Cortland Releases (Again) Diamondback Fiberglass Fly Rods in 2011? (or, We're In Love)

Category:
diamondback glass fly rod
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Added Date:
Wednesday, 3 Nov, 2010
Summary
I've raved repeatedly about the Underground's love for Diamondback's "Diamondglass" fly rods (hey, it's a manly love), which quickly built a cult following among the low-modulus set.
 
Content
I've raved repeatedly about the Underground's love for Diamondback's "Diamondglass" fly rods (hey, it's a manly love), which quickly built a cult following among the low-modulus set.

If my bamboo fly rods were declared illegal by the United Nations and the black helicopters came for them, I could still happily fish my Diamondglass rods on streams and spring creeks.


They're that good.

Unfortunately, the entire line disappeared from view once Cortland bought the Diamondback company, and much sadness ensued.

Until now.

Diamondglass Fly Rods

Cortland is bringing back the line for 2011 (though we believe the blanks are being produced by an independent rodmaker). The old blanks were black but the new seem to be sporting a deep blue color (we're all for a little personality here). Otherwise, they look similar to the originals.

Here's the lineup:

6' 2 wt. 2 pc
6'6" 3 wt. 2 pc
7' 3 wt. 3 pc
7'6" 3 wt. 3 pc
8' 4 wt. 3 pc
8'6" 4 wt. 3 pc

I liked my 8.5' 4wt so much I bought a backup blank (it's here somewhere), and I've received more than a few emails over the years asking if I knew of a source for used rods, which were fetching "like-new" prices.

Sadly, I don't see the wonderfully smooth 8' 5wt 3-pc rod listed, and wonder about the 8' 4wt rod, which used to be a 2-pc model (and a little teensy bit fast for me).

Perhaps moving to a 3-pc design slowed it a little (and if so, I'm getting one).

At $299, the rods aren't exactly free for the taking, but they're a lot less than bamboo or high-end graphite.

Besides, it's hard to put a price on love.

See you at the counter, Tom Chandler.
Read More The Underground Picks the Dozen Best Fly Rods of All Time Period
 
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Destinations
El Portal is located 11.5 miles west-southwest of Yosemite Village, at an elevation of 1939 feet. The population was 474 at the 2010 census. Yosemite Valley is a mere 20-minute drive ... morefrom El Portal along a relatively flat road, which makes El Portal convenient while providing less expensive lodging than the Park itself. Visitors looking for even cheaper lodging could drive further to Mariposa. Those looking to save could drive as far as Merced, but that is quite a haul for visiting Yosemite.

The town lies along State Route 140 by the Merced River located on the western edge of Yosemite National Park. Town buildings include a post office, community center, and a small school. There are two hotels, a small general store, and a gas station, but not much else. Its proximity to Yosemiite national park and the Merced river that make it special.

Fishing permits are available at the El Portal Market. Fishing limits Park Boundary to Foresta Bridge, 2-trout limit, min. fish 12 inches, open all year. Foresta Bridge to Bagby, 5-trout limit, open last Sat. in April through Nov. 15.
Fishing Waters:
Fishing Waters
The American River watershed offers fishermen (and fisherwomen) a wide range of experiences, from fly-fishing in the clear streams of the Sierra Nevada to casting for steelhead in ... morethe lower American as it flows through Sacramento. The American River contains two main sections. The North Fork and the Lower American River

The North Fork of the American River is designated as a while trout water. Most of the North Fork flows through a deep canyon carved through metamorphic rock. It has a very rugged character with very steep slopes and a narrow bottom. Deep pools framed by sheer cliffs, waterfalls cascading from 40 to 70 feet, and benches, densely wooded with alder and willow are typical of the beauty found in the North Fork Canyon. The fishery is dominated by Rainbow trout, with an occasional Brown trout (the brown trout are usually lunkers!).

