GREENSBORO, N.C., August 6, 1998 - Two-time BASS Masters Classic world champion George Cochran plowed familiar ground Thursday along the Tobacco Road region of North Carolina by assuming the first-round lead in the $300,000 Classic bass fishing tournament on High Rock Lake near Greensboro.
Cochran, 48, won the coveted Classic in 1996 and 1987, and is one of four anglers to win multiple Classic crowns. On Thursday, the Arkansas pro laid the foundation for another championship run (worth $150,000) by opening with a five-bass limit weighing 17 pounds, 3 ounces.
"I'm kind of surprised at how well I did today, but not really surprised that much," Cochran said. "I had one good spot where I caught seven keepers. I left that area about 12 (p.m.) I then stopped on another spot and caught two more keepers right before I came in. It was just my day.
"There are 46 of the best fishermen in the world here, but today it went my way. I was focused real well and took advantage of my opportunities."
In typical tournament fashion, Cochran refused identify the lure that produced the day's best catch. He hinted that it was a new lure made by Strike King of Collierville, Tenn., but divulged nothing else about it.
Texas pro Alton Jones is second with 15 pounds, 15 ounces, followed by Randall Romig of Pennsylvania with 13-6. Oklahoma pro and two-time Classic runner-up is fourth with 13-3, followed by Classic rookie Skeet Reese of California with 13-1.
Jones, 35, said he was also utilizing a new lure, which he emphasized was important for fooling the High Rock bass, which he called "the most educated fish in America."
Romig, 48, came within 4 ounces of winning the 1991 Classic. The first day of his 10th Classic appearance was practically flawless, he said. "I have a good little area, and the fish were biting when I got there this morning," Romig said. "And I picked up the right bait right away. So everything just went right for me today."
Former Classic champion Stanley Mitchell of Georgia took Thursday's big-bass honors with a 5-pound, 10-ounce largemouth.
The 28th annual Classic concludes on Saturday. The weigh-in today introduced a fast-paced, weigh-in with music, humor and pizazz. Sharing emcee duties are two-time world champion Hank Parker (star of Hank Parker's Outdoor Magazine TV fishing show); former MegaBucks winner Fish Fishburne and radio personality Don Day. Country music singer Tracy Byrd will join in the emceeing duties Saturday. Mark Chesnutt will come Saturday to entertain the fans in the pre-show extravaganza which has earned four national Gala awards.