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.
Cortland Line Company - After The War 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 444SL 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!
To View All Cortland Fly Lines Click Here
For over 100 years Cortland Line has been designing and manufacturing the world’s most innovative fly line and braided fishing line. With passion and experience, they remain focused on one thing: fishing.
Fishing has been and always will be what drives them to develop some of the most advanced lines offered today. Located in Cortland, NY, all of their lines are manufactured and hand inspected in the USA and share the latest in line technology - many technologies that Cortland itself pioneered for the industry.
CORTLAND LINE COMPANY - THE EARLY DAYS
During the summer of 1915, Ray Smith, a businessman 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 since.
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 arrived in 1962. It remains an icon even today.
INNOVATION IN FLY LINES & BACKING MATERIAL
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” who had joined the company in 1941, 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.
You can read more about the wonderful world of Leon Chadler in this piece from the American Museum of Fly Fishing: "The History Makers: Leon Chandler".
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 444SL fly line hit the market by storm in 1979. Fly fishing was coming of age and Cortland was again at the forefront.
"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 manufacturer’s 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 favourite 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 began with Cortland still on the top.
The Cortland 444 series fly lines may be very different today to when launched over 60 years ago, but the reasons they are still best sellers remain unchanged. The company is over 100 years old and still innovating and creating purpose driven fly lines that fly anglers love.
Beyond Lines: Complete Fly Fishing Outfit Solutions from Cortland
Cortland is a line company, but that is not to say they are a one-trick pony. They have also produced and distributed rods and accessories for years. They recently launched their Guide Series Reay To Fish Outfits, which offer incredible value for money and are available in various sizes, including Euro nymph and saltwater outfits, with each targeting a range of species in diverse conditions, from small streams to larger rivers.
Each outfit comes in a sturdy Cordura rod rube with reel carrier and includes a graphite fast-action 4 piece fly rod, a mid-arbour reel, a weight-forward fly line, and tapered nylon leader.
-
Cortland Guide Series Ready to Fish Fly Fishing OutfitPrice from £221.00
The Latest from Cortland
- Cortland Guide Series Ready to Fish Fly Fishing OutfitPrice from £221.00
-
-
-
-
-
-
