Since 1975, the dedicated editors of National Fisherman have annually celebrated outstanding leaders in the U.S. commercial fishing community. These exceptional individuals, known as the NF Highliners, not only excel in their ability to catch fish but also contribute significantly to their communities, protect America's rich marine resources, and work tirelessly to secure a sustainable future for the industry. Let's take a walk down memory lane and acknowledge the remarkable Highliners who have graced the fishing industry with their expertise, commitment, and passion:

2023

• Matt Alward
• Curt Brown
• Jimmy Hull
• Michael (MJ) Jackson
• Maggie Raymond

2022

• Chris Brown
• Mimi Stafford
• Terry Alexander
• Jerry Sansom

2021

• Julie Decker
• Jerry Dzugan
• Benjamin Platt
• Jennifer Lincoln

2020

• Jerry Fraser
• Frank Patti Sr.
• Bonnie Brady

2019

• Dick Ogg
• Heather Sears
• Jack Schultheis

2018

• Ryan Bradley
• Kristan Porter
• Bob Jones

2017

• Bob Dooley
• George Eliason
• Bruce Schactler

2016

• Robert T. Brown Sr.
• Ben Hartig
• Carl “Sonny” McIntire Jr.

2015

• John F. Gruver
• Kathy Hansen
• Jeremiah O’Brien 

2014

• Martin Fisher
• Ida Hall
• Russell Sherman

2013

• Robert Heyano
• Robert Hezel
• Jerry McCune
• Brian Rothschild

2012

• Dewey Hemilright
• Kevin Wark
• Wayne Werner

 2011

• Larry Collins
• Dan Falvey
• Bill Webber Jr.

2010

• Bob Evans
• Jim Odlin
• David Spencer

2009

• Linda Behnken
• Kevin Ganley
• Joel Kawahara

2008

• Rodney Avila
• Tilman Gray
• Craig Pendleton

2007

• Dave Bitts
• Eric Jordan
• Kaare Ness

2006

• Vito Giacalone
• David Karwacki
• Jim Lovgren

2005

• Wilburn Hall
• Bill Webber Sr.
• Bill Maahs

2004

• David Goethel
• James Ruhle Sr.
• Tony Iarocci

2003

• Dan Hanson
• Chris Miller
• Arne Fuglvog

2002

• George Barisich
• Russell Dize
• Luis Ribas

2001

• Ginny Goblirsch
• Jamie Ross
• Tim Thomas 

2000

• Scott Keefe
• Patten D. White
• Richard Neilsen Jr.

1999

• Wayne Moody
• Jay Stinson
• Ray Wadsworth

1998

• Bill Amaru
• Felix G. Cox
• Gary Nichols

1997

• Jim Bassett
• Mark Lundsten
• Pietro Parravano

1996

• William Foster
• Robert Smith
• Diane Wilson
• U.S. Rep. Gerry Studds

 1995

• Michael McHenry
• Dennis Petersen
• Gary Slaven

1994

• Tim Adams
• Nelson R. Beideman
• Joseph Testaverde
• Angela Sanfilippo

1993

• John Bruce
• Snooks Moore
• Jimmy Smith

1992

• David Cousens
• Julius Collins
• Jim McCauley 

1991

• Ron Hegge
• Rick Steiner
• Tony West
• Clement V. Tillion

1990

• Arnold Leo
• Fred Mattera
• Mark Taylor

1989

• Nat Bingham
• Pete Knutsen
• Francis Miller

1988

• Frank Mirarchi
• Sonny Morrison
• Louis Puskas

1987

• Al Burch
• Earl Carpenter
• Einar Pedersen
• U.S. Coast Guard Station Kodiak

1986

• Jake Dykstra
• Richard McLellan
• Bill Moore 

1985

• Oscar Dyson
• Mike McCorkle
• Rudy Peterson

1984

• Dick Allen
• Paul Pence
• James Salisbury

1983

• Dave Danborn
• Bruce Gore
• John Maher

1982

• Richard Miller
• William Sandefur Jr.
• Gabe Skaar

1981

• Gordon Jensen
• Ralph Hazard
• Konrad Uri 

1980

• Kenny Daniels
• Joe Novello
• Rick Savage

1979

• Louis Agard Jr.
• Bart Eaton
• Barry Fisher

1978

• Dan Arnold
• John J. Ross
• Larry Simns

1977

• Oral Burch
• Adolph Samuelson
• Wayne Smith
• Dr. Dayton L. Alverson

1975

• Joe Easley
• Spuds Johnson
• Nels Otness

These Highliners represent the very best in the U.S. commercial fishing community. They inspire us with their dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to preserving our marine resources. Here's to the future of American commercial fishing, guided by the legacy of these exceptional individuals.