Oklahoma Outdoors Notebook

"I refuse to use the term retired since it simply does not fit my situation,” said the 62-year old Meers resident.

Cook said he will continue to be a part of the outdoors and the fishing industry, and will fish even an occasional bass tournament. However, Cook said he will no longer fish "at the highest levels on a full-time basis.”

"I still love to fish and do so as often as I can,” he said. "However, with age and other factors, my body simply will not allow me to compete at the level at which I think I should.”

Cook is the last Oklahoman to win the Bassmaster Classic.