I called up to my local shop, Harvey Angling, a few week back in search of a new fly line. My line had just about given up the ghost and I had the first round of the Welsh Trials coming up. I have tried may different brands in both weight forward and double taper. There are so many different lines to choose from these days, all claiming to be the best. Where do you start in even trying to decide on a line?

For me, it’s important that a floating line lies straight and retains it’s straitness. There’s nothing more frustrating than buying a line that developed coils.

Looking through the selection of Rio, Airflo, Greys and many more, I decided on the Cortland Fairplay. Gareth the shop owner claimed he has had one of these on his reel for 7 years and it is as good as new. This is the first Fairplay I have bought

Back home, I putting the line on my reel, I felt my decision was the right one. The line felt smooth, and seemed to have no memory. What I also liked was the fact that the line has a very small amount of stretch. This is great as if the line ever sits on the spool for any length of time, you can easily give it a small stretch to remove any coils.

So off I went to the river to give it a go. I was surprised at how well the line cast. It felt slick and well balanced on my rod. My usual lines have been weight forward’s, this being a double taper naturally felt better on presentation. I also love the cream colour of the line as many others are very bright.

A few hours fishing dries and I can see why Gareth at Harvey Angling recommended this. I am sure I will have many, many trips with this line before considering a replacement.

Finally, the best bit about this line: It was only £20.00

Cortland Fairplay double taper fly line