[fishing4trout]

Having read several threads on bamboo rods and fly lines I would like some input regarding Cortland Sylk fly line. I own two bamboo rods, a 4 wt Granger Victory, and a 5 wt Webber Professor. I realize that these are not the top of the line Payne or Thomas & Thomas, but they are good rods none the less. The reels I use for these rods are an Abel #1 Creek and an Orvis Battenkill.

First of all, I would like to know what is the advantage of using Cortland Sylk over something like Orvis Wonderline or SA Trout for these rods?

Secondly, how would Cortland Sylk perform on my Sage SP490 and my Sage SP589?

Thanks for your help, and I shall catchya later.
Doff.....aka fishing4trout

[Fish Bones]

I've never used it, so I can't realy say... but I've sure sold a lot of it.

Take a look at Doug Macnair's post on SYLK fly lines at: Cortland's 444 Sylk

[Joni]

I have the Battenkill 7' 4wt. 3pc. and the ol' man has the Penn's Creek 7' 4wt 2pc. The reason I mention that is cause his is a faster rod than mine. We both use Sylk WF and I have tried Orvis Superfine/Spring Creek, Wulff TT and Cortland 444 DT and NOTHING comes close to the Sylk. It is so soft all the time. The only disadvatage to Sylk is that it has a core in the line and the tip will sink. I cured this by putting Orvis Hi-Float leader on it and cut it off at 4" and put a Perfection Loop in it. No more sink. The Sylk also works great on my Trout Bum and my 1 ounce all being full flex.
This is not to say that it is going to be that compatible with yours. Ifeel all rods have there own personality and needs. If there was any way for you to try several different lines on your rod, I would do that. Maybe take your rod to different stores and try one of their demo reel with line.

[Salmo Nella]

Originally Posted by fishing4trout

Having read several threads on bamboo rods and fly lines I would like some input regarding Cortland Sylk fly line.

I have used Sylk on 3 different bamboo rods as well as one graphite rod.
These are the things I find nice about it...
1) it either has a thinner diameter or a smoother surface because it moves very nicely through the small diameter stripping guides on the older bamboo rods.
2) it lifts off the water very easily. This is most important with the very slow action of a bamboo rod. again, I think it is the diameter.
3) it is less affected by the wind. I have compared Sylk and Cortland 444 in a 3 wt DT in light breeze conditions and the Sylk is somewhat more controllable.

Steve has good advice. Read Doug Ms article.
Joni also makes a good suggestion. Try as many lines as possible and pick the one you like.

[fishing4trout]

Thank you to all who gave their input and advise. I had read the product review by Doug MacNair, and the various comments that followed. It appears that my best choice is for me to quit being a tightwad, and part with the money to purchase the Sylk line. It is truly the only way I shall know how it lays out with my bamboo and Sage rods. Thanks again to everyone.

Doff.....aka fishing4trout