Fishing enthusiasts can choose from a number of trails to access the river canyon, most of them dropping steeply from the canyon rim down to the water. While visitation peaks in the summer, primarily driven by hikers/swimmers, late spring into mid-summer is typically the height of the boating season. The highest boatable reach is known as Generation Gap (12 miles), run by only the most experienced Class V boaters, which can only be accessed by a three-mile long walk. The next lower reach, known as Giant Gap (14 miles), is also Class V and is accessed by a two-mile hike down the Euchre Bar Trail. Although overnight camping permits are not required, if visitors want a campfire, they will need to obtain a fire permit.

The Lower American River is a short stretch of river, flowing through the city of Sacramento, is the most heavily used recreation river in California. It provides an urban greenway for trail and boating activities and is also known for its runs of steelhead trout and salmon.
From over 13,000 feet on the south side of Mt. Lyell, the Merced River gets off to an icy, cold start. Winding through ancient canyons, carved by glaciers from another age, the river ... moreflows through Yosemite National Park down to the Lake McClure Reservoir. Its journey includes snow-covered peaks, alpine and subalpine meadows and clear, fresh water lakes. Pristine and largely unaffected by outside influences, the South Fork of the river still boasts one of the few self-sustaining populations of rainbow, eastern brook and brown trout.
Game Fish Opportunities:
First federally designated “wild and scenic” river – that is the distinction held by the Feather River. Starting near Beckwourth, California, the river flows through to Lake Oroville. ... moreAt the upper end the river is gentle and welcoming. By the time you approach the lower reaches, the waters are cascading through step canyons, complete with white water rapids. Surrounded by large boulders, waterfalls and rigid cliffs, this section is wild and beautiful but can intimidating to the novice hiker or boat’s man. 

Fishermen in search of a truly authentic river experience will enjoy sightings of Bald Eagles, mule deer and beaver. In addition to fishing, the calmer sections of the river play host to kayakers and swimmers.
Trips
$
275
-
$
615
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 4 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
4 hours - 1 day
 (1)
Fishing Waters:
The Merced River originates in the Southeastern corner of Yosemite National Park. Its headwaters begin at 7900 feet at the Clarke Range. It flows over Nevada and Vernal Falls, and ... morelastly, Illilouette Creek before she flows through the main Yosemite Valley. Then the Merced, picks up water from Tenaya, Yosemite, Bridalveil, and Pigeon Creeks near the end of the valley, and meeting up the water from Cascade Creek before the river flows through the Merced River Canyon and then outside the park. Its South and North Forks join it a few miles outside the park.

The Lower Merced is another river that can be drifted, water flow permitting, or walk & waded January through May.
$
425
-
$
550
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
4 hours - 8 hours
 (1)
Our guides pride themselves in their vast knowledge of the Feather River, and having a great Feather River Fly Fishing Guide will not only make for a fantastic outting, but it will ... morealso increase your tight lines.

The Feather River is one of California's best kept secrets, and is misunderstood by many anglers. The Feather River is an awesome steelhead fishery, and has one of the largest steelhead runs in the valley. This tailwater fishery begins in the town of Oroville below Oroville Dam and continues flowing south until it meets up with the mighty Sacramento River at Verona.

The Feather River holds plentiful amounts of both hatchery and wild fish year round, and one that produces four runs of steelhead, three big runs being Spring, Fall and Winter, with a small run of half pounders in the summer. For those that has fished for these mighty steelhead, you definitely get a sense of their power and greatly appreciates the fight of these Feather River fish. The Springers, March-May, this run is full of hot wild fish that will give your drag a worthy work out, and to me act more like large trout eating normal nymphs and drys. The Summer run is just that, and are a smaller version of the spring run fish. The Fall run, Sept-Nov follow the salmon up the river, and gorge themselves on eggs, eggs and more eggs, this is the infamous "EGG BITE". These fish are extremely healthy, and will make you sweat for every inch. The winter fish, Dec-Feb, are big, brutes that will have you screaming for more, and with most fishing the other valley rivers, you can usually have the river to yourself. Whats nice about the Feather River is no matter the time of year, you can find steelhead scattered throughout the river.

