Cotton Cordell, the legendary fishing lure designer who brought anglers the Gay Blade, the Red Fin, the Hot Spot and the Crazy Shad among other timeless fish-catchers, died today at the age of 86. The news was confirmed by the Hot Springs (Ark.) Sentinel-Record, which will publish Cordell’s obituary on Wednesday.
It is widely believed that Cordell is responsible for more lure innovations than any other individual involved in fishing.
Born Dec. 9, 1928 in Benton, Ark., Carl Richey “Cotton” Cordell Jr. formed Cotton Cordell, Inc. in 1952 after which the company produced lures for many leading tackle companies. He later produced the Big O crankbait designed by Fred Young before branching off into other areas of the fishing and boating industries.
In 1980, Cordell Tackle Company, Inc., was bought by EBSCO Corporation (parent of PRADCO). At the time, Cordell was the largest lure manufacturer in the world, with an output of 22,000 lures per day and more than 500 employees between domestic and overseas locations.
According to his biography page on the Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture website, Cordell’s involvement in sponsoring fishing tournaments helped launch the TV career of Bill Dance (Cordell produced his first show). He also provided financial backing and equipment to Gary Loomis as Loomis started his rod-making company in the early 1980s.
Cordell was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in 1987 and was a member of the 2002 Bass Fishing Hall of Fame induction class.
For more on Cordell’s involvement and impact on the fishing world, check out his Bass Fishing Hall of Fame profile, his Arkansas History & Culture bio as well as a detailed profile written by Texas lure collector Todd Long.
