In today’s Throwback Thursday short we look at Ken Cook at the beginning of his professional fishing career. The article we’re referencing came out of The daily Oklahoman in 1982 and was written by Covey Bean.
At the time of this article, Ken was recognized as “a full-time fisheries biologist for the state Wildlife Department and a part-time professional fisherman…”
His largest bass, according to the story, was an 8-pound, 14-ouncer that hit a Bill Norman Super Scooper back in 1973. The article also stated that he favors, in order, jig-n-eels, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and plastic worms for bass fishing. His least favorite lures were listed as topwaters and grubs.
By the time this story was written, Cook had already qualified for the Classic the following year that was to be held on the Ohio River. He was quoted as saying, “The fishermen don’t like it, but they don’t care what we think. They care about the 8,000 people who were there for the weigh-in and the money the city was willing to put up to get the tournament.”
Here’s more from the original article:
“Cook fishes Sport Bass Association events and other local tournaments on weekends and uses vacation time to keep active in the Western Division of the Bass Angler’s Sportsman Society, the Classic sponsor and Big League of competitive fishing.
“His director at work with the state says Ken had turned down several previous offers to advance his position and move to the central office so that he can retain time to fish.”
