Do the Boo

Tom Butler

Tom Butler

Grandpa, Small Stream Fanatic
Forum Supporter
Wanted to actually cast a rod today so out came the old Cortland 444LTD and matching reel. It doesn't feel real light in hand, and bounces with a pleasant rhythm between the handle and tip when I walk, but the balance is spot on and the parabolic action just gently lays the Sylk line out effortlessly wherever I want.
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Found some perfect water
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Found some fish
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Love the way bamboo bends and feels when playing a fish.
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The multiplier is handy for quick line management
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Nice way to start retirement. Totally blessed.
 

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Summer has begun. The Tom Butler fly fishing posts have started.

Your cortland 444 rod was built on a Sharpes Impregnated bamboo blank. They did this in the late 60's and early 70's. Hence the "made in england" and the maroon wraps. I own a 7'6" Norm Thompson by Farlows rod which looks like yours and was also made by Sharpes. I like it best with a 6 weight line but it will also handle a 5 weight.
 
Dave Westburg said:
Summer has begun. The Tom Butler fly fishing posts have started.

Your cortland 444 rod was built on a Sharpes Impregnated bamboo blank. They did this in the late 60's and early 70's. Hence the "made in england" and the maroon wraps. Hence the made in England. I own a 7'6" Norm Thompson by Farlows rod which looks like yours and was also made by Sharpes.
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Thanks. Sharpes did a good job with this model. I enjoy it. The more I relax my casting, the better it works.
 
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Dave Westburg said:
Summer has begun. The Tom Butler fly fishing posts have started.

Your cortland 444 rod was built on a Sharpes Impregnated bamboo blank. They did this in the late 60's and early 70's. Hence the "made in england" and the maroon wraps. I own a 7'6" Norm Thompson by Farlows rod which looks like yours and was also made by Sharpes. I like it best with a 6 weight line but it will also handle a 5 weight.
Click to expand...
Dave, do you know if the oval stripping is typical of that brand? When I got the rod it looked unfished, but had this squished guide. Then I realized it was made that way.
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Tom,my fly rod has the same blanks and maroon wrappings as yours but the stripper guide is round, there's a sliding band reel seat and the label is different.

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One of the nice features of the Sharpes fly rods is they put little red dots on the ferrules so you can line up the guides when you are putting the rod together.

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I took my Sharpes out on the lawn today to test cast it between showers. I liked the 6 weight lines more than 5 weight. My favorite line was a Triangle Taper 6.
 
Dave Westburg said:
Tom,my fly rod has the same blanks and maroon wrappings as yours but the stripper guide is round, there's a sliding band reel seat and the label is different.

View attachment 185673

View attachment 185672

View attachment 185675

View attachment 185676

One of the nice features of the Sharpes fly rods is they put little red dots on the ferrules so you can line up the guides when you are putting the rod together.

View attachment 185674

I took my Sharpes out on the lawn today to test cast it between showers. I liked the 6 weight lines more than 5 weight. My favorite line was a Triangle Taper 6.
Click to expand...
The rod sock looks the same except for color, and the furele plug looks the same. Seems clear Cortland contracted with Sharpes. The male furele on mine is plain however. I appreciate the follow up.
 
Dave Westburg said:
Tom,my fly rod has the same blanks and maroon wrappings as yours but the stripper guide is round, there's a sliding band reel seat and the label is different.

View attachment 185673

View attachment 185672

View attachment 185675

View attachment 185676

One of the nice features of the Sharpes fly rods is they put little red dots on the ferrules so you can line up the guides when you are putting the rod together.

View attachment 185674

I took my Sharpes out on the lawn today to test cast it between showers. I liked the 6 weight lines more than 5 weight. My favorite line was a Triangle Taper 6.
Click to expand...
Those “dots” are a nice feature. I think they referred to them as “witness marks”.
 
IMG_8180.jpegI was also able to “do the boo” too this weekend. Only a couple small browns were interested with what I had to offer but it was a wonderful day.

I have been interested in finding a good deal on a sharpes and good to know that the cortlands are built by sharpes and impregnated.
 
Russell said:
View attachment 185747I was also able to “do the boo” too this weekend. Only a couple small browns were interested with what I had to offer but it was a wonderful day.

I have been interested in finding a good deal on a sharpes and good to know that the cortlands are built by sharpes and impregnated.
Click to expand...
Nice sling/kit!
 
Russell said:
https://goertzenae.com/Fly-Fishing/fly-fishing.html
The perpetual quest for the right amount of gear to bring along and how to carry it.
This setup works pretty well with a Wheatley box with windows and clips. Also have found the magnetic fly patches are awesome and can be added to anything.
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You don’t lose flies off the magnetic fly patches? How long do leave flies on there before putting them somewhere more secure?
 
Matt B said:
You don’t lose flies off the magnetic fly patches? How long do leave flies on there before putting them somewhere more secure?
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I don't loose anymore flies off the magnetic patch than I do off any other fly patch I have had. They are the rare earth magnets and are very strong. I fish allot with a waterproof hip/fanny pack and these allow you to attach a fly patch without puncturing or having to have a place to hook it.
I usually leave flies on it until they are dry or until I have too many flies and lack of space to stick them. I then put them away.
With all fly patches, I usually lose the flies in the car ride to the next hole or home.
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Russell said:
View attachment 185747I was also able to “do the boo” too this weekend. Only a couple small browns were interested with what I had to offer but it was a wonderful day.

I have been interested in finding a good deal on a sharpes and good to know that the cortlands are built by sharpes and impregnated.
Click to expand...
PM sent…
 
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