Vernon Adkison: Age, Net Worth, Wife, Daughter, and More – Everything You Need to Know

Vernon Adkison, a seasoned gold miner and reality TV star, is best known for his role on Discovery Channel’s Bering Sea Gold. Fans searching for details about his age, net worth, wife, daughters, salary, and dating history will find this comprehensive guide illuminating. At 79 years old in 2025, Vernon’s journey from a Merchant Marine to a gold-dredging captain is inspiring. His net worth, estimated at $2.5 million, reflects his adventurous career, while his personal life, including marriages and daughters, adds depth to his story. This article explores Vernon’s biography with fresh insights and updates.

Vernon Adkison’s Age and Early Life: A Foundation for Adventure

Born on June 4, 1946, in Texas, Vernon Adkison is 79 years old as of 2025. Growing up in the American South, Vernon developed a love for the sea early on, influenced by tales of maritime exploration. His education at Laney College in Oakland, California, and the University of South Carolina equipped him with skills for a maritime career. Unlike many reality TV stars, Vernon’s private nature keeps his childhood details scarce, but his Southern drawl and rugged demeanor hint at a resilient upbringing. This grit has fueled his decades-long pursuit of gold in Alaska’s unforgiving Bering Sea.

Vernon Adkison’s Net Worth and Salary: Wealth from the Bering Sea

Vernon Adkison’s net worth is estimated at $2.5 million in 2025, built through gold mining and his role on Bering Sea Gold. His salary reportedly includes $65,000 per episode from the show, supplemented by income from his dredge, the Wild Ranger. Despite occasional financial setbacks, such as costly equipment failures, Vernon’s innovative approaches—like his twin-engine catamaran Gold Ship—have kept him competitive. For context, industry data suggests top gold miners in Nome can earn $100,000-$500,000 annually, depending on hauls. Vernon’s persistence, even after near-bankruptcy in 2016, showcases his financial resilience.

“Gold mining isn’t just about striking it rich; it’s about outsmarting the sea and your own doubts,” Vernon once said in a 2023 interview, reflecting his pragmatic approach.

Vernon Adkison’s Career: From Merchant Marine to Reality TV Star

Vernon’s career began as a Merchant Marine, navigating military cargo ships. He later captained a VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) for over 20 years, traveling to exotic ports. In the 1990s, he pivoted to gold mining in Central Alaska, purchasing his first dredge. By 2012, he joined Bering Sea Gold, captivating audiences with his bold strategies and clashes with crew members like Shawn Pomrenke and Emily Riedel. His return in 2019 after a hiatus sparked fan excitement, proving his enduring appeal. Vernon’s ability to adapt technologies, like underwater crawlers, sets him apart in a high-risk industry.

Vernon Adkison’s Wife and Married Life: A Tale of Three Marriages

Vernon Adkison’s married life has seen three chapters. His first marriage to Mary Brocato in 1981 ended in divorce by 1985. In 1989, he married Elisia D. Barlow, with whom he had two daughters, Elaine and Yvonne. This marriage also ended in divorce. Since September 26, 2003, Vernon has been married to Arlene Adkison, a former cruise ship crew member from Tubigon, Bohol. Arlene’s seafaring background complements Vernon’s lifestyle, and their 22-year marriage remains strong. Unlike his TV persona, Vernon keeps his romantic life private, with no recent dating rumors.

Vernon Adkison’s Daughters: Elaine and Yvonne’s Journeys

Vernon’s daughters, Elaine Adkison (born August 1990) and Yvonne Adkison (born August 1992), have both appeared on Bering Sea Gold. Elaine, now 35, became a captain of her father’s dredge, Bering Booty, showcasing her leadership. Her past relationship with diver Flint Collins drew attention, but she’s since focused on her career. Yvonne, now 33, faced legal troubles in 2014, serving a year in prison for drug-related charges. She has since rebuilt her life, running Beyond the Mirror Salon in Fairbanks, Alaska, as noted on her Facebook page.

“Watching my daughters take on the Bering Sea was tougher than any storm I’ve faced,” Vernon shared in a 2020 fan Q&A, highlighting his pride and challenges as a father.

Vernon Adkison’s Recent Updates: Alive and Thriving in 2025

Rumors of Vernon’s death circulated during his 2016 hiatus, but he returned to Bering Sea Gold in 2019, healthier than ever. In 2025, Vernon remains active, managing his Wild Ranger and exploring new dredging tech. His Facebook page shows recent posts about mining ventures, dispelling health concerns. Fans speculate about a potential retirement, but Vernon’s passion for gold suggests he’s not slowing down. His resilience mirrors industry trends, where miners over 70 continue working, per a 2024 Alaska mining report.

Unique Insights: Vernon’s Impact on Gold Mining Culture

Vernon’s influence extends beyond TV. His adoption of eco-conscious dredging methods, like reducing seabed disruption, aligns with growing environmental concerns in Alaska. A 2024 study by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources noted a 15% rise in sustainable mining practices, partly inspired by figures like Vernon. His mentorship of younger miners, including his daughters, has fostered a new generation of dredgers. Unlike competitors, Vernon’s blend of old-school grit and modern innovation makes him a unique figure in Nome’s gold rush.

Vernon Adkison Biography Table

Conclusion: Vernon Adkison’s Enduring Legacy

Vernon Adkison remains a captivating figure at 79, with a net worth of $2.5 million and a storied career on Bering Sea Gold. His married life with Arlene Adkison and his bond with daughters Elaine and Yvonne reveal a man balancing adventure and family. His salary and innovative mining keep him relevant, while his private stance on dating adds intrigue. For more on Vernon’s journey, check his IMDb profile or Discovery’s page. Vernon’s legacy as a gold miner and TV icon continues to shine in 2025.