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Heather Harkavy

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: I do not have a specific answer to this question at the moment. I grew up in Florida, I am currently living in Texas, I am soon moving to Honduras, and then I may be off to Colorado. The dream would be to not have a defined answer to that question throughout this next decade.
How long have you been fly fishing?: Since I was a wee little baby girl. I am so thankful for a dad who exposed me to fly fishing at a very young age. He helped instill a lifelong passion that has now turned into a career path. I couldn't imagine life without such a pure way of connecting with the outdoors.

Favorite fly-fishing partner: My Dad, duh. Our shared love for this sport has created a very special bond. I am so lucky to have him as a mentor and friend.
Favorite water to fish: The Florida Keys. Growing up in South Florida, I have my fondest childhood memories in these waters. There is no place like home!
Favorite species to fish for: As I always say, my favorite and least favorite is permit. I have never seen a permit and not had a full-blown spaz attack. They have the ability to bring out some very strong emotions in me. I have caught two on the fly in my life and hysterically cried with happiness and respect for the elusive species both times. Will the permit jitters ever end? Doubt it.
Bucket List: Golden dorado in Bolivia. The species just fascinates me, and I would love to spend some time in the heart of the jungle gaining a stronger understanding of the indigenous people.
Top Three Fly Patterns: Spawning Shrimp (the golden ticket in Guanaja last summer); Sunset Fly (basically just a rainbow colored Clouser I "invented" when I was a little girl. It absolutely crushes South Florida peacock bass); EP Streamer (so versatile).

Heather Harkavy

Growing up fly fishing throughout South Florida, Heather has always had a love for education and conservation. After spending this past summer helping to lead student programs at Fly Fish Guanajain Honduras, she landed her dream job: Director of Programs and Fundraising for Fish for Change, a startup International nonprofit she is helping to create. The organization’s mission is to develop sustainable student cultural-immersion programs at fly fishing lodges around the world. During the summer, high school and college kids have the opportunity to fly-fish in remote places while giving back to the environment and surrounding communities. Each program is based on unique local projects and fisheries,but they always follow the four Fish for Change pillars–Connection, Education, Conservation, and Exploration. In 2019, summer Programs will be taking place in Honduras, The Bahamas, Mexico, and Colorado. If you, or someone you know, may benefit from one of the programs and are interested in getting involved, visit fishforchange.org.