When fishing offshore ledges, pro George Cochran positions his boat so he can make long casts into 10 feet of water. He pulls the crankbait to the drop and, often, gets bit right where the crankbait falls off the drop. Photo by Doug Dukane. Anglers: George Cochran, George Cochran.

November 19, 2010 • George Cochran • Archives

I’ve noticed that most of the co-anglers who fish with me in a tournament never check their tackle before they start fishing first thing in the morning. That’s something I always do, whether I’m fishing in a tournament or not. Bad things can happen to rods and reels, even when they’re stored in a rod locker.

Depending on how long the boat ride is and how rough the water is, a reel’s drag can back off, or a rod guide insert can work loose or even crack. A cracked or missing insert can cut your line when you set the hook. A loose drag might cause you to miss the hookset. If you don’t give your tackle a quick inspection before you make your first cast, it could cost you your first fish. That can ruin your day; believe me, I speak from experience. You don’t have to make a big deal of it, but get in the habit of giving your rods and reels a quick inspection before you use them each day to make sure that everything’s in good working order.

— Walmart pro George Cochran of Hot Springs, Ark.