Center for Sportfishing Policy Honors Contender Boat’s Joe Neber
Center for Sportfishing Policy Honors Contender Boat’s Joe Neber
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 5, 2026 – Today, the Center for Sportfishing Policy (CSP) honored Joe Neber, president and founder of Contender Boats, with the 2026 Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award, CSP’s highest recognition for excellence in marine innovation, leadership and conservation. The award recognizes Neber’s longstanding contributions to high-performance boatbuilding and his commitment to protecting marine resources and angler access.
CSP members are gathered in Washington, D.C. this week for their annual “Center Focus on Washington” fly-in, which brings together leaders in recreational fishing and boating for meetings with Members of Congress and Administration officials.
During the American Boating Congress industry lunch, hosted by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), CSP President Jeff Angers announced Neber as this year’s recipient, recognizing his decades of leadership in marine manufacturing.
“Joe Neber built Contender Boats with a clear vision…to create offshore fishing boats that could perform in the toughest conditions without compromising quality or fishability,” said Angers. “What sets Joe apart is not just what he built, but how he built it: hands-on, detail-driven and never willing to cut corners.”
Neber founded Contender Boats in 1984 in Miami, Florida, driven by a passion for offshore fishing and a desire to build stronger, faster and more capable vessels. Under his leadership, Contender quickly earned a reputation for durability, innovation and performance, becoming a leader in the center console market. Known for his hands-on approach, Neber remains closely involved in the design and production process, ensuring each boat meets the company’s high standards. Beyond manufacturing, he has been an active advocate for marine conservation and recreational fishing access, supporting industry initiatives and serving on boards and advisory groups dedicated to sustaining fishery resources.
“It’s an honor to receive the Eddie Smith Award and to be associated with the kind of leadership Eddie brought to this industry,” said Neber. “The Center for Sportfishing Policy continues to do critical work, but none of it happens without the collective effort of manufacturers, anglers, conservation groups and policymakers all working together. That collaboration is what moves this industry forward, and I’m proud to stand alongside so many who are committed to protecting our fisheries as well as our rights to enjoy them for generations to come.”
The Eddie Smith Manufacturer of the Year Award, named for the legendary chairman and CEO of Grady-White Boats, was established by CSP to recognize manufacturers who exemplify leadership in innovation, conservation and industry advancement. Past recipients include Bill Shedd, Johnny Morris, Scott Deal, Thom Dammrich, Joan Maxwell, Dave Pfeiffer, Tommy Hancock, Pat Healey and Eric Fetchko.
The Center for Sportfishing Policy is the nation’s leading advocate for saltwater recreational anglers. CSP organizes, focuses and engages stakeholders to shape federal marine fisheries management policies. Learn more at www.SportfishingPolicy.com.
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