The Ocean State is about to trade sidelines for sea spray as the Rhode Island Breakers officially launch as Rhode Island’s only professional offshore sportfishing team.
The expansion franchise joins the Atlantic Division of the Sport Fishing Championship and will make its public debut during the opening ceremony of the 22nd Annual New England Saltwater Fishing Show on Friday, March 6 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The ceremony begins at 12:30pm on the third floor and will feature a celebratory “fishing line cutting” to kick off the largest saltwater fishing show in the Northeast.
More than 300 exhibitors will gather for the weekend event, which has become a cornerstone of the regional angling community. The ceremony will also spotlight Rhode Island’s growing presence in national sportfishing, with remarks from U.S. Congressman Seth Magaziner, Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association Executive Director Scott Travers, and Breakers owner and team leader Paul Squarcia.
In a state where boating culture runs as deep as Narragansett Bay, the Breakers arrive with serious credentials. The Sport Fishing Championship includes 14 angling clubs competing in a 12 tournament regular season from April through August, with the top two teams in each division advancing to the Zane Grey Championship Playoffs in Cabo San Lucas.
The team will compete aboard El Bendido, a custom 66 foot Blackwell sportfisher that recently completed an 18 month refit in preparation for the 2026 season. Built for speed and offshore performance, the vessel will travel the Eastern Seaboard chasing marlin and tuna against some of the sport’s top competitors.
Squarcia, a New England native and lifelong angler, brings both business acumen and competitive drive to the helm. “Sport fishing is unique. It is thrilling whether you are a seasoned angler or just learning,” Squarcia said at a recent SFC media event. With international broadcast partnerships and a growing digital audience, the team is eager to introduce new fans to the excitement of competitive offshore angling.
Later this summer, the Breakers will host the inaugural Rhode Island Offshore Invitational Tournament in Newport from July 31 through August 2. Boats will run up to 130 miles offshore in pursuit of Blue and White Marlin, Big Eye and Bluefin Tuna, and Yellowfin, while a weeklong series of events brings celebrity team owners and visiting crews to town.
Beyond the thrill of the chase, the Breakers highlight a powerful local industry. Recreational fishing generates roughly $370 million in economic activity across Rhode Island and supports thousands of jobs statewide. For team updates, tournament details, and event information, visit ribreakersac.com.
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