FISHING
WOMEN OF THE WATER
These anglers are casting a light on conservation
F
ishing, for some, is simply a pastime. For others, it’s a way to put food on the table. But for the three anglers highlighted here, it’s a passion, a profession and a way to teach conservation ethics. Whether they’re guiding, educating or fishing for fun, these sportswomen embrace angling as a platform to maintain and improve their home waters.
HEATHER HARKAVY Anglers worldwide benefit from the positive energy that radiates from Heather Harkavy. As director of operations for Denver-based nonprofit Fish for Change, Harkavy uses fly-fishing as a platform to better the planet. Through student programs, she proselytizes the organization’s tenets of connection, education, conservation and exploration to groups in the U.S. and the Caribbean. “We hope to inspire a generation of fly fishermen that are stewards of their environment,” Harkavy says. “We team up with local nonprofits working on projects such as coral reef restoration, fish tagging, mangrove restoration and coastal cleanups.” She’s no stranger to the water. Growing up in South Florida, Harkavy chased world record fish alongside her father Jeff, a founding member of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, a group that works to conserve and restore saltwater flats fisheries through research and education. She fishes onshore, offshore and on the fly, challenging herself by pursuing many of the most challenging fish. “As I got older, my foundation as an angler
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sparked a need in me to find like-minded peers and help create the space for people to come together,” she says. In college, she worked with nonprofits and brands including Trout Unlimited, Captains for Clean Water, Costa sunglasses and Tropic Star Lodge in Panama. “Through this effort, I was exposed to a lot of different routes to turn my passion into my career, landing me with Fish for Change. And it’s my absolute dream job.” Harkavy’s life as an angler intersects with some of fishing’s most lauded names. “I have a 9-weight 3-TAND Winston setup that was gifted to me by Joan Wulff and Stu Apte years ago,” Harkavy says of her favorite rod-and reel combo from a pair of fly-fishing legends. “If my house was on fire, it would be the only thing I would grab. The history of it makes it the kind of rod you should probably just shadow box in your home, but instead it comes everywhere with me. And because of that, it’s the setup I have caught most of my favorite fish on.” Warm and vivacious, Harkavy turns competitive when permit are on the docket. And though she travels to some of the world’s most coveted fishing destinations, it’s the people that matter most. In her mind, fishing with a fabulous group of folks beats a dream destination any day. Harkavy has high expectations for the growth of fly-fishing. “I hope the future of this sport is inclusive, diverse and people dig into their why when it comes to fishing,” she says. “And I want to see fishing continue to be used as a tool to inspire great change. For me, it’s the foundation of friendships that can change the world, and I hope it continues to be my source for a social life, passion and career.” >
PATRICK DUKE
BY NICOLE QUALTIERI
