Vintage Cortland 333 Floating Fly Line WF 6 F , Rocket Tapper , 35 Yds
The Vintage Cortland 333 Floating Fly Line WF6F (Rocket Taper, 35 yards) is a classic fly line from Cortland, a well-respected brand in the fly fishing industry. Here’s what you should know about it:
Key Features:
– Weight Forward (WF6F) – Designed for 6-weight fly rods, ideal for medium-sized flies and general freshwater fishing.
– Floating (F) – Stays on the surface, making it great for dry flies, nymphing, and streamers in shallow water.
– Rocket Taper – A specialized weight-forward taper designed for quick loading and longer casts with less effort. The heavy front section helps punch through wind.
– 35 Yards – Shorter than modern standard lines (typically 90+ feet), which was common in older or specialty lines. This may have been designed for close-quarters fishing or specific applications.
Vintage Considerations:
– Age & Condition – If this line is truly vintage (likely 1970s–1990s), check for:
– Dry rot or cracking (common in old PVC fly lines).
– Stiffness or memory (coiling due to long storage).
– Slickness (older lines may lack modern slick coatings).
– Collectibility – Some anglers seek vintage Cortland lines for nostalgia or specific performance traits. The 333 series was a popular mid-range line in its day.
– Compatibility – Works best with vintage or moderate-action rods (not ultra-fast modern rods).
Should You Use It?
– If in good condition, it could still fish well, especially on slower rods.
– If dry or cracked, it may need replacement (modern equivalents: Cortland 444 Classic or Scientific Anglers Mastery MPX).
Would you like help identifying its era or finding a modern alternative?