A health issue caused Walmart pro George Cochran to withdraw from the National Guard Open on Lake Norman last month. But Gentleman George will be competing next week on Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas, the site of the annual Walmart Open.

That’s significant because Cochran took second last year on Beaver when the water was high. With the recent downpours, the lake is once again on the rise. It won’t be quite as high as last year, but the banks will be flooded and the water will be stained. Perhaps the best description at this point is to call it a blend of 2007 and 2008.

Cochran spent the entire 2008 Walmart Open doing what he loves: fishing a spinnerbait. He used one lure all week: a 3/16-ounce Strike King Little Mr. Money in emerald shad. In addition to spinnerbaits, Cochran excels with topwaters, which are also expected to play a role this year. Fantasy players considering the 2005 Forrest Wood Cup champion now have the confirmation they need – Cochran is competing. In fact, he’s on the water right now for the beginning of practice.