Entry 67-4

George Cochran On How He Started Professionally Fishing For Bass

The Success Continues

Editor's Note: Fifty-three-year-old George Cochran has won two Bassmaster Classics in 1987 and 1996, more than a million dollars in tournament fishing and has finished first six times at BASS tournaments. Known as Gentleman George on the professional bass fishing circuit because of his quiet, courteous demeanor, he's as good as it gets when it comes to fishing. Cochran has had 47 top-10 finishes on the BASS tournament trail alone. This week we'll get up close and personal with the man known as Gentleman George.

Question: How much money did the 1987 Classic earn for you and your family?

Cochran: I made $50,000 for winning the Classic, and then I probably made $70,000 or $80,000 more from endorsements. I know I made more from my endorsements and speaking engagements than I did from winning the Classic. In 1987, my year's worth of earnings was huge to me and my family. But most importantly, that Classic win enabled me to have better contracts with all my sponsors. I knew I'd make more in 1988 than I would ever made on the railroad. Plus I got to do what I really loved - fishing.

Question: You won the Classic again in 1996. How did that second Classic win affect your career?

Cochran: It really moved my career to the next level. Once you win a Classic you begin to fade for about the next six years. Even though I was still real competitive and doing well in tournaments, I needed another boost to move my career to the next level. That second Classic win provided that boost I needed. I was ready for the 1996 Classic in Birmingham. All of my contracts agreed to pay me extra money if I won the Classic. Also, the 1996 Classic paid $100,000 for first place instead of the $50,000 that I'd won in 1987. The bonus money that I received from my contracts really skyrocketed my career. That second Classic win gave a lift to my career that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise.

Next: Looking Back

Contents:

• Part 1: From Choo-Choos To Bass Fishing
• Part 2: Moving Up The Ladder
• Part 3: The Big Decision
• Part 4: The Success Continues
• Part 5: Looking Back