Where Are They Now?

To truly build new generations of ethical, educated, and accomplished anglers, angler retention is a must. The IGFA’s Fishing Summer Camp, hosted at the IGFA Headquarters since 2000, has produced young anglers who have remained within the industry either by participating in recreational fishing as a hobby or career or who have gone on to become scientists, captains, and educators continuing the work teaching the next generation of young, ethical anglers. Here are a few highlights from past campers.

Heather Harkavy

First year at IGFA’s Summer Camp: 2004
Date of first IGFA World Record: July 31, 2004
Number of Volunteer Hours (2010-2012): 500!!
Where are you now?
I went to Florida State University for Marketing and Hospitality. Throughout college, I was an intern at Tropic Star Lodge and Costa Sunglasses each summer. After graduating I had the chance to work for an organization very near and dear to my heart - Fish for Change. Since 2018, Heather has been the Director of Operations with Fish For Change and leading summer programs in hope to inspire a generation of change-makers globally.

Jonathan Howard

Birthday party held at IGFA: 2005
First year of IGFA’s camp: 2007
Number of Volunteer Hours (2013-2016) = 477!!
(Received the IGFA Top Student Volunteer Award in 2014)
Where are you now (2022)?
I am going to college at Great Lakes Maritime Academy in the Deck Officer Program and work as a Dive Master and Lifeguard. I am also currently employed with the IGFA as a part-time angling educator. I still go fishing in both fresh and saltwater, but I’ve added diving, spearfishing, and lobstering to my repertoire.

Savannah Perry

First year of IGFA’s camp: 2007
Number of Volunteer Hours (2013-2019): 576!!
Where are you now (2022)?
I am currently finishing up my degree in grad school at the University of Georgia. I am working on a Master’s of Science in fisheries. For my thesis, I will be looking at habitat use and movement of Lake Sturgeon in the Coosa River system. I plan to graduate summer of 2024. I haven't been able to go fishing as often as I would like, but I like to get out every once in a while and fish some of the lakes around Athens for Largemouth Bass. Also, this past summer (2022) I caught my first Rainbow Trout on a fly in Northwest GA.

Josh Collins

First year at IGFA’s Summer Camp: 2005
Number of Volunteer Hours (2010-2011): 254!!
Where is he now?
Captain Josh studied Marine Biology at The College of the Florida Keys. He spent most of his days out on the water working as a fishing boat Captain, jet ski tour guide, and photographer. He still gets out fishing as much as he can representing the avid angler in him that was evident since he was a camper. He is still a charter fishing captain in Florida, US.