No wonder why we love this river so much, its a year round steelhead fishery. The New Year opens up the low flow section above the hwy 70 bridge, getting a boat in there is pretty tough, but this is where a knowledgeable guide comes into play, whether a drift trip or walk and wade, he can put you in key locations throughout this area and get you into fish. No matter what you are fishing for, the Feather River has it all, from salmon to steelhead, to stripers and shad, it is an all around, year round fishery. Come join me on one of the largest steelhead runs in the Sac Valley, and be ready for a fish that will make you earn your photo finish.

-Brian
Outfitters
World class experiences in a world class location. We are passionate about guiding in Yosemite - fly fishing, hiking, majestic forests, and our surrounding waters! We explore and we ... morefly fish because the little voice that we hear, drives us into the most beautiful destination locations that the Sierra Nevada mountain range has to offer. Discover beautiful Yosemite National Park, it's hiking trails, it's fly fishing on the Merced, and the mighty Tuolumne rivers; or the seemingly endless Stanislaus river, and the stately Mokulmne river. We have a deep rooted love for Yosemite and it's surrounding areas, but this is only out done by sharing that passion for fly fishing and hiking with others, and watching our clients catch a sunset, a fish, a memory, and a passion for the outdoors!
26 comments
Charles: I have fished with the Diamondback 8ft 4wt 3pc…. Charlie; I'm curious if the 8' 4wt 3-pc is the same taper as the original 8' 4wt 2-pc, which was strong enough to throw a 5wt if you wanted. In the original Dglass series, the 3-pc rods generally offered a much slower experience than the 2-pc, so I'm unclear as to what the new 8' 4wt represents...
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No relation to the much-missed Leon Chandler, though we did correspond on occasion and I own a signed Leon Chandler signature glass rod.
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Tom, first off, are you a relation to Leon? Ralph Daniels was my Cortland 444 pro shop rep from ' 75-85 where we represented Orvis, Leonard, and the 444 lineup among many others. I arrived onto the scene during the earliest transition from cane and the light, full-flexation fibreglass rods into the world of graphite, solid boron and boron-graphite composite rods. The spiral-wrapped Orvis was our stock ... more in trade for many years until the arrival of the 444 Dback's. I remember how much more cane-like and sensitive they were than the Orvis and recall just how delighted I was to play and release a 22" rainbow in the Farmington River with a 6'6" 3 or 4 wt rod. Sales were excellent. Back then, the flaw-ridden H.L.Leonard graphites were back seat to the party, until the advent of the "Golden Shadow" line came to be. I remember being introduced to them and was astounded with the craftsmanship and the fact that the depth of color and warm golden glow brought back some of the the warmth of old cane back to our rod racks. T0 us and our customers, they were just a delight, and to many of us they still are! That special woven carbon fibre cloth, scraped and sanded and placed under three coats of "paint" sanded between each coat lent a depth and color that today remains unrivaled in my humble opinion. Not too many Leonard Golden Shadow's made market before their demise in '84 so we who own them cherish them!
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I have fished with the Diamondback 8ft 4wt 3pc.... with the Cortalnd Sterling Reel 3/4 , loved it! I was fishing the East Verde in AZ where I just purchased a Cabin that we are fishing up to Rent and use. I was fishing mostly Parachute Adams with a 3wt line, It was a Blast! I did not get to try the old ones but I can tell you I really enjoy this rod.. I have amother one in stock on my online Store, ... more but I do not have it posted because I am debating on holding on to it... but if anyone here is intersted e-mail me and I may consider selling it. Have a Good Day! Charlie
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Made in the good ol' USA Steffen Brothers Greywolf
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So the blanks are manufactured offshore and just finished here? At least American piece work is back.
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“Gear Whore”? I prefer to consider it staying informed on what's next. Of course we're all gear whores, though I myself prefer to think of it as having a "high degree of equipmentally related awareness." Though I will say that buying reels to match rods could mean you're already peering over into the abyss...
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"Gear Whore"? I prefer to consider it staying informed on what's next. Okay...I admit to being a bit of a gear whore too. Aren't we all to some extent in fly fishing? The tough part is weeding through it all to find the few items really worth having.
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On a side note…the Cortland Retro Reel is a click pawl dandy... Man, you've got this whole gear-whore thing down pat, don't you?
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Tom...I would have to believe it's one of those economic situations where someone like Mike can't cover costs to both roll a blank and finish it out for a $299 price point. On a side note...the Cortland Retro Reel is a click pawl dandy and anodized in a similar dark blue color (they call it "gunmetal" it looks like on the website) to be a perfect match to the new Diamondback Glass. http://www.cortlandline.com/products/default.asp?id=582
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Ahh, so things have changed since I last spoke to Mike. Dang. Given that there are only minor differences between these rods and the "old" Dglass line, I'm hoping they basically shipped the mandrells abroad, and that the new rods will be similar to the old. In any case, thanks for saving me from writing an email to Cortland today (that's one item [of dozens] off the to-do list).
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So, are we reasonably confident that the new versions have the same actions as their predecessors? Not any more. See comment #14 below...
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When I spoke with Nate Dablock of Cortland Line Company at IFTD, he stated that the rod blanks are sourced out of country but are finished by a custom fly rod builder in the U.S. It will be interesting to see how this new generation series compares to the Diamondback Glass of the past.
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So, are we reasonably confident that the new versions have the same actions as their predecessors? I've consistently kept an eye out for a used 8'6" 4 wt., to no avail. I am not questioning the quality of the current lineup, just wondering if the new ones mimic the old (and hoping that they do).
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I believe the blanks are manufactured by Mike, but that's old information and wanted to double-check it.
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C'mon - you're not that sad...
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The 8' 5wt was the slowest of the rods, and probably the least "accessible" of the tapers (at least as far as the general public is concerned). It's one of the sweetest rods I've ever used, but I'll bet it didn't do very well in a fly shop parking lot...
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The 8ft 5wt is a sweet taper and not having it in the line up is a miss in my opinion but I'm just tickled they're back.....
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This is completely off topic. I fished today, Tom. And you didn't. Did Not. I did. And, it was........outstanding. I had my cellphone with me, and was tempted to call you with fish-on! reel screaming ala Roberts, but. I was just too busy. Too, too busy. The fall colors of foliage and fish are just outstanding. Strong wild trout, screaming Hardys, bent cane. Damn. Did I tell you how good it was? They ... more are lookin up and grabbin it. Yea, it was good. It was outstanding. Glad you able to stay in your nice warm house and fondle some rods. Heh, heh. C
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This news cheered up a sad and cynical old man. American manufacturing had to restart somewhere.
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I remember hearing that McFarland Rod Company had acquired all the equipment from Diamondback, so I wonder if these are McFarland Rods. If so, that is a huge plus.
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I own the 7' 3wt 3-pc, which is quite soft and extremely smooth (the 2-pc versions were generally a bit faster than the 3-pc). A toy in the wind, I've fished it with dries up to Size 8 without a problem, though leader selection becomes critical.
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Doesn't seem to say at the site.
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Well, then. That's my Christmas shopping sorted...
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That 6'6” 3 wt. 2 pc looks sweet. Pinpointing ( in my case) rudd and the occasional German brown or grayling. Given that I own less then 10 flyrods I should get one. Right? But I guess shipping to EU will bork things up again. So I will be going on a rampage, find every glass flyblank left in this country, and report back. There may be many (or none) to be found. And I'm really curious....
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Do you know if they'll be offering blanks for sale?
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