Video spotlight

Video spotlight: Orvis presents "Mend"

By Kirk Deeter

If you haven’t already, please take a moment to check out this video by Orvis about a great young man (and fine angler) named Joey Maxim.

I had the opportunity to fish with Joey and his father several years ago at the Orvis Guide Rendezvous in Missoula. The day on the water was cold, windy, snowy and more, but I’ve never felt a more “heartwarming” experience on any river. He’s a lion. Joey and his family are inspirational, and it’s great to see he’s still on the fly-fishing path. It’s important for all of us anglers to realize that this sport isn’t just fun and games; It can literally heal people.

So take five minutes and be a more appreciative person today. My hat is off to Orvis for finding the story, sticking with the story, and sticking with Joey as he continues his journey.

By Mark Taylor. A native of rural southern Oregon, Mark Taylor has lived in Virginia since serving a stint as a ship-based naval officer in Norfolk. He joined the TU staff in 2014 after a 20-year run as a newspaper journalist, the final 16 as the outdoors editor of the Roanoke Times. A graduate of Northwestern University, he lives in Roanoke with his wife and, when they're home from college, his twin daughters.