Ed Parten has been one of my personal mentors for the past 12 years. I have seen first hand, the passion that Ed brings to the table each and every time. Ed was the one and only individual who stood up against the hydrilla fight on Conroe back in the 1970s. His leadership within the Texas Black Bass Unlimited helped initiate the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's first attempts with native aquatic plant implementation on Conroe in the early 1980s. Ed's pioneering work made SCBC's efforts much...much easier when we became involved in 2006. Ed left us a template, that we were able to modify for our needs, rather than start blindly by running around without a direction.
I've been to hundreds of meetings, since SCBC's involvement, that included organizations with a seat at the table regarding Lake Conroe. Ed has been there to support our efforts every time. I've seen Ed speak at town halls, where the property owners have booed and ridiculed him...before they walked out in protest as he spoke. I've seen Ed "get into it" with LCA members more than once...as evidence of past scars became apparent. I've broke bread with Ed many times...and it was rare for him to let anyone else pay for the meals, other than himself. Ed has the respect of the TPWD, TABC, TBBU, and nearly all of the angling related associations in Texas.
I have no doubt that it was a very easy sell to get Ed into the TFF HOF. It broke my heart when I heard of Ed's medical problems (yet another soldier mustered in the fight against cancer), and am glad to hear that he is doing OK.
Thanks for sharing this video Karl. Yes Ed has put in many hours to help with our great sport of fishing. I second what Ron said and now we have a great foundation to build on because of people like Ed.
