First Impressions of Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait
The Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait is a name that echoes through the tackle boxes of seasoned anglers, a lure whispered about for its uncanny ability to entice strikes in shallow water. Cotton Cordell has long been a trusted name, and the Super Spot, despite its seemingly simple design, has earned a reputation for consistently putting fish in the boat. Its suspending action, a key differentiator in the world of lipless crankbaits, promises a presentation that sluggish fish simply can’t resist.
I’ve often found myself struggling to find a reliable lure for shallow, grass-filled waters. Many crankbaits dive too deep and get snagged, while topwater lures often spook finicky fish. The promise of a suspending lipless crankbait that stays within 3 feet, the Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait, intrigued me greatly.
My initial impression of the Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait was surprisingly positive. The lure feels solid in hand, despite its light weight. The paint job, while simple, appears durable and ready to withstand the abuse of countless casts and retrieves.
Compared to a Rat-L-Trap (a classic sinking lipless crankbait), the Super Spot clearly distinguishes itself with its buoyancy. Unlike the Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap and the Strike King Red Eye Shad, the Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait’s suspending nature was the primary reason I chose it, hoping to unlock the secrets of shallow water fishing.
I was cautiously optimistic. The price point is undeniably attractive, raising the question: can a lure this affordable truly deliver on its promises? Only time, and a few aggressive bass, would tell.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait to Lake Seminole, a sprawling reservoir known for its shallow grass flats and notoriously picky bass. I targeted areas with submerged hydrilla, where bass often ambush prey. The lure’s ability to cast a mile, as advertised, proved true even against a moderate headwind.
The Super Spot’s suspending action became immediately apparent. It did indeed stay within that 3-foot range, allowing me to work it slowly over the grass without constantly snagging. I experimented with a slow, stop-and-go retrieve, letting the lure pause tantalizingly in front of submerged cover.
There were no immediate issues during the initial outing. However, I did notice that the stock hooks seemed a bit small for targeting larger fish.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait has proven to be a reliable addition to my tackle box. The paint, while showing some minor scratches from encounters with submerged timber, has held up surprisingly well. It continues to run true and attract strikes.
The lure has proven surprisingly durable. It’s withstood countless casts, collisions with rocks, and the teeth of several feisty bass. I’ve found that a quick rinse with freshwater after each use is sufficient to keep it in good working order.
Compared to my previous attempts to fish shallow grass with sinking lipless crankbaits, the Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait has been a game-changer. It allows me to target areas I previously couldn’t reach, resulting in more consistent catches.
Breaking Down the Features of Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait
Specifications
The Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait is a lipless crankbait designed primarily for shallow water fishing. Its key feature is its suspending action, allowing it to hover in the water column rather than sink rapidly.
- Length: Typically around 2.5 inches, a versatile size for a variety of gamefish.
- Weight: Usually around 1/4 to 1/2 ounce, allowing for long casts without sacrificing sensitivity.
- Diving Depth: Designed to run in the 0-3 foot range, ideal for shallow water presentations.
- Action: Lipless crankbait with a tight wobble and suspending action.
- Hooks: Typically equipped with two treble hooks.
- Construction: Made of durable plastic with internal rattles for added attraction.
These specifications are important because they dictate the lure’s effectiveness in shallow water. The suspending action, in particular, allows anglers to keep the bait in the strike zone longer, increasing the chances of triggering a bite from lethargic or wary fish.
Performance & Functionality
The Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait excels at targeting fish in shallow, grassy areas where other lures struggle. Its suspending action and tight wobble create a presentation that is irresistible to many species, including bass, crappie, and even walleye.
Its strengths lie in its ability to effectively target shallow water and its ease of use. The primary weakness is the stock hooks, which could be upgraded for targeting larger, more powerful fish. It meets, and slightly exceeds, my expectations for a shallow-water lipless crankbait at this price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait features a simple yet effective design. It is constructed from durable plastic. Its relatively light weight makes it comfortable to fish for extended periods.
The lure is incredibly user-friendly. Even novice anglers can quickly master the retrieve and presentation.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait should last for multiple seasons. As mentioned, a quick rinse with freshwater after each use is essential.
Replacing the hooks when they become dull or damaged is a simple and inexpensive way to extend the lure’s lifespan. The durable construction ensures that the body of the lure can withstand considerable abuse.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait doesn’t come with any specific accessories. However, upgrading the hooks is a common and highly recommended modification.
Many anglers also experiment with adding a small split ring to the hook hangers to improve hook-up ratios. The lure is compatible with most standard treble hooks.
Pros and Cons of Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait
Pros
- Excellent Value: At its price point, the Super Spot offers incredible performance for the money.
- Suspending Action: The unique suspending action allows for a tantalizing presentation that triggers strikes from sluggish fish.
- Long Casting: The lure casts extremely well, even in windy conditions.
- Versatile: Effective for a variety of species and shallow water situations.
- Easy to Use: Simple retrieve makes it a great lure for anglers of all skill levels.
Cons
- Stock Hooks: The stock hooks could be upgraded for targeting larger, more powerful fish.
- Paint Durability: The paint, while decent, is susceptible to scratches from rocks and timber.
Who Should Buy Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait?
The Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait is perfect for anglers targeting shallow water bass, crappie, and other gamefish. It’s also ideal for beginners looking for an easy-to-use and effective lure.
Anglers who primarily fish deep water or who require extremely durable lures might want to consider other options. A must-have accessory is a set of high-quality treble hooks to replace the stock ones.
Conclusion on Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait
The Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait is an exceptional value for anglers seeking a versatile and effective shallow-water lure. Its suspending action sets it apart from other lipless crankbaits. It makes it a must-have in any tackle box.
The price is absolutely justified for the performance it delivers. For anyone looking to unlock the secrets of shallow water fishing, the Cotton Cordell Super Spot Lipless Crankbait is a fantastic choice. I wholeheartedly recommend it. Go grab a few and get ready to catch some fish!