After becoming one of the most renowned fly line manufacturers in the world, the American company Cortland began to design euronymphing gear a few years ago : these techniques are in full development in the United States, under the impetus of American competitors (Devin Olsen and Lance Egan to name but a few), the brand has designed and marketed specific products for this approach. It now equips some of the best fly fishing nations. We had to present the different models of the top-range MKII series, starting with the two #2 models : the 10' and the 11'.
Static test
This series of rods has a sober and dark look : the satin black blank has 11 guides (first SIC guide followed by single foot) with black wraps. Some golden trims present at the level of reel seat and the joints come to decorate the whole. The cork handle overcomes a black anodized aluminum down-locking reel seat with a carbon insert and a cork fighting butt. These 4 pieces rods are delivered in a fabric sock and a cordura tube.
Measurements
The Common Cents System protocol was used to characterize the action, the power and the frequency of these rods :
Regarding the power, 26 and 28 cents were required to load the rods over a third of their respectives total lengths, which gives after conversion an ERN of 2.82 for the 10' and ERN of 3.12 for the 11', and a #2/3 line power for both rods, just a little more than the expected power.
With an AA of 66°, the action is in the Moderate Fast category for the 10' (AA between 63 and 66°). The 11' is faster (AA of 69°), the action is fast (AA> 66°).
With a frequencies at 78 cpm, the 10' rods has an high recovery (regarding the moderate fast action and the lenght), while the value of 69 cpm for the 11' is standard with regard to their length / power.
These rods offer very comfortable fishing, the total weight of the balanced set (BTW) is only 8.18oz and 9.45oz respectively : the balance is therefore better than on most rods of this length/power on the market.
The diameter of the handles is standard (0.98in) and the first guides are well positioned for effective nymph fishing (unlike most American models), respectively 18.5 and 15.35in from the handle.
Cortland MKII 10' #2
Cortland MKII 11' #2
The opinion of the manufacturer :
"From world champion anglers to weekend warriors, the MKII 2wt models were designed to make your nymphing experience as productive as possible. We developed this rod using a military grade carbon fiber blank that has a unique taper design to turn over light flies and detect the slightest takes. With an ergonomic fighting butt, you can put the pressure on large fish while the extremely light tip protects against the finest tippet and reduces bounced fish. A downward locking reel seat helps to balance the rod and keep your arm charged for long days on the water. We came up with a unique single footed guide pattern that assists with line control and cleanly transitions knots through the rod. The 11’ 2wt provides the extra reach and sensitivity that is crucial on medium to large rivers that demand small flies and light leaders. The 10’ model is ideal for small to medium sized rivers where finesse and stealth are necessary. If you want a light, fast, high performing nymphing rod, look the further. The Cortland MKII Nymph 2wt models will revolutionize your nymphing game."
The opinion of Devin Olsen, from Team USA Fly Fishing :
"The 10' 2 weight Cortland MKII is one of my favorite rods for small to medium sized rivers. It is a great rod when I need to protect fine tippet and react to quick taking fish. It loads with small light nymphs on a very fine Euro-nymphing leader and delivers them accurately into tight spaces. I've used this rod a lot in competitions over the last two years and I've come to rely on it when I need finesse for technical fishing situations."
The opinion of the editor
These Cortland rods have been designed for modern nymphing techniques and it appears in every detail : regarding the rod build first, it offers excellent euronymphing comfort (impressive balance, first guide close enough to the handle to avoid the formation of the slag in the line). The powers announced are relatively consistent with those we have measured. The #2/3 power allow to cast a wide panel of nymph weights (beads size from 2 mm for the 10') with a predilection for the lightest models. Unlike many ultra-fast references of the market, these Cortland rods have relatively progressive actions which are a great advantage during the fights with all-sized fishes and especially large-sized ones. We particularly liked the perfect hold of the fish using the 10' model. The figures we measured confirm the words of Devin Olsen about this model : the AA at 66 degrees attests to a moderate fast action, which means that the rod will bend harmoniously during the fighting and thus limit hook-offs and tippet breaks. At the same time, its high reactivity (78cpm for this 10') allows it to use dry fly ot dry dropper with a fly line numer 2 for example. The 11' logically has a lower frequency at 69cpm and it is more specific and closed to euronymphing in large streams.
