Cookie Cooper is a seasoned fisherman with a rich history of fishing experiences across the United States. Born into an Air Force family, Cooper lived in various locations before settling in Texas in 1966 during the Vietnam War. His early life was marked by a love for fishing, which began with catching perch in a creek near his childhood home using safety pins, string, and a stick. Cooper's fishing journey took a significant turn when his family moved to Texas. Initially, he engaged in bass fishing in the lakes around San Antonio, a passion he pursued for about fourteen years. His fishing adventures expanded when he met Bruce McKee, a friend with whom he has shared fishing trips for over fifty-two years. Cooper's interest in fishing took a new direction when he discovered saltwater fishing. He fell in love with speckled trout, floundering, and redfish, which led him to frequent fishing trips to the coast [2]. His first saltwater fishing experience was in Rockport, under the guidance of the legendary fisherman Alvie Wyatt.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Cookie Cooper, conducted by Jen Brown on May 9, 2022, in Corpus Christi, Texas, provides an in-depth exploration of Cooper's life, his passion for fishing, and his deep connection to Baffin Bay. The interview is part of the Baffin Bay oral history project and begins with Cooper's consent to record the conversation. Cooper shares his early life as an Air Force brat, his move to Texas in 1966, and his initial plans to attend the University of Texas, which were thwarted due to a lack of accommodation on campus. He recounts his eventual enrollment at Southwest Texas State Teachers College, despite the uncomfortable living conditions in a non-air-conditioned dorm. The interview delves into Cooper's fishing history, starting from his childhood fishing adventures in a creek near his home. He discusses his transition from freshwater fly fishing in Maine to bass fishing in Texas and his eventual passion for saltwater fishing. Cooper shares his experiences fishing with his long-time friend, Bruce McKee, and their frequent fishing trips to various lakes and the coast. Cooper also recalls his first saltwater fishing experience in Rockport under the mentorship of Alvie Wyatt, a renowned red fisherman. The interview provides a rich narrative of Cooper's fishing experiences, his love for Baffin Bay, and his commitment to preserving its natural beauty. The interview also touches on the changing attitudes towards fishing, with younger generations more interested in the experience of fishing rather than the catch itself. Cooper discusses the impact of pollution on Baffin Bay and the efforts being made to address it. He also shares a personal story about a replica of a ten-and-a-half-pound trout, a gift from his friend Bruce McKee. The interview concludes with Cooper's reflections on the impact of technology on fishing, particularly the use of GPS, and the need for greater consideration and respect among fishermen.