JOAN VERNON

ne of the most accomplished ambassadors in saltwater angling, Joan Vernon has traveled to the world’s best destinations to fish in—as well as host—tournaments, raising funds for conservation initiatives as well as overall awareness for sport-fishing tourism. Early in her career, Vernon was one of the few professional female light-tackle guides in South Florida. Decades of service earned her a well-deserved spot in the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame in 2013; she was also named one of ’s Heroes of Conservation in 2007. Today, she splits her time between the Florida Keys and Costa Rica, where she hosts several events under the Presidential Challenge Charitable Foundation banner.