Cotton Cordell: Cotton Cordell (1928-2015). Do any of you remember him? My dad knew him and Cotton made him a lure. I wish I knew what happened to that lure. In going through some old...

Jer Loc: N. Illinois 🇺🇸

Cotton Cordell (1928-2015). Do any of you remember him?
My dad knew him and Cotton made him a lure. I wish I knew what happened to that lure.
In going through some old stuff, we found letters from me to my mother and father, from when I was in BCT and AIT. Quite a trip down memory lane.
I found one of Cotton’s cards and thought I would share.
Tight Lines everyone.

GlsJr40 Loc: Dallas, Tx.

I well remember that back in the '70's and forward, Cotton Cordell and Cotton Cordell Lures were very well known and respected in the fishing industry.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Didn't know the name or the lures...had to Google it.
In perusing the images offered, I saw only examples of lures "identical to Rapala types" and another that looked exactly like a "lipless crankbait" known around here as a "Rattletrap lure"(can't recall the maker, but not Cordell).

Was/is Cordell an "innovator" or a "copier" ? Just curious, TIA.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Jer wrote:

Cotton Cordell (1928-2015). Do any of you remember him?
My dad knew him and Cotton made him a lure. I wish I knew what happened to that lure.
In going through some old stuff, we found letters from me to my mother and father, from when I was in BCT and AIT. Quite a trip down memory lane.
I found one of Cotton’s cards and thought I would share.
Tight Lines everyone.

My daughter just bought a house in hot springs. So I'll be heading that way a few times a year. Heard fishing is good over there.

Jer Loc: N. Illinois 🇺🇸

FixorFish wrote:

Didn't know the name or the lures...had to Google it.
In perusing the images offered, I saw only examples of lures "identical to Rapala types" and another that looked exactly like a "lipless crankbait" known around here as a "Rattletrap lure"(can't recall the maker, but not Cordell).

Was/is Cordell an "innovator" or a "copier" ? Just curious, TIA.

Innovator. He also obtained the rights to some other lures.

NJ219bands Loc: New Jersey

I have many Cotton Cordell Red Fin plugs. They are a great lure.

Tablerockbass Loc: Table Rock Lake

Hey Gordon. Before retirement, I traveled to Hot Springs a few times a year. Some great fishing in a short drive from there. You've likely already found them, but one that's kind of off the grid is Degray Lake. Such a a pretty spot, not overpopulated or over fished. Then about 45 miles north of probably the best known and certainly the best looking lake around, Lake Ouachita. Incredibly complex shorelines due to the great number of coves and tributaries. Look at it on the map. It'll mess up your mind!!

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Tablerockbass wrote:

Hey Gordon. Before retirement, I traveled to Hot S... (show quote)

Haven't ever been there yet. Thanks for the tips. I'll check them out. Im Sure she will have a to do list on her house for me to come do.

Tablerockbass Loc: Table Rock Lake

Isn't that in the daughter's list of responsibilities? Y'know, keep dad busy. 🙄👍

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Tablerockbass wrote:

Isn't that in the daughter's list of responsibilities? Y'know, keep dad busy. 🙄👍

Yes it is. She us actually in Bismark witch us just above that lake you talked about.

GlsJr40 Loc: Dallas, Tx.

FixorFish wrote:

Didn't know the name or the lures...had to Google it.
In perusing the images offered, I saw only examples of lures "identical to Rapala types" and another that looked exactly like a "lipless crankbait" known around here as a "Rattletrap lure"(can't recall the maker, but not Cordell).

Was/is Cordell an "innovator" or a "copier" ? Just curious, TIA.

I can't answer your question. However, I remember that when a new bait shape or style or look came on the market, other manufacturers would release a replica version that looked the same but maybe with a different name. At least, this was common during that time regarding bass lures. I always wondered how that could happen because I assumed a design would be patented or copyrighted or some way protected. Is a puzzlement!

Charlie N. Loc: north jersey, North eastern Pennsylvania

I think the big-o was the first "alphabet plug" or maybe the first plastic one. And the spot was the lipless one. Good lure as well

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

FixorFish wrote:

Didn't know the name or the lures...had to Google it.
In perusing the images offered, I saw only examples of lures "identical to Rapala types" and another that looked exactly like a "lipless crankbait" known around here as a "Rattletrap lure"(can't recall the maker, but not Cordell).

Was/is Cordell an "innovator" or a "copier" ? Just curious, TIA.

Cordell Spots everyone had them in their box and the early crankbaits big fish catchers 🇺🇸🎣😎👍

NAMguy69 Loc: N/E ILLinOIZ

Back in the day (early 70's) he carved a pregnant minnow lure called Big O. Won a few of the Bass Masters and can't remember how much people were willing to pay for this SECRET LURE. I have six that I have bought on line (no, none are for sale). Over the years it is/was my go to lure for tough times. Turned 76 this year and my oldest son has already claimed them after I leave. When he was about 9 or 10 we were fishing in Arkansas and I snagged my first and only original one in a ten foot deep bush. Broke off, Jr volunteered to get his dive mask and get it back.....and he did (bride didn't know till it was over).
Some years later on a trip to KY Lake, had it sitting in the back of the boat. Got back to the dock, after a 40 mph run, and my favorite BIG O was claimed by a wave. Color was chrome silver, and I still think about her!

Chuck56 Loc: Texas

Jer wrote:

Cotton Cordell (1928-2015). Do any of you remember him?
My dad knew him and Cotton made him a lure. I wish I knew what happened to that lure.
In going through some old stuff, we found letters from me to my mother and father, from when I was in BCT and AIT. Quite a trip down memory lane.
I found one of Cotton’s cards and thought I would share.
Tight Lines everyone.

Cordell lures used to be real popular . I still have a couple of Redfin, boy howdy , and spot lures .