Friday, November 4, 2011

Cortland Line Company - New Fly Lines!

For 2012 Cortland has a stellar lineup of new fly lines - Trout BOSS, Liquid Crystal, Switch Line, and Competition Nymph Line. The Trout BOSS is the new premium trout line from Cortland featuring a new jacket material that improves line speed and distance. The Liquid Crystal utilizes a multi-polymer blend that makes for an incredibly supple, clear floating fly line for the salt. The Switch Line is an extremely versatile line that helps you get the most out of your switch rod - overhand casting, spey casting, and indicator nymphing.



For right now, we're going to take a bit of time discussing the new Competition Nymph Line with Cortland's Product Coordinator  - Joe Goodspeed.

Hey Joe. Tell me a little bit more about the Competition Nymph Line.
"The Competition Nymph line (Available in two sizes: Fine Tip, Ultra Fine Tip) is designed to empower the nymph fisherman who employs the primarily upstream methods originated in Europe (Czech, French, Spanish) or “high stick” nymphing.  The performance advantage comes from the ultra thin/limp core braided specifically for this product here at the Cortland Line factory and the taper design built around it.  The front taper is long and gradual and very limp, allowing the angler to maintain contact with the flies with the fly line held off the water, while avoiding the “bellying” effect from the weight of the fly line, dragging the flies back toward the angler in an unnatural fashion.  These lines are made to match rods with 2,3,4,5 wt rods in 9’ - 11’ lengths - the choice between “Fine Tip” and “Ultra Fine Tip” should not be determined by rod weight, but by the size and weight of flies to be fished.  The “Ultra Fine Tip” line provides ultimate sensitivity and contact with small, lightweight offerings, however the “Fine Tip” line would be better suited for heavy anchor flies or multiple weighted fly nymph rigs."

Should I expect to be able to cast a traditional indicator and weight system with this line?
"Not as well as you would with a conventional WF or DT floating line.   The Competition Nymph line roll casts very easily, and provides enough energy to turn over a small indicator and split shot or streamer when necessary, however these applications are not what the line was intended and designed to do."

I am unfamiliar with indicator mono: can you elaborate a little bit more on it and its fishing applications?

"Indicator mono, or any brightly colored mono that would help an angler detect strikes, is often built into a nymphing leader to aid in strike detection.  This can be done in numerous ways depending on angler preferences, however a highly visible coiled monofilament strike indicator or a straight piece of one or more sections of bright or contrasting mono (red, yellow, black, pink etc.) placed in the middle section of a monofilament leader to be held off the water or watched on the water can be a highly effective strike detection method when used properly." 
Why is there a need for such a line?  Why can’t I just nymph with mono running line?
"The Competition Nymph lines are designed to balance with the numerous long and lightweight nymph rods that have been hitting the market recently.  The majority of these rods have been designed with nymph fishing techniques in mind, as the longer rod allows a nymph angler to cover far more water without allowing the fly line to drag against the current.  Until now, no fly line had been created to get the best performance out of this style of rod.  Typical fly line weights are oriented to bend and load a rod while casting the line through the air, which leads to a mass of weight outside the rod tip that is counterproductive for most effective styles of nymph fishing.  The  traditional lines are measured for weight at 30’ (excluding the level tip section if applicable).  These lines have a grain weight rating, but the measurement is taken at 45’ instead of 30’ - allowing for the Competition Nymph line to have enough body to load the rod and make roll and overhead casts when some line is extended, while maintaining the the thin lightweight tip that the design is built around."

Last question - Where can people buy this line?

"Ask for the Competition Nymph line and Indicator Mono at your local Fly Shop or favorite Mail Order outlet, or contact us direct if your local shop is not yet carrying this new product."

Any other questions you have about the line you can e-mail Joe at JGOODSPEED@cortlandline.com!

Tight lines,
Artie

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