Over the last few years Cortland has won many fans with the 444 series of fly lines … and as many of you know, I have written about them, especially the 444 SL-XRL, a line that won best in show when first introduced some years ago. Regrettably, it is a line soon to be forgotten and lost in the pages of history. That’s unfortunate because the XRL was then, and remains today, a great line capable of extraordinary casting distance. In short, the XRL is a shooting head with an integrated exposed running line of braided mono. Why is it going away? I have no idea other than hazard a guess that today’s fly fishers have very delicate hands -- too delicate to handle the exposed mono running line. For those of you, who still carry a set, if you can find one, grab it. The XRL is truly a great line.

Having now ventilated about the passing of the XRL, I am delighted to have the opportunity to discuss a sampling of Cortland’s new series called the 555s. This product update will cover three of this new breed. First up will be a 555 Floating Ghost Tip, WF-5-F/F; second, a 555 Tropic Plus Flats, WF-8-F; and, third, a 555 Tropic Plus Ghost Tip, WF-9-F. I believe these three lines represent a cross section of Cortland’s 555 finest. Not only that, but I think you will find these lines fascinating in their construction … but more about that latter.

The Floating Ghost Tip, WF-5-F/F.

Hard to go wrong with this high-tech line. High floating and long throwing is the name of the game with this addition to the Cortland inventory. Whether reaching out to touch someone or making a precision cast, this is without a doubt a superb fly line. I assure you, it will bring happiness to your casting stoke.

In short order, I think you will fall in love with the ghost tip. This clear floating tip is about 4-feet in length giving you an added degree of invisibility when chasing Friend Fish. It does not inhibit the cast in any way. The clear tip gives way to a Mica green line with a distance front taper of about 6.5-feet, a 26-foot belly, and a special rear taper that Cortland refers to as an “anti-collapse rear compound” designed to help carry more line in the air. This task is accomplished with acumen. Put it all together and the entire head is approximately 46-feet, the remainder being a slender running line for an overall length of 90-feet.

The core is constructed of a unique hollow core monofilament that provides superior floatation. As shown in this depiction, the triangular shaped Lumens coupled with the hollow circular core explain the floatation. Note, too, that the core is relatively larger when compared to more conventional fly lines of the same weight.

The composition of the plastic body that surrounds the core, along with the special coating applied over the body rightfully remain proprietary. Suffice it to say that this is a tough fly line that repels dirt, feels slick and dry in your hand, and shoots lines like few I’ve seen.

The 555 Floating Ghost Tip is available in weights 3 through 7. My guess is it will last you a decade given just minimal love and care.

555 Tropic Plus Flats, WF-8- F.

Some time ago, I wrote an article reviewing two of Cortland’s 444 SL lines especially designed for the salt and the warm waters of either the Caribbean or the Gulf of Mexico. It was called, Fly Fishing the Tropics. Both lines performed faultlessly (and still do I might add). Sometimes it is a little hard to believe that something new is something better. In the case of these two 555 tropic lines, “better” is a matter of fact.

As the name implies, the term “tropics” refers to a line especially fabricated not to become a piece of overcooked spaghetti when cast into warm waters. Not even a line cooked “el Dante” works. It has been my experience that trying to cast such a line becomes a very good reason the return to the days of old and go soak a piece of shrimp that’s attached to a light surf rod. Trying to cast a limp line is analogous to playing a round of golf with one of those trick clubs that falls apart unless the stroke is perfect. Who needs the trouble?

Fear not, even the hex of the Ancient Fish Gods cannot phase the 555 version of the Topics Plus! No wet noodles here; only a line designed for the task you assign. Reach out and touch someone? You bet! Friend Fish is easy prey when you are armed with a rod capable of doing justice to this line’s casting capabilities.

The Topic Plus Flats is available in weight 7-10 and 12 and features a distance taper similar to the 555 Ghost Tip earlier discussed. Overall length remains 30 yards.

Tropic Plus Ghost Tip, WF-9-F.

Last up in this sampling of Cortland’s latest has fast become one of my favorite lines, the Tropic Plus Ghost Tip. It combines all of the best features the 555s offer. Made of a composition that stands up to the frequently hot waters of the Gulf while offering that additional degree of invisibility I’ve come to really like – the Ghost Tip.

I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you folks that whenever the water clarity is less than the quality of a premium gin, you can shorten the length of the leader. Translated to the Ghost Tip, forget that 12-footer that will never cast as well as a leader a bit shorter – I suggest you try a 6- or 7-feet instead. The shorter the leader that will catch fish, the better off you are. A shorter leader enables you to cast further and with greater accuracy. The Ghost Tip makes a shorter leader more than possible.

The Tropic Plus Ghost Tip is available in weights 7-10 and 12. Overall length remains 30 yards.

A Few Thoughts. To summarize the 555’s in a word – Superb! There are, however, two points to be aware of:

1. First, the unique construction of the core makes for greater buoyancy but the tradeoff is a slightly increased diameter in the fly line. Consequently, you may want (1) to cut back on the backing your reel carries, (2) go to a larger reel, or (3) do what I did – replace the conventional backing with Cortland’s award winning Micronite. This super-thin backing will give you the same test weight as the more traditional line while saving space on the spool. But if you use it, be sure to spool it tight.

2. Second, I do not recommend using the whipped loop as the line to leader connector. If you will study the illustration of the 555’s core, it will become evident that a fold over loop will crimp the line. I don’t like crimps believing they tend to weaken the line. Of course, I don’t like needle knots either. In the case of the 555’s, I elected to use Cortland’s braided loop connectors on both the front and rear tapers. I am quite satisfied with this decision.

The Complete 555 Line. Thought you might like to see the profile of the complete 555 line. As you can see from this graphic, it covers many fishing situations – suggesting once again that one line will not suffice if your intent is to challenge Friend Fish.

Along with each 555 line, Cortland issues a revised fly fishing booklet, called the Fly Fishing Basics. Pocket size, it makes a convenient and easy to access reference for the beginner while he or she is mastering the gentle art. It’s filled with helpful hints such as line weights, line types, etc., as well as illustrations of an array of proven fly fishing knots.

For more information about the 555 Series, contact: The Cortland Line Company, Inc. 3736 Kellogg Road, P.O. Box 5588, Cortland, NY 13045-5588. 1-(607) 756-2851.