Lefty Kreh was a protégé of Joe Brooks and was one of his closest friends. Joe was one of the key guiding lights in Lefty's career. He opened doors in both the outdoor writing business as well as helping Lefty become the manager/CEO of the biggest and most prestigious fishing tournament, the Metropolitan South Florida Fishing Tournament, affectionately known as the MET, in the 1960s.

Lefty had fished and taught fly fishing to thousands of people throughout his career, including many of the most famous names in modern history, from Ernest Hemingway to former president Jimmy Carter to former NBC news anchorman, Tom Brokaw. Lefty was one of the best known outdoor writers and photographers and had many awards for fishing to his name. He was named Angler of the Year by Fly Rod and Reel Magazine in 1997. He was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Sportfishing Association and a Lifetime Contribution Award by the North American Fly Tackle Trade Association. Lefty was enshrined in three fishing Halls of Fame--the International Game Fish Association Hall of Fame, the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame and the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame. He is also famous for creating one of the most productive and best known saltwater flies off all time, Left's Deceiver.

Lefty invented the Deceiver fly in the late 1950s as a streamer that would be easy to cast in wind and would not "foul". In 1991, Lefty was honored by the US Postal Service with his very own stamp, "Lefty's Deceiver". When Lefty was still alive he was considered a living legend of fly fishing and a global ambassador for the sport. He was a true and kind gentleman who goes out of his way to help many people.

We are honored to have had Lefty help us tell Joe's amazing story. The Joe Brooks film, Finding Joe Brooks, is dedicated to Lefty and in memory of him. He was our guiding light and we are forever grateful for all he has done in bringing Joe & Mary's story to life. Thank you Lefty!