From Combat Injury to Fly Fishing Guide – Learn the Marine Mindset
This film tells the deeply personal and inspiring story of Josh Kelly of Pegleg Outdoors, a Marine combat veteran who refused to allow injury, pain, or circumstance to dictate the rest of his life. In October 2009, while deployed and moving through Buji Bast Pass, Josh’s life changed forever when an enemy-planted bomb detonated, severely damaging his left ankle. At first, the full weight of the injury didn’t register—but over time, the pain caught up, eventually leading to a prosthetic. Faced with a crossroads, Josh made a conscious decision that would define everything that followed: stop feeling sorry for himself and start moving forward. Set against quiet water, natural landscapes, and honest reflection, this film explores how resilience isn’t born from ignoring hardship—but from choosing progress in spite of it.
Produced by MadLad Films (Instagram | Facebook | YouTube), this cinematic biography blends documentary storytelling with immersive outdoor cinematography to capture an authentic human journey. Josh was introduced to fly fishing through Warriors & Quiet Waters, a veterans organization dedicated to healing through time on the water. What began as a therapeutic introduction quickly became a passion. After relocating to Colorado, Josh fully immersed himself in the outdoors, spending nearly 200 days a year fishing during his early years there. Fly fishing provided clarity, structure, and peace—while reinforcing the Marine Corps mindset he still carries with pride: adapt, overcome, and never quit. The film showcases how the rhythm of the river, patience of the process, and discipline of the sport mirrored the values that shaped him in the military.
This story goes far beyond fly fishing or military service—it’s about resilience, identity, and choosing happiness when life forces change. Josh believes life is meant to be lived fully, and that if you’re not finding joy or purpose, you owe it to yourself to change direction. MadLad Films specializes in telling real stories through real experiences, using cinematic storytelling to connect emotion, mindset, and meaning. This film reflects that mission, offering a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t about denying pain—it’s about deciding to keep going anyway, with gratitude, intention, and purpose leading the way.