Cortland Blog

Banner Image
Matching the Line to the Mission: A Guide’s Take on Streamer Setups

Matching the Line to the Mission: A Guide’s Take on Streamer Setups

Streamer success depends on more than the fly. James Garrettson shares how three Cortland lines help anglers match depth, water type, and fishing style on...

When and Where to Fish Braid, Mono & Fluorocarbon

When and Where to Fish Braid, Mono & Fluorocarbon

Andrew Ragas breaks down when and where to fish braid, monofilament, and fluorocarbon based on species, habitat, lure style, and presentation.

Northeast Striped Bass Report - July 4th Weekend

Northeast Striped Bass Report - July 4th Weekend

Regional striped bass reports from Long Island Sound, New Jersey, and Massachusetts with seasonal bait notes, fly suggestions, and local fishing conditions.

Fishing Line Maintenance

Fishing Line Maintenance

Andrew Ragas shares practical line maintenance tips for knowing when to replace, re-spool, and store monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braid.

We have Your Back-ing

We have Your Back-ing

Nick Curcione explains why fly line backing deserves more attention, sharing lessons from big fish, backing failures, and decades of using Micron, Gel Spun, and...

Fly Fishing in the Costa Rican Jungle on a skiff looking for giant tarpon

When The Wind Blows - Trouble In Paradise

Ellie Reeves shares a stormy Costa Rican jungle fishing story, trading rough tarpon conditions for backwater guapote, snook, and surprise action far from the river...

Angler presenting finesse bait to smallmouth bass using long rod and light line technique

Long Rod & Light Line Strategies for Smallmouth

Andrew Ragas explains how long spinning rods, light braid, and finesse presentations help target pressured smallmouth with longer casts, subtler baits, and better control.

The Best & Most Affordable Hollow Core

The Best & Most Affordable Hollow Core

Brooks Robinson explains how Cortland C12 hollow-core braid was developed from C16 and how the two systems differ in construction, splice range, and price.

Top 10 Fly Fishing Destinations

Top 10 Fly Fishing Destinations

A curated list of standout fly fishing destinations around the world, from Seychelles GT flats and Baja roosterfish to jungle tarpon, billfish lodges, permit flats,...

Complete Tarpon Fishing Tackle Guide: Expert Tips from Florida Guide

Complete Tarpon Fishing Tackle Guide: Expert Tips from Florida Guide

Honson Lau breaks down essential tarpon fly fishing tackle, including rod weight selection, clear and colored tarpon fly lines, and his preferred tapered leader setup.

Angler landing steelhead in Great Lakes tributary using Cortland fly fishing setup

Tips, Flies, and Setups for Targeting Great Lakes Steelhead and Trout

Brooks Robinson breaks down Great Lakes trout and steelhead tributary setups, including indicator, swing, and tightline rigs, preferred flies, timing, and helpful fall fishing tips.

Get Down: Sinking Lines and How to Cast Them

Get Down: Sinking Lines and How to Cast Them

Nick Curcione explains how sinking fly lines open up subsurface fishing opportunities, why they can be difficult to cast, and how to use roll casts,...

  • 1
  • 2

Hooked The Podcast

Explore Expert Fly Fishing Content on Cortland Stories

Cortland Line’s blog—Cortland Stories—is a rich, evolving library of fishing knowledge designed to educate, inspire, and connect anglers at every level. The articles cover everything from technical deep dives like Streamer Fishing: Fly Lines and Leader Setups, which compares floating versus sinking lines, to hands-on maintenance tips such as 2 Preseason Preparation Tips for Fly Line Maintenance. Thoughtful features like Neutral Density Fly Lines Explained with Chico Fernández to help demystify intermediate lines, while narrative pieces like You’ve Been Warned take readers into the remote waters of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The blog also explores industry insights, product highlights, and the personal experiences of seasoned professionals, making it a go-to destination for anglers who want more than just gear—they want stories, solutions, and practical know-how shaped by real experience.

A Century of Innovation, Shared One Story at a Time

Cortland Line has been a leader in fly line innovation since 1915, but what truly sets the company apart is its ongoing commitment to the angling community. Our products are designed with input from professionals who fish hard and test even harder. But knowledge-sharing has always been at the heart of the brand. The Articles section reflects this philosophy, giving anglers not just the tools but the understanding to use them well. Whether it's breaking down the science behind line density, offering seasonal prep advice, or showcasing the voices of our ambassadors and guides, each blog entry is crafted to bring value to the reader. This is more than content—it’s an extension of who we are: a company built by anglers, for anglers, that believes the best fishing experiences start with knowledge, preparation, and a passion for learning.

Learn From the Experts Who Live It

The articles on Cortland Stories aren't written in a vacuum—they’re born from experience, sharpened by countless casts, and tested on waters both near and far. Our contributors include seasoned guides, competitive pros, product designers, and Cortland Ambassadors who have spent years mastering their craft in diverse fishing conditions. From the technical breakdown of fly line chemistry to nuanced casting strategies for challenging wind conditions, these articles provide anglers with advice that’s not only informative but applicable in the field. Want to refine your streamer setup for fast currents? Trying to figure out when and why to use a neutral density line on a spring-fed lake? Or maybe you're just eager to read about the adrenaline rush of stalking bonefish on the flats? Each piece is crafted with the kind of authenticity only firsthand experience can offer—giving you real value, real stories, and real solutions with every read.

A Resource for Every Season and Skill Level

Whether you’re learning to form your first loop or preparing for your tenth guided trip to Patagonia, the Cortland Stories blog meets you at your level—and then helps you level up. Every article is built to strike a balance between approachability and technical depth. You don’t need to be a veteran angler to understand the topics, but if you are, you’ll still find insights that sharpen your edge. Seasonal prep guides help you protect and prolong your gear; product features explain not just the "what," but the "why" behind the designs. And for those days when you're not on the water, the blog offers inspiration through travel stories, conservation insights, and tales of angling adventure. It’s a resource designed to evolve with you—supporting your growth, expanding your toolkit, and helping you fish smarter with each season that passes.