If fly fishing is your passion, then you are no doubt always looking for ways to improve both your technique and your tackle. There is a wide variety of fly fishing tackle available, especially on the internet, so it can be difficult to choose what is best for your particular preferences. Reading reviews is a great way to stay informed. In that spirit, I’d like to share my thoughts on a great fly fishing reel, the Cortland Endurance fly reel model 599857.
Overview
The Cortland Endurance Model 599857 Fly Reel has a clever design that features standard and large interchangeable cassettes. This makes it quite versatile for both trout and salmon fishing. It comes with four reels, 2x 7/8 and 2x 9/10, making the reel a superior value right out of the box. The cassettes are made of a high-strength polycarbonate material. I did some research on polycarbonate and learned that it’s an extra-strong type of plastic used where safety and durability are important, such as bullet-proof windows. This material has a superior weight/strength ratio and is nearly unbreakable. Polycarbonate is also much lighter than other materials in its class, such as acrylic, making it an ideal material to use for fishing reels, where weight and strength are such important considerations.
Cortland 599857 Fly Reel Features
Adding to the reel’s light weight is a cast aluminum spool and frame that you’re sure to appreciate during long fishing sessions. The 599857 model has a super smooth composite center disc drag and is easy to switch for left or right handed retrieve. The quick release spool has an exposed lip. When I need a faster recovery, it’s a breeze to insert the big tree cassette. For maximum backup and line capacity, the standard spindle cassette is perfect. Of course, additional reels are available. The frame features a cast and machined design that is quite strong, yet lightweight, making it one of my favorite fly fishing reels. Finally, the real thing comes with an incredible lifetime guarantee.
More information about the Cortland Endurance reel
I prefer a center mounted drag and this reel does not disappoint with its super soft cork composite drag. The drag is easily adjusted from ultralight to full power thanks to the adjustment knob and non-slip polyurethane handle, so there’s no need to worry about using it in cold, wet weather. The angler can apply additional drag through the exposed edge. The detent lever makes it easy to remove and lock the spool into the frame. I especially like that the drive drag is designed to be audible when the line goes out and silent on recovery. This reel is 3 1/4 inches in diameter and weighs 6.4 ounces with the standard cassette installed. With the large axle cassette attached, it weighs a bit more, at 6.7 ounces.
For my money, the Cortland Endurance model 599857 reel is a superior, well-priced piece of fly fishing.
