October 25th, 2016: Rebekka answers my call late on Tuesday afternoon, she is packing for her next big adventure and is a few cups of coffee deep, perfect timing for an interview.
“Right now I am getting all of my bags packed and batteries charged, this is my usual routine before a big trip. I am downsizing since I am flying to Africa”
Flylords: Where are you heading?
Rebekka: I’m heading to Tanzania, it’s my first time fishing in Africa, so I am super stoked! I will be casting to Tiger Fish and a few other species in Tanzania.
Flylords: Do you have a crew going with you?
Rebekka: Yes, I do have a team. I am teamed with Jako Lucas, RA Beattie, and Thomas and Thomas fly rods. It’s an incredible group of talented people I get to work with, and to start in Africa is really getting my blood pumping! Tanzania here we come!
Flylords: What kind of rod setups are you bringing to target these Tigerfish?
Rebekka: “We will be setting up the T&T exocett 9 wt rods, probably with a floating line, and heavy duty wire leader. We’re bringing countless amounts of flies. I can’t wait to feel what the fight will be like.
Flylords: Do you ever get nervous before a big trip, what type of dangers might you run into in Africa?
Rebekka: “You can’t let anything worry you too much, that being said it’s important to know what can harm you. Taking aniti-Malaria pills is what the whole team is doing, we take precautions in wearing long pants, long sleeves. Malaria and mosquitos, in general, are in higher forms in populated areas, so luckily we will be far from the cities. We will also keep a healthy distance from the Hippos, they are oddly known to be the most aggressive animal in the world. Listen to your guides and camp owners, it’ll be fine. I have also dealt with dangerous critters in Colombia, where I had to watch out for Electric eels, Anacondas, and Black Caimans.
Flylords: How did you get into the fly fishing industry, was there a moment in time that made you want to pursue this career path?
“It’s kind of a blur now… I’m not sure if there was a precise moment that made me want to pursue this path, more like a number of events that kept pushing me in this direction. People say If it’s meant to be, the doors will open, and that’s exactly what happened. I love the people I have met on this journey, the fly fishing industry has great energy.
Flylords: Do you have any Role Models in the Fly Fishing Industry that you look up to?
Rebekka: Jeff Currier, Flip, Lefty, Those are fly anglers I have looked up to.
Flylords: Favorite Fish to Catch?
Rebekka: Tiger fish
Flylords: Have you ever made a list of all the species you have caught…
Rebekka: No, I have never made a list. The list has definitely grown over the years.
Flylords: Favorite Movie?
Rebekka: I’ll get back to you on that.
Flylords: Beverage of Choice?
Rebekka: coffee
Flylords: Favorite Color?
Rebekka: perhaps blue, I like the color of the water.
