Eco-Warriors
The Complete Fly Fisherman|February/March 2020
MUSINGS AT THE END OF A DECADE
Andrew Levy
Eco-Warriors

Well, that’s another decade under the belt. Time flies when you’re having fun, and speaking of flies, what thoughts were top of your mind as the chimes tolled in the New Year, and what are my own plans for the next decade – should there be one? My first thought of the year is that I will become an eco-warrior, which should help me to achieve my lifelong ambition to appear on the front cover of international news magazines as the person of the year. I have over many decades lived in the hope that I would find international stardom, fame and celebrity status for the many of my outstanding attributes and characteristics, but alas, so far this seems to have escaped me. I have had many attempts at fame, some of which I’ve recorded in this column over the years, but it seems as if the world remains unappreciative, and I don’t have a lot of time left before the early promise I showed finally succumbs to rigor mortis.

So, having watched the shenanigans around the world in 2019, I have decided that if I can persuade people that I am not, in fact, an ageing and bad-tempered, grumpy old man, I can take on the persona of an undeveloped 15-year-old, grumpy young tot, who has autism and anger-management issues, then my future is assured. Even as we speak, I am growing my hair so I can have two long plaits to keep under my woolly knitted hat, while traversing the world’s oceans in state-of-the-art maxi yachts, and shouting “How dare you ruin my childhood” at world leaders. Yes, you know who I am referring to – it is the little Swedish troll Grumbling Grimacing Greta. As if the airline industry did not have enough to contend with, without having to face the risk that their passengers will melt away, just like the polar ice cap, while we, at the sound of her bellicose bleating, return to the days of ox-wagons and windjammers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE COMPLETE FLY FISHERMANView all
It's Called Evolution
The Complete Fly Fisherman

It's Called Evolution

Our quarry constantly has to adapt to the ever­changing conditions of their environment. It goes without saying then, that we, too, need to revise our fishing strategy to remain successful on any given day. Anton Hartman explains.

time-read
4 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
At The Gates Of Antarctica
The Complete Fly Fisherman

At The Gates Of Antarctica

Mauritia Kirchner falls in love with the far­flung Falkland Islands.

time-read
7 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
Six Of The Best Largemouth Flies
The Complete Fly Fisherman

Six Of The Best Largemouth Flies

Fly­Tying Field Editor Murray Pedder lists the top six largemouth yellowfish flies for the Orange, Vaal, Vanderkloof and Gariep dams.

time-read
10 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
Ascending caddis pupa
The Complete Fly Fisherman

Ascending caddis pupa

The ascending stage of a caddis makes easy prey for both trout and yellowfish – the reason why Arno Laubscher propagates tying a pattern that imitates it.

time-read
4 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
In Search Of Natal Yellowfish Top Scaly Rivers Of Kwazulu-Natal
The Complete Fly Fisherman

In Search Of Natal Yellowfish Top Scaly Rivers Of Kwazulu-Natal

Carl Freese shares his favourite home rivers for hunting KZN scaly.

time-read
8 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
A Rod Maker's Thoughts: Why Bamboo?
The Complete Fly Fisherman

A Rod Maker's Thoughts: Why Bamboo?

Stephen Boshoff elaborates on his passion for bamboo.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
Rhodes AN ICONIC TOWN AND HOME TO fly fishing legend: Fred Steynberg
The Complete Fly Fisherman

Rhodes AN ICONIC TOWN AND HOME TO fly fishing legend: Fred Steynberg

Like the prodigal son, we return to Rhodes to meet up with old friends and revisit rivers filled with memories and wild rainbows.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
The TCFF Charity Initiative: FLY FISHERS GIVING BACK
The Complete Fly Fisherman

The TCFF Charity Initiative: FLY FISHERS GIVING BACK

After two and a half decades of publishing TCFF, we are honoured and blessed not only by the support of our readers, but also our industry in the main.

time-read
2 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
IN MEMORIAM: Gunga Donn
The Complete Fly Fisherman

IN MEMORIAM: Gunga Donn

It’s always tough to lose a friend, but when that friend is a fishing buddy with whom you have shared boats, banks and lodgings, it is particularly distressing.

time-read
7 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021
In pursuit of Weza
The Complete Fly Fisherman

In pursuit of Weza

Sean I'Ons relates how it took 40 years for a story of a fishery and the people he got to know along the way to come full circle.

time-read
5 mins  |
Jan/Feb/Mar 2021