“If I could change one thing in fly fishing, it would be the illusion that you can drop a packet of money on going to an exotic venue and come back as an accomplished fly angler. I’m all for the School of Hard Knocks – I had to repeat a few grades myself just to prove that. Do things for yourself, learn the basics, practice them and get better. Secondly, the idea that charging across the planet after the next exclusive species makes you cooler than Jack Parow – almost like a dinner club consuming the last remaining specimen of the species. Un-cool. It seems the only qualifier to partake is your bank account status or sponsor.”

Our issue 14 Lifer, Arno van der Nest. Read the rest of his story for free below: