It appears fly fishing legend/manufacturer Cortland has been bought by a group of private investors who aim to “restore luster” to what is clearly one of fly fishing’s great legacy brands.
I’d suggest Cortland has fumbled more than a few chances over the years (pointing finger over Diamondback rods fiasco); it would be nice to see it rise from grey ghost to become a player again. If longtime players Orvis and Hardy can mount comebacks (who would have guessed they’d both become leaders in fly rod manufacturing again?), then Cortland can too.
Still, it’s a competitive marketplace, and while I can tell you the names of the top-end fly lines from Rio, SciAnglers, Airflo and Orvis, I can’t tell you what Cortland is selling beyond the old 444 Classic.
So while it’s nice to see them back in the game, they do have some work ahead of them.
See you channeling the ghost of the late, much-missed Leon Chandler, Tom Chandler.
A much missed Mr. Leon Chandler. Nicely stated Tom. The fly fishing ambassador to the world. A great caster, a great man, a great angler, who is greatly missed.
Mark
Squeeky Oar Lock(Quote)
I was fortunate enough to exchange a few emails with Leon, and discovered that the 8wt “Leon Chandler Signature Series” Cortland glass rod I owned was personally signed by him (he signed the glass, the graphite had stickers).
The grip’s too small and I don’t use it, but I can’t bring myself to sell it.
Tom Chandler(Quote)
I bought my first “new-fangled graphite” rod in 1981 (plus or minus a year). It was (and still is) a Leon Chandler 8 ft 2 pc with sock and the rectangular fluted plastic tube, recommended line weight 5/6. At the time I paid just under $100 at ABC Sport Shop, which was quite an investment while raising 3 kids. That was my one & only for 20 years, accounting for many hundreds of trout releases. I’ve since moved on to bigger names, and then retro to bamboo now that I can afford it, but never could part with my LC either. Just last week I took it out of the tube and played with it a little. The finish is lifting a bit in spots, and the red center guide wraps are faded to pink on top by the sun, but the rod is still rock steady with plenty of true fish mojo. I am curious as to its worth but it really doesn’t matter because I am sure I will never sell it.
Frank Lucas(Quote)
Humph, I was just looking at their site today,thinking about a DT 5 wt that I don’t have to spend the equivalent of a tank of gas on……Climax leaders and tippets are one of their brands,besides the 444 line and the 333 line they have a “professional” and Clear Camo set of fly lines…Prices seem resonable…at least I wouldn’t have a fit about getting sand and grit and sun block on it….Just wash it and slap some line cleaner on it and there ya go…..
JP2(Quote)
What plastic lines I do fish are all cortland peach. Many years ago I sent a letter to Cortland asking for help on using a shooting head (pre internet days I was 10 or 12) I got a personal letter back from Leon C and some casting instruction…. never did know how my letter made it to his desk…. he sent me a bunch of stuff and helped me figure it out… very nice man classy operation…His cover letter framed on my wall is one my prized possesions…… I hope they make it…. I’ve been a Hardy guy too for many years and just love that a company of their age has made such a strong comeback and managed to keep the heritage products for guys like me. I love seeing a company embrace the gonzo young guys and hardline traditionalists….Hopefully Cortland will be successful doing the same….
marty(Quote)