King Sailfish – Caught by Harcourt Vernon II, Main Dining Room Display

The sailfish (Istiophorus albicans) is the undisputed icon of South Florida sport fishing—renowned for its speed, acrobatics, and the striking beauty of its sail-like dorsal fin. South of Miami, the Gulf Stream flows closest to the Florida coast, creating one of the most productive and thrilling sailfish habitats in the world. Local anglers use live bait and kite-fishing techniques to entice these apex predators, often hooking into fish that leap and tail-walk across the surface in a spectacular battle.

This Release Mount commemorates one such unforgettable catch by Harcourt Vernon II (1927–1999), a devoted angler and beloved member of our community. His passion for offshore fishing and deep respect for the ocean were hallmarks of his life on the water.

The mount was generously donated by Captain Harry’s Fishing Supply in memory of Mr. Vernon and honors both his legacy and the enduring tradition of sailfishing out of Miami. It proudly hangs in the Main Dining Room, where it continues to inspire future generations of fishermen and women.