First Impressions of Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin
The Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin – even the name sounds like it’s ready to stir up some trouble in the water. Cotton Cordell has always been a name synonymous with reliable, no-frills fishing lures, and this one looked like a classic example of their approach: affordable, effective, and built to last. This crankbait promises an enticing, lifelike action with its undulating sides and suspending ability, perfect for enticing sluggish fish.
I was on the hunt for a versatile crankbait that could perform well in both shallow and moderately deep water. My local lake has been plagued with finicky bass lately, and I needed something with a unique presentation to trigger strikes. I’d been using lipless cranks with limited success, and wanted to explore the world of suspending baits.
Upon opening the package, the Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin’s build quality immediately stood out. The lure felt solid in my hand, and the chrome/blue finish was surprisingly vibrant for such an inexpensive bait. Compared to a Rapala Husky Jerk I’ve used, the Red Fin has a beefier profile, suggesting it might be better suited for attracting larger fish, while the Bomber Long A, another favorite, doesn’t quite have the same flash. I chose the Red Fin for its reputation for triggering strikes during pauses, a technique I wanted to explore further.
I was initially excited, but also cautiously optimistic. The price point was definitely appealing, but I was eager to see if it could live up to its promise in the water. This bait had the potential to become a go-to for those challenging days on the lake if it performed well.
Real-World Testing: Putting Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin to Lake Serenity, a local spot known for its bass and walleye populations. I tested it from my kayak along the weed lines and near submerged timber. The water was slightly murky, with visibility around 4 feet, and the weather was overcast with a slight breeze.
The lure was easy to cast, and I immediately noticed the pronounced wobble on the retrieve. The action was especially enticing when I used a twitch-twitch-pause retrieve, allowing the lure to suspend tantalizingly in the water. After about an hour of experimenting, I finally got a solid strike near a fallen log – a feisty 2-pound bass. One thing of note, the hooks were sticky sharp right out of the package and kept the bass pinned.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin on different fishing trips, I can confidently say it’s become a reliable addition to my tackle box. The finish has held up remarkably well, with only minor scratches despite being dragged across rocks and timber. Maintaining the lure is simple: a quick rinse with fresh water after each use keeps it clean.
Compared to other crankbaits I’ve used, the Red Fin performs exceptionally well in clear to slightly murky water. Its suspending action is a game-changer when the fish are hesitant to chase faster-moving lures. The paint is surprisingly resilient, although the hooks will likely need replacing after a good season of use.
Breaking Down the Features of Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin
Specifications
The Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin boasts several key specifications:
- Manufacturer: Cotton Cordell, a trusted name in fishing lures.
- Lure Type: Crankbait, designed to imitate a swimming baitfish.
- Tackle Weight: 3/8 oz, making it easy to cast with a variety of rod and reel setups.
- Color: Chrome/Blue, a classic color combination known for its effectiveness in various water conditions.
- Running Depth: 3 ft, ideal for shallow to moderate depths.
- Length: 4 1/2 in, a good size for attracting both bass and walleye.
- Buoyancy: Suspending, allowing for enticing pauses during retrieval.
- Lure Presentation: Cast and Retrieve, simple and effective for all anglers.
- Quantity: 1 lure per package, providing a single, reliable option.
These specifications are vital because they dictate the lure’s effectiveness in different scenarios. The suspending action, in particular, is crucial for triggering strikes from inactive fish by keeping the bait in the strike zone longer. The weight ensures easy casting, even in windy conditions, and the color is proven for attracting a variety of gamefish.
Performance & Functionality
The Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin excels at its intended job – catching fish. Its erratic, wobbling action on the retrieve is highly enticing, and the suspending ability allows for a unique presentation that triggers strikes when other lures fail. The lure casts well, dives to its specified depth quickly, and maintains its action throughout the retrieve.
The primary strength of this lure is its ability to suspend, allowing anglers to pause the retrieve and keep the bait in the strike zone longer. One weakness is that the hooks might need upgrading after extended use in heavy cover. It certainly meets expectations for a budget-friendly crankbait, often exceeding the performance of more expensive options.
Design & Ergonomics
The Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin features a classic crankbait design with a beefy profile and undulating sides that create a lifelike swimming action. The chrome/blue finish is eye-catching, and the lure feels well-balanced in the water. The build quality is decent, considering the price point, and the lure holds up well to repeated use.
There is virtually no learning curve with this lure; simply cast it out and retrieve it. It is a user-friendly choice for both beginner and experienced anglers.
Durability & Maintenance
The Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin is surprisingly durable for its price. The finish is resistant to chipping and scratching, and the body of the lure is made from a tough plastic that can withstand repeated impacts. With proper care, this lure should last for several seasons of fishing.
Maintenance is simple: rinse with fresh water after each use and replace the hooks as needed. This minimal maintenance ensures it stays effective and ready for the next fishing trip.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin doesn’t come with any additional accessories, focusing solely on the lure itself. Customization options are limited, but you can easily swap out the hooks for higher-quality or different-sized trebles. Many anglers choose to upgrade the hooks for improved hooksets and durability.
The lure is compatible with most standard split rings and treble hooks, allowing for easy customization. While there are no specific brand recommendations, upgrading to higher-quality hooks is a common modification for improved performance.
Pros and Cons of Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin
Pros
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for the performance offered.
- Effective Suspending Action: Triggers strikes from inactive fish.
- Durable Construction: Holds up well to repeated use and abuse.
- Versatile Color Pattern: Chrome/Blue works in a variety of water conditions.
- Easy to Use: Simple cast and retrieve design suitable for all skill levels.
Cons
- Hooks May Need Upgrading: Stock hooks are decent but could be better.
- Limited Customization: Few options for further personalization beyond hook replacement.
Who Should Buy Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin?
The Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin is perfect for anglers targeting bass, walleye, and other gamefish in shallow to moderate depths. It’s especially well-suited for situations where fish are sluggish and unresponsive to faster-moving lures. The lure is also a great choice for beginner anglers looking for an affordable and effective crankbait.
Anglers who primarily fish in very deep water or require highly specialized lure actions might want to skip this product. A must-have modification would be to replace the stock hooks with premium trebles for enhanced hooksets and durability.
Conclusion on Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin
The Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin is an outstanding crankbait that delivers exceptional performance at an affordable price. Its suspending action, durable construction, and versatile color pattern make it a valuable addition to any angler’s tackle box. The price is absolutely justified, given its effectiveness and reliability.
I would highly recommend the Cotton Cordell Suspending Ripplin’ Red Fin to any angler looking for a versatile and effective crankbait that won’t break the bank. Give it a try – you might just find your new go-to lure for those tough days on the water. Tight lines!