Leland on the Cortland 444 Classic SYLK Fly Fishing Line
When it comes to fly line development,
years of
experience counts and the
Cortland Line Company started making silk fly
lines in
1915, is that enough experience for you? With the Classic Sylk
Fly Line they now make the
first synthetic fly fishing line that
provides all the performance of natural silk fly line without the
maintenance cost. It is the first modern fly line designed specifically
for bamboo and fiberglass fly rods. Its buttery-smooth finish and small
diameter easily glide through not only today’s modern guides but the
smaller guides of yester-years bamboo rods. Whether you fly fish with
bamboo be it in east or west you need the Cortland Classic Sylk Fly
Line.
Leland on Specifications
If you have need for a delicate presentation be
it with a bamboo, fiberglass or even a graphite fly rod then you have
the need for a Cortland Classic Sylk Fly Line. This
floating fly line
provides a smooth delicate overhead cast while the head taper of 12
feet allows for shorter roll cast and the double taper gives you
strength for longer cast. You may never have use for it all but the
Sylk Fly Line has an overall length of 90 feet. The nylon braided core
gives the Classic Sylk Fly Line its supple and buttery
smooth feel. The
Classic Sylk Fly Line is available in 2 through 7 line weights and in
a Mustard color that is reminisce of silk fly lines of old. With the
Cortland Classic Sylk Fly Line you get the traditional feel without the
fuss and mess of silk fly lines.
Specifications:
- Fly Line Density: Floating
- Fly Line Taper: Double Taper
- Head Taper Length: 12 feet (includes 2ft Level tip) front and back
- Core: Nylon Braid
- Total Line Length: 90 feet
- Line Weights: 2- through 7-weight
- Colors: Mustard
Leland on Bamboo Fly Lines
A fly line for a bamboo fly rod should be as specific as
a fly line for a fast action graphite rod. A funny thing has happened;
classic bamboo or fiberglass fly rod manufacturing has stepped into the
21st Century, they lighter and generate faster line speeds, but until
recently fly lines for bamboo rods have not keep pace. In fact fly
lines typically used for bamboo fly rods have either disappeared or are
being redesigned to work with medium action graphite rods. Few
manufacturers have stepped forward to give the bamboo fly rod angler a
line that is specific enough to meet to their demands. The folks at Cortland Fly Lines have stepped up with the SYLK Fly Line as have the folks at Wulff by keeping the Triangle Taper fly
line a great bamboo casting and fishing fly line. We love casting and
fishing bamboo and have been making due just like you. We are
continually in search of the right lines for our bamboo rods and will
bring you those that we find that work. Give these try, hopefully
you’ll agree they meet you needs.
Cortland on Cortland 444 Classic Sylk Fly Line
"444 Classic Sylk is the first modern line designed
specificially for fine bamboo and rods. The “Sylk” replicates the fine
diameter, long taper, supple feel, and subtle color of natural silk,
but in a modern, easy to care for fly line. But, the “Sylk” isn’t just
for bamboo! If you are one of the many anglers who have rediscovered
the delights of fiberglass fly rods, this line is for you! It even
works well on graphite for the finest presentations under the most
demanding low water conditions. Can you say “midges”?"
Cortland on Cortland
"During the summer of 1915, Ray Smith,
a merchant and avid angler, from Cortland, New York, decided he’d had
enough of the clothing business. Ray, an expert in braiding technology,
designed and produced a unique selection of braided silk fishing lines
that soon made Cortland Line Company one of the major players in the
fishing line business of the early 1900’s.
With the onset of
World War II, the production of fishing lines took a back seat to needs
of the US armed forces. Parachute and bomb cord became first priority.
Cortland Line developed many advanced manufacturing methods and
technologies to help the war effort.
Following the war
Cortland Line Company used the new technology to introduce braided
fishing lines that are still the benchmark for quality in the world.
High
maintenance, braided silk fly lines were the only choice for the fly
fisher during the first half of the 20th century. But in 1953 things
changed dramatically when the 333 Fly Line Series was introduced. The
333 was the first fly line manufactured with a bonded synthetic surface
coating that actually allowed the line to float without repeated
cleaning and drying. Fly fishing has never been the same!
The
333 dominated the fly fishing industry through the 50’s and into the
early 60’s. As the legions of fly anglers grew, so did the demand for a
premium high performance fly line. The Cortland Line Research and
Development team were up to the task creating a new extremely supple,
glass smooth line with precise taper configurations, that allowed the
new breed of sophisticated fly fishers to experience an unprecedented
level of control and accuracy. The 444 Fly Line had arrived.
Through
the late 60’s and into the 70’s Cortland began to expand its product
line introducing a full line of sportfishing products. Leon Chandler,
Cortland’s Fly Fishing Ambassador to the World, saw the need for a new
type of fly line backing that would have a smaller tighter braid, to
shed water quickly, and be visible throughout the entire battle with
the fish of a lifetime. Made available in white, chartreuse and orange,
Cortland’s Micron has never been eclipsed as the most popular fly line
backing in the world
In the late 70’s and early 80’s many fly
fishers turned to the new faster fly rods and began demanding a slick
long distance line with specialized tapers designed for specific
conditions. The 444 SL hit the market by storm in 1979. Fly fishing was
coming of age and Cortland was again the leader!
"The Future
of Fly Fishing" was realized in 1993 when the 444 Lazerline was
introduced. New plastics allowed superb performance, migrating
lubricants and hi-tech floating components combined to create the
ultimate in fly line manufacturers art. The 90's also saw the
introduction of the Tropic Plus Lazerline, 444SL Clear and Ghosttip,
444 Camo and 444SL Wind Taper insuring Cortland's place as a leader in
fly line design and the favorite of the new fly fisher and seasoned
veteran alike.
In 2000, the 444 was named "Fly Line of the
Millennium" and the 444 Camo named fly line of the year. In 2001, IQ
Magazine rated the SL Change A Tip the "Top" fly line made. The new
century begins with Cortland still on the top.
Today every
part of Cortland’s award winning fly lines and exceptional braided
fishing lines are made right here in Cortland, NY by the employee
owners. No other company can say that. Ray would be proud!"
