It’s not everyday that two bass fishing guides get married but Lake Fork guides Mark Stevenson and Barbara Cook took a direct hit from Cupid’s arrow and tied the knot back in Dec. 1989. And it was fishing that brought them together.
The wedding was held on stage at Fisherman’s Cove Marina with family, friends and nearly every guide on the lake present. The couple was dressed in tournament attire – the bride's ensemble complimented by a pink fishing hat with veil attached. After the reception where guests ate a fish shaped Italian cream wedding cake, waitresses and bartenders formed an arch of raised fishing rods for the newly weds to run beneath on the way to their awaiting car – which had a fully rigged bass boat and tin cans in tow. Seems Mark had a B.A.S.S. tournament to fish the following week on Lake Martin in Alabama so guess where they spent their honeymoon?
Over a decade later, the two are still happily married and running one of the most successful guide services on Lakes Fork and Cooper. Mutual friends, the Cooks admit to occasionally finding a new productive guide spot and keeping the info to themselves for at least a day or two before sharing with the other. When asked who is the better guide – “ There’s no doubt in my mind” Barbara laughs. “He’s probably forgotten more than I’ll ever know. Mark is the better fisherman,” she says admiringly.
/ishing has kept us best friends. It’s something we have in common although we may have different opinions or views,” she says. “We enjoy each others company.” She encourages couples to go out in the boat together even if the woman doesn’t care about fishing. “Some women who have no interest in fishing, whatsoever – may be encouraged just by spending a day in the boat with their guy. They may end up reading a book or sunbathing but eventually discover the quality of time together with uninterrupted conversation, no phones or doorbells hooks them on fishing. Pretty soon they think “that doesn’t look so hard” and pick up a rod and reel and before long, they’re hooked” Barbara says with a smile.
Mark Stevenson agrees. 𠇏ishing doesn’t appeal to everyone – or to every woman. They shouldn’t be pushed into going but most will enjoy it once they ever get out on the water” he says. “If you introduce her to fishing under pleasant weather conditions – avoid extremes of hot, cold or rainy weather she’ll usually have a better time. Start her out fishing for easy to catch species like bream and crappie so she won’t need to do a lot of fancy casting. What happens is she’ll get discouraged if she can’t cast well, then the spouse makes a remark and it goes down hill from there. Start them on a positive note” Stevenson suggests “and you’ll have a fishing partner for life.” Words of wisdom from a man who says his wife is his best fishing partner. “We fish well together – and she’s fun to be with.” (What a compliment.)
***Mark Stevenson is known best for catching the Texas state record largemouth black bass “Ethyl” in Nov. 1986 on Lake Fork. The 17.76 lb bass resided in the aquarium at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, MO until 1994 when she died of old age – at 19 ½ yrs. old. Barbara is a Bass’n Gal Women’s National Champion and has guided for over 25 years.
To Book a Guide trip with Mark and/or Barbara Stevenson, phone
903/765-3120 or
Email: stevensn@peoplescom.net
The Stevensons are sponsored by: Nitro Boats, Mercury Engines, Motor Guide Trolling Motors, Zebco / Quantum, P-Line, Storm Lures, Johnson's Jigs & Spinnerbaits, Stren and Mark Stevenson's Lake Fork Jig.
