cape Cod Bluewater Classic (Cape Cod, MA)
Cape Cod Bluewater Classic
(Cape Cod, MA)
July 17–19
July 17–19
July 17–19
Rhode Island Offshore Invitational (Newport, RI)
Rhode Island Offshore Invitational (Newport, RI)
Rhode Island Offshore Invitational
(Newport, RI)
July 24–26
July 24–26
July 24–26
The MidAtlantic Atlantic Finals (Ocean City, MD)
The MidAtlantic Atlantic Finals (Ocean City, MD)
The MidAtlantic Atlantic Finals
(Ocean City, MD)
August 21–23
August 21–23
August 21–23
Zane Grey Championship Playoffs (Cabo San Lucas, MX)
Zane Grey Championship Playoffs (Cabo San Lucas, MX)
Zane Grey Championship Playoffs
(Cabo San Lucas, MX)
October 17–19
October 17–19
October 17–19
2025 SFC
2025 SFC
Tournament Results
Tournament Results
White Marlin Open, 2025
1st Place Billfish Overall
White Marlin Open, 2025
1st Place Billfish Overall
White Marlin Open, 2025
1st Place Billfish Overall
SFC Walker’s Cay Open
1st Place SFC and 1st Place Overall.
SFC Walker’s Cay Open
1st Place SFC and 1st Place Overall.
SFC Oak Bluffs Bluewater Classic
1st Place Prize Money and 2nd Place Overall.
SFC Oak Bluffs Bluewater Classic
1st Place Prize Money and 2nd Place Overall.
SFC Oak Bluffs Bluewater Classic
1st Place Prize Money and 2nd Place Overall.
SFC HUK Big Fish Classic
2nd Place SFC and 2nd Place Overall.
SFC HUK Big Fish Classic
2nd Place SFC and 2nd Place Overall.
About the Club
About the Club
Our Vision
Our Vision
To be a dominant, championship-winning powerhouse that commands the global offshore circuit, inspiring New Jersey pride through relentless victory and elite environmental stewardship.
To be a dominant, championship-winning powerhouse that commands the global offshore circuit, inspiring New Jersey pride through relentless victory and elite environmental stewardship.
VALUE #01
Territorial Stewardship
Representing the identity and community of the $2 billion NJ maritime economy.
VALUE #02
The Power of the Flock
Operating together as a unified, expert crew with a shared culture of excellence.
VALUE #03
Strategic Resilience
Executing the "Fly, Dive, Conquer" mindset under extreme competitive pressure.
VALUE #04
Preservation of the Blue
Protecting the marine resources and environmental legacy of the Garden State and all global oceans.
#01
Territorial Stewardship:
Representing the identity and community of the $2 billion NJ maritime economy.
#02
Territorial Stewardship:
Operating together as a unified, expert crew with a shared culture of excellence.
#03
Territorial Stewardship:
Executing the "Fly, Dive, Conquer" mindset under extreme competitive pressure.
#04
Territorial Stewardship:
Protecting the marine resources and environmental legacy of the Garden State and all global oceans.
Partnerships & Media
Partnerships & Media
Sea Birds AC wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of our partners, sponsors, and friends of the club. We’re thankful for the brands and people who stand behind the team, support the season, and help us carry the Sea Birds name forward.
Sea Birds AC wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of our partners, sponsors, and friends of the club. We’re thankful for the brands and people who stand behind the team, support the season, and help us carry the Sea Birds name forward.
Charitable Partner
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces and teaches golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAHOPE on Instagram, X and find us on Facebook.
Charitable Partner
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces and teaches golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAHOPE on Instagram, X and find us on Facebook.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Prominent brand locations, activations and engagement, VIP access to the Taylor Jean and events, and more! Contact Thomas Walsh at t@seabirdsac.com to inquire for more information.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Prominent brand locations, activations and engagement, VIP access to the Taylor Jean and events, and more! Contact Thomas Walsh at t@seabirdsac.com to inquire for more information.
The Launch
Our journey began in 2025 as the Sea Birds took to the water for their first Sport Fishing Championship season on the renowned Taylor Jean.
The Pedigree
We bring a decade of dominance to the flock; the Taylor Jean carries a legacy of over $2 Million in earnings from 2013 to 2025.
The Standard
We didn’t just compete in 2025—we conquered, finishing 2nd in the SFC Atlantic Division, 3rd in the entire SFC league, and finished 1st Place Billfish Overall in the prestigious White Marlin Open.