The incredible story of how fly-fishing brought Joey Maxim back to life first came to our attention in 2013, when then-17-year-old Joey reached out to Tom Rosenbauer. Joey did a podcast with Tom in March of 2013, which was very popular, and Kirk Deeter told the rest of the story on the Field & Stream Fly Talk blog:
Joey had written Orvis’ Tom Rosenbauer to thank him for the books he had written, which have played a key part in Joey’s comeback. Tom was, naturally, so moved by this that he continued corresponding with Joey, and through that correspondence learned Joey had an interest in being a guide himself. So Tom arranged for Joey and his dad to attend the Rendezvous and rub elbows with some of the best guides from throughout North America. . . .All the guides at the event, upon learning more about Joey’s story, embraced the Maxims in ways that reflect the true character of the guide community. Tim Linehan of Linehan Outfitting won the Orvis Guide of the Year award. Minutes later, he presented Joey with the new Helios 2 rod he had received for that honor. Dave and Amelia Jensen, who won Orvis Expedition of the Year for the trophy brook trout trips they run in the Canadian Rockies stood up and offered Joey a chance to apprentice guide with them someday.
Joey went on to become the Fishing Manager of our Pittsburgh store, and he has contributed posts to this blog.
Now, two of the best names in fly-fishing videos, TwoFisted Heart Productions (“Blood Knot” and “Urban Lines“) and Sharptail Media (“Sipping Dry” and “Damsels in Distress“) want to team up to tell Joey’s story in a moving documentary. (See the trailer above.) The Kickstarter campaign will help them complete the project, so please check out the page and read all about their plans.
Click here to check out the Kickstarter page, which has lots more information about Joey’s journey.
Joey Maxim rediscovered life through fly fishing.
Photos courtesy Joe Maxim