Life on the Bassmaster and FLW Outdoors bass fishing tournament trails will be a little easier for every competitor on the water.
They will no longer have to face Denny Brauer and George Cochran – at least not on a full time basis.
The two tournament veterans announced their retirements recently. Brauer announced about a month ago that he would no longer be fishing full time but told me yesterday at the Strike King media gathering on Kentucky Lake that he would probably be fishing a few tournaments. Cochran made his retirement official at the Strike King event Tuesday but also noted that he’s “still going to be fishing some” but didn’t say if that would be competitive or pleasure.
Combined, the two tournament warriors have 67 years of experience (35 for Cochran and 32 for Brauer) and were a serious threat to win any event they entered. Cochran is a two time Bassmaster Classic champion and FLW Forrest L. Wood Cup winner. Brauer is also a BASS Classic winner. Their combined tournament winnings exceed $4 million.
Brauer and Cochran are also two of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. I’m sorry to see them go but won’t be surprised if both re-surface in the winner’s circle somewhere next year.
The Outdoor Notebook 