For Jarrett Edwards, bass pro, TV host and cancer survivor, life is good.
As a featured speaker at last week’s International Sportsmen’s Exposition, he brought an air of authority to the topic, “Effective Bass Fishing from the Bank.” After all, Edwards, 31, holds the Colorado record for largemouth bass with an 11-pound, 6-ounce fish taken on a buzzbait, from the bank, at Echo Canyon Reservoir, south of Pagosa Springs.
“Sept. 20, 1997 . . . That fish still haunts me,” he said, recalling the day that was a turning point in his life.
Edwards was in high school and living in Del Norte. He had dreamed of becoming a professional fisherman. The state-record fish served as a springboard to the Bassmaster tournament circuit.
“It made me realize what it would take to succeed in the industry,” he said. “I learned how to conduct myself in getting sponsorships and with the media.”
He learned the lessons well, eventually rising to the Bassmaster elite series and becoming the youngest professional to make his complete living at the sport. Along the way, Edwards faced another turning point in his life — and eventually found what he considers a higher calling.
A lump had appeared on his neck but didn’t appear unduly worrisome. Even so, his wife, Rebecca, persuaded him to have it checked. On March 31, 2005, Edwards received a shocking diagnosis: Hodgkin’s Lymphoma stage 2B cancer.
“I was devastated,” he said. “I felt fine. I was living my dream. I was 25, just married and on top of the world. I began asking: ‘Why me? . . . And why cancer?’ “
Edwards’ cancer treatment included six months of chemotherapy, followed by a series of radiation treatments. The chemotherapy was agonizing; it tested his very will to live. On June 28, 2005, in a hospital cancer ward, his life took another turn.
“That’s a day I’ll never forget,” he said. “I was in the chemo room receiving treatment and watching the news on the television. I happened to see something about four Navy SEALs who were missing in action in Afghanistan and presumed dead. Somehow that inspired me. It woke me up inside and gave me new motivation. I remember thinking, ‘I might be sick, but at least I had a chance to live.’ “
Edwards continued treatments with new vigor and was pronounced cancer-free. He came away with renewed faith, a new appreciation for life and a certain sense of needing to help others. He returned to tournament fishing, but in 2006 retired from competition. With Rebecca as producer, he started the “Jarrett Edwards Outdoors” television show, airing on The World Fishing Network.
While on a promotional tour for the show, he received a book from Rebecca — “Lone Survivor” by Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. He was one of the presumed-dead SEALs who had inspired Edwards during his cancer treatments. Luttrell was the only survivor, and the book described his ordeal. It further motivated Edwards.
“I was given a second chance at life, and I wanted to do something for our servicemen, who voluntarily put their lives on the line for all of us every day,” Edwards said.
To that end, he and Rebecca started Operation Outdoors USA. As part of the program, they’re touring the country with a fully equipped Phoenix bass boat and inviting well-wishers, especially active and past members of the military, to sign it. When the boat is covered with signatures, it will be donated to the Texas-based Lone Survivor Foundation, to be used in the recovery process for returning war veterans and their families.
“Fishing can be great therapy,” Edwards said. “When I was recovering from my cancer, just being out on the water helped my healing tenfold.”
The program welcomes partnerships and donations, but not at the risk of commercializing its purpose. (Log on to .) Consequently, Edwards and his wife have paid for the boat and related expenses out of their own pocket.
“Operation Outdoors isn’t about me, a political platform, public relations or a profitable business venture,” Edwards said. “It’s our own humble way of giving something back to these veterans who have given us so much. To me, every day should be a day of appreciation day for them. We can’t do enough for them.”
Edwards is tireless in his efforts on behalf of the veterans, but he still finds time for plenty of fishing. The television show features the western United States and keeps him on the water. With Rebecca, he splits his time between Page, Ariz., often fishing on Lake Powell, a longtime favorite; and South Fork, just across Wolf Creek Pass from Echo Canyon Reservoir.
“I’ve always loved fishing from the bank,” he said at the expo while standing by the fish-filled demo tank manufactured by his father, Jim. “This takes me back to my roots, and I enjoy sharing some of my knowledge.”
