Cotton Cordell Big O Lures

The Cotton Cordell Big O: The Squarebill That Changed Crankbait Fishing Forever

Few lures have earned legendary status in the bass‑fishing world, but the Cotton Cordell Big O sits comfortably among the greats. Whether you’re a collector hunting early wooden models or an angler looking for a reliable squarebill crankbait, the Big O has a history and performance record that make it stand out decades after its debut.

A Brief History of the Big O

The Big O was originally carved by Fred Young in the late 1960s. His handmade wooden crankbaits quickly gained a reputation for catching big bass — and not just occasionally, but consistently. Word spread fast, and by the early 1970s Cotton Cordell partnered with Young to mass‑produce the lure.

That partnership changed crankbait fishing forever.

The Big O became one of the first widely available plastic squarebill crankbaits, bringing the action of Young’s handmade originals to everyday anglers. It didn’t take long for the Big O to become a staple in tackle boxes across the country.

Why Anglers Still Love the Big O

Even with today’s endless crankbait options, the Big O continues to hold its own. Here’s why:

• Classic wide‑wobble action — It moves water aggressively, making it perfect for stained or muddy conditions.

• Squarebill deflection — The Big O bounces off wood, rock, and cover without hanging up as often as round‑bill crankbaits.

• Versatile depth range — Depending on the model, it runs from shallow to mid‑depth, giving anglers flexibility.

• Proven fish‑catcher — Bass respond to its action year‑round, especially during pre‑spawn and fall feeding periods.

It’s one of those lures that just works — no hype needed.

Fishing the Big O: Best Techniques

If you’re new to the Big O or want to get more out of it, here are the most effective ways to fish it:

1. Shallow Cover Cranking

Throw it around laydowns, stumps, riprap, and docks. The squarebill helps it deflect instead of snag, and that sudden change in direction often triggers strikes.

2. Slow‑Rolling in Cold Water

The Big O’s wobble is strong enough to draw fish even at slow speeds. When water temps drop, crawl it along the bottom or just above cover.

3. Burning in the Summer

In warm water, speed can be your friend. Burning a Big O over shallow flats or grass edges can trigger reaction bites from aggressive bass.

4. Stop‑and‑Go Retrieve

A brief pause lets the lure float up slightly — a deadly move when bass are following but hesitant to commit.

Collectibility: The Big O’s Hidden Market

For collectors, the Big O is more than a lure — it’s a piece of fishing history.

• Early Fred Young wooden Big O’s are extremely valuable and sought after.

• First‑generation Cotton Cordell plastic models also hold collector interest, especially in discontinued colors.

• Rare color patterns and limited‑run versions often fetch premium prices online.

If you sell lures on your site, the Big O is a great model to feature — both anglers and collectors search for them regularly.