Cornfield Fishing Gear: Built for the Water, Backed by Experience, by Richard Hines

Pro Staff Member Jason Cook has no problem keeping a close eye on his
forward-facing sonar mounted on Cornfield gear at the Kentucky Lake
Demonstration Day. (Photo: Richard Hines)

Cornfield Fishing Gear: Built for the Water, Backed by Experience

by Richard Hines

My first introduction to Cornfield Fishing Gear came during a trip to Reelfoot Lake. I was fishing with legendary guide Billy Blakley (Blue Bank Resort), and as we talked shop about his setup, I asked how he kept his electronics secure—especially in rough water. Without missing a beat, Billy said, “Everything in this boat is made by Cornfield Fishing Gear, and as near as I can tell, their products seem indestructible.”

Now, I’m going to date myself here—but I remember the days when you had to physically hang onto your depth finder to keep it from flying out of the boat. Back then, duct tape and spare parts were standard issue.

Fast forward to 2025, and anglers are investing serious money into high-end electronics. The last thing you want to do is “make do” with a flimsy mount. Quality holders for rods and electronics aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential.

As gear becomes more sophisticated (and expensive), the need for top-tier mounts grows. Low-quality mounts don’t just wear out—they compromise your electronics’ performance. Rough water, vibration, and constant movement can take a toll. If your gear isn’t properly secured, it may never reach its full potential. That’s where Cornfield Fishing Gear shines.

From Cornfields to Crappie Boats

I first met Mark Ridl, the founder of Cornfield Fishing Gear, during a crappie event on Reelfoot Lake. We ended up fishing from the same boat, and while watching his Garmin LiveScope in action, I asked about his background. I had to know what Cornfield was all about.

Before diving into the fishing world, Mark and his wife, Paula, ran Production, Tooling & Automation, Inc. in Hoopeston, Illinois, supplying parts to the auto industry. But Mark, a lifelong angler, started tinkering with his own boat—improving mounts and hardware. Soon, friends were asking for similar upgrades. That’s when Mark realized there was a real need for better fishing gear.

In 2017, the Ridls relocated to Gilbertsville, Kentucky, near Kentucky Lake, and launched Cornfield Crappie Gear. It didn’t take long before bass, catfish, and walleye pros came calling —because no matter the species, their products deliver.

And the name, Cornfield Fishing Gear?

I had to ask. Turns out, some of Mark’s first GPS mounts were built for farm tractors working the cornfields of

Illinois. That legacy lives on in the brand.

Demo Days: Where Anglers Meet Innovation

In April of this year, Cornfield hosted its second annual Demo Days at Moors Resort and Marina. The event is a goldmine for anglers wanting to meet top pros, climb aboard their boats, and see firsthand how Cornfield gear keeps them competitive.

Cornfield also sponsored a tournament for everyday anglers—not just the national circuit crowd—who use Cornfield accessories. It’s a great way to celebrate the community and showcase how their gear performs in real-world conditions.

Small Company, Big Impact

Despite shipping worldwide, Cornfield remains small enough to stay personal. Mark still spends time in his prototype area, sketching ideas and running a milling machine or lathe to bring new products to life. He’s a machinist at heart—and an angler by passion.

Richard Hines is a retired Wildlife Biologist, book author and award-winning freelance outdoor writer and photographer. When Hines is fishing, he also takes time to explore and photograph local historical sites particularly when the bite slows down! Since 1985, Hines has published hundreds of articles on hunting, fishing, conservation, and natural history.