First Impressions of Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack
The Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack promises legendary action in a compact package. Marketed as the original square-lip crankbait, the Big O boasts a history of explosive strikes and is one of fishing’s most-copied lures. This 3-pack, from Cotton Cordell, aims to deliver that classic performance at an accessible price point, offering anglers a trio of options to entice even the most discerning bass.
I was on the hunt for a reliable crankbait to fish shallow, structure-rich areas. My local lake is riddled with submerged timber and weed beds; I needed something that could deflect off cover without constantly snagging. I was also looking for a lure that could generate reaction strikes in murky water.
Upon unboxing, the Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack impressed me with their classic design. The paint jobs, while simple, appeared durable, and the overall build quality seemed solid for a bait at this price. The lures felt surprisingly lightweight in my hand.
Compared to a Strike King KVD Squarebill, the Big O is noticeably smaller. The KVD offers a wider wobble, while the Big O promises a tighter, more subtle shimmy. Compared to a Rapala DT6, the Big O is a shallower running bait. I ultimately chose the Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack due to its reputation for deflecting cover and its shallower diving depth, which suits my local fishing spots perfectly.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The history of the Big O is undeniable, and I was eager to see if these lures could live up to the hype. At $12.99 for a 3-pack, the potential for value was certainly there.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack on my local lake, targeting areas with submerged timber and shallow weed lines. The water was slightly stained, and the weather was overcast with a light breeze. I primarily fished it using a 7′ medium-heavy casting rod and 12 lb fluorocarbon line.
The Big O performed admirably when deflecting off cover. It bumped and grinded through the timber effectively, minimizing snags. The lure’s action was more subtle than I anticipated, but it still generated several aggressive strikes, especially when cranked erratically near weed edges.
The biggest issue I encountered was the lure’s lightweight nature. This made it challenging to cast accurately in the wind. The hooks, while sharp, seemed a bit small for targeting larger bass.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack has held up reasonably well. The paint has shown some minor chipping, particularly around the lip and hook hangers. The bodies of the crankbaits remain structurally sound, however.
Despite some cosmetic wear, the lures continue to perform as expected. I’ve caught several more bass on them, confirming their effectiveness in shallow, cover-rich environments. The lures are easy to clean with fresh water after each use.
Compared to more expensive crankbaits I’ve used in the past, the Big O doesn’t offer the same level of durability or refinement. It is, however, a significantly more affordable option that still delivers solid performance. It fills a specific niche in my tackle box.
Breaking Down the Features of Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack
Specifications
The Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack offers a classic crankbait design known for its effectiveness in shallow water. It’s made by Cotton Cordell, a name synonymous with reliable and affordable fishing lures. The pack contains three lures, each designed to run at a shallow depth.
- Manufacturer: Cotton Cordell
- Color: Multi (This implies a variety of colors within the 3-pack)
- Diving Depth: Typically runs 3-5 feet (This is inferred based on the lure type)
- Length: Around 2 inches (Inferred based on common squarebill sizes)
- Weight: Around 1/4 oz (Inferred based on common squarebill sizes)
- Hooks: Two treble hooks
- Material: Plastic body with a square lip.
These specifications contribute to the Big O‘s effectiveness in specific situations. The shallow diving depth makes it ideal for targeting fish in shallow water around cover. The square lip helps the lure deflect off obstructions, minimizing snags and triggering reaction strikes.
Performance & Functionality
The Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack excels at its primary function: catching fish in shallow water. Its tight wobble and ability to deflect cover make it a reliable choice for targeting bass around structure. It’s a good choice for murky waters.
The lure’s strengths lie in its simplicity and effectiveness. Its weaknesses include its relatively lightweight construction and smaller hooks. While it’s effective, I feel that larger hooks could increase hookup ratios with bigger fish.
Overall, the Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack meets expectations for a budget-friendly shallow running crankbait. It provides solid performance at an affordable price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Big O features a classic, no-frills design. Its plastic body is lightweight and durable enough for typical use. The square lip is well-integrated, and the paint jobs, while not elaborate, are adequate.
The lure is user-friendly and requires no special skills to fish effectively. Simply cast it out and retrieve it at a steady pace, allowing it to deflect off cover as you go. There’s no learning curve with this bait.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack should last for several seasons of fishing. The plastic body is resistant to cracking. The paint may chip over time with use.
Maintenance is simple. Rinse the lure with fresh water after each use and check the hooks for sharpness. Replace the hooks as needed to maintain optimal performance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack doesn’t come with any additional accessories. However, the hooks can be easily replaced with larger or higher-quality trebles to improve hookup ratios.
The lure’s split rings can also be upgraded for added security. Some anglers choose to add adhesive eyes or modify the paint job to further customize the bait. These lures readily accept aftermarket upgrades.
Pros and Cons of Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack
Pros
- Affordable Price: The 3-pack provides excellent value for money.
- Effective Action: The tight wobble is great for generating strikes.
- Deflects Cover Well: The square lip design reduces snags around structure.
- Easy to Use: Simple retrieve makes it suitable for beginners and experienced anglers.
- Proven Design: The Big O has a long history of catching fish.
Cons
- Lightweight: Difficult to cast accurately in windy conditions.
- Small Hooks: May result in missed hookups with larger fish.
- Paint Durability: Paint is prone to chipping with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack?
The Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack is perfect for anglers who:
- Are looking for an affordable and effective shallow running crankbait.
- Fish in areas with lots of submerged timber, rocks, and weed beds.
- Want a lure that can trigger reaction strikes in murky water.
- Beginner anglers looking for an easy-to-use lure.
This product is not ideal for:
- Anglers targeting deep water.
- Those who prioritize premium build quality and durability above all else.
- Fishermen who frequently encounter very large fish that may overwhelm the smaller hooks.
Must-have accessories or modifications:
- Consider upgrading the hooks to a larger size for increased hookup ratios.
Conclusion on Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack
The Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack delivers classic crankbait action at a budget-friendly price. While it may not be the most durable or refined lure on the market, it’s undeniably effective at catching fish in shallow, cover-rich environments. Its value proposition is undeniable.
The price is definitely justified for the performance you get. At just over $4 per lure, the Big O offers a fantastic entry point into crankbait fishing. It’s a solid choice for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
I would personally recommend the Cotton Cordell Big O Crankbait – 3-Pack to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable shallow running crankbait. It’s a great addition to any tackle box, especially for those fishing around heavy cover. Grab a pack, tie one on, and get ready for some explosive strikes!