Lefty’s to screen film documenting influential fly fisherman Aug. 22

Delaware Surf Fishing and Gifted Alchemy will host a screening of the 90-minute feature length documentary “Finding Joe Brooks” from 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 22, at Lefty’s Alley & Eats in Lewes.

All proceeds will be donated to the Joe Brooks Foundation for Conservation and Outdoor Education, a nonprofit organization serving the outdoor community. Tickets are $10. To purchase tickets, go to eventbrite.com and search “Finding Joe Brooks.” Ticketholders are encouraged to have dinner at Lefty’s prior to watching the film.

“Finding Joe Brooks” is a tale of love and redemption about the man who popularized fly fishing through his writing, mentored the legendary Lefty Krey, and is now commonly referred to as the father of modern fly fishing for bringing catch-and-release to remote parts of the globe.

Born in Baltimore, Brooks combined his passion for fishing and writing by becoming the outdoors editor for the Baltimore Sun and culminated it as the fishing editor for Outdoor Life magazine. His personal story is one of triumph, because Brooks turned his life around after suffering the devastating effects of the disease of alcoholism. His marriage to Mary Ainslie gets credit for being the key to his miraculous personal transformation as well as his enduring influence on the sport of fly fishing.

The documentary and Joe Brooks Foundation for Conservation and Outdoor Education were created by Brooks’ nephews Michael and Joe Brooks to carry on the legacy of knowledge, sportsmanship, inspiration and encouragement to use one’s talents to foster stewardship and preservation of natural resources.

“Fishing for many of us isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle. Joe Brooks was the epitome of that lifestyle. Fishing can change your life and perspective of our environment and world. I am honored to help bring this documentary to Delaware for everyone to enjoy,” said Rich King of Delaware Surf Fishing.

Julie Fisher of Gifted Alchemy became interested in hosting a screening of the film after learning about it from a local fly fisherman. “It became clear to me that it is a relevant story for our coastal community. Not only is it about someone who overcomes his personal demons to become self-actualized, it more importantly holds a message of profound respect for wildlife and a call to become better stewards of our priceless ocean, bays, rivers and wetlands,” said Fisher.

 For more information, email JoeBrooksDocAug22@gmail.com and go to www.joebrooksdocumentary.com.