Cortland 50+ Series – Heavy Sink Fly Line

The Cortland 50+ Series – Heavy Sink Fly Line is a specialized fly line designed for anglers who need to get their flies deep quickly, particularly when targeting species like trout, bass, steelhead, or saltwater fish in fast currents or deep pools. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and best uses:

Key Features:
1. Fast-Sinking Design
– The Heavy Sink version has a high-density sinking core, allowing it to plunge rapidly (rates vary by model, e.g., Type 3, 6, or 8).
– Ideal for deep nymphing, streamer fishing, or saltwater applications where getting down fast is critical.

2. 50+ Technology
– Cortland’s 50+ Series is built for durability, featuring a low-stretch core for better sensitivity and hook-setting power.
– The coating is abrasion-resistant, making it suitable for rocky rivers or saltwater use.

3. Weight-Forward (WF) Taper
– Optimized for casting heavy flies and sinking lines with ease.
– Smooth turnover even with bulky streamers or weighted nymph rigs.

Cortland 50+ Series -  Heavy Sink Fly Line

4. Saltwater & Freshwater Compatible
– Corrosion-resistant components make it suitable for both environments.

Best Uses:
– Deep Water Nymphing – Great for Euro-nymphing or indicator rigs in deep pools.
– Streamer Fishing – Quickly gets articulated flies down to where big trout, bass, or pike lurk.
– Steelhead/Salmon – Effective in fast, heavy currents where a fast sink rate is needed.
– Saltwater – Useful for striped bass, redfish, or other species in deep channels.

Available Sink Rates:
– Type 3 (Slow Sink) – ~3 inches per second (moderate depth)
– Type 6 (Fast Sink) – ~6 inches per second (deep presentations)
– Type 8 (Extra Fast Sink) – ~8 inches per second (for extreme depth or strong currents)

Pros:
✔ Durable, abrasion-resistant coating
✔ Excellent for deep, fast-water scenarios
✔ Low-stretch core improves sensitivity

Cons:
✖ Not ideal for floating or shallow presentations
✖ Requires proper casting technique due to density

Final Verdict:
If you need a no-nonsense, fast-sinking line for deep-water fishing, the Cortland 50+ Heavy Sink is a reliable choice. Pair it with a fast-action rod (6–9 wt, depending on application) and a short, heavy leader for best results.

Would you like recommendations for specific setups (rod/reel/leader) for your target species?