The Cortland Top Secret 30 yd Ultra Premium Fluorocarbon Fly Fishing Tippet is a high-performance tippet designed for anglers who demand stealth, strength, and abrasion resistance. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater, sinks quickly, and is more resistant to UV degradation than nylon.
Key Features:
– Material: 100% fluorocarbon
– Length: 30 yards per spool
– Low Visibility: Refractive index similar to water, making it nearly invisible to fish
– Abrasion Resistant: Tough against rocks, teeth, and structure
– Fast Sinking: No need for added weight when nymphing or streamer fishing
– Knot Strength: Retains strength well with proper knots (e.g., improved clinch, Palomar)
Available Sizes (X Rating & Pound Test):
| Size (X) | Diameter (inches) | Pound Test (lbs) | Best For |
|————-|———————-|———————|————–|
| 0X | 0.011″ | 15.5 lbs | Big streamers, bass, pike |
| 1X | 0.010″ | 13.5 lbs | Large trout, steelhead, smallmouth |
| 2X | 0.009″ | 11.5 lbs | Medium trout, nymphing |
| 3X | 0.008″ | 8.5 lbs | Dry-dropper, wary trout |
| 4X | 0.007″ | 6.0 lbs | Delicate presentations, small flies |
| 5X | 0.006″ | 4.75 lbs | Technical dry fly fishing |
| 6X | 0.005″ | 3.5 lbs | Ultra-finesse, spooky fish |
| 7X | 0.004″ | 2.5 lbs | Micro-fly situations |
Best Uses:
– Nymphing & Euro Techniques (fluorocarbon sinks better than nylon)
– Streamer Fishing (abrasion-resistant for toothy fish)
– Clear Water & Pressured Fish (low visibility)
– Saltwater Applications (resistant to UV and abrasion)
Pros vs. Nylon Tippet:
✔ Less stretch → Better sensitivity & hook sets
✔ Sinks faster → Ideal for subsurface flies
✔ More abrasion-resistant → Lasts longer against rocks and teeth
✔ UV-resistant → Doesn’t degrade as quickly in sunlight
Cons:
❌ More expensive than nylon tippet
❌ Stiffer (can be harder to manage with dry flies)
❌ Requires proper knots (double-check clinch knots, use a Palomar for heavy tippet)
Final Verdict:
The Cortland Top Secret Fluorocarbon Tippet is an excellent choice for anglers who prioritize stealth and durability, especially in nymphing, streamer fishing, and clear-water scenarios. If you fish mostly dry flies in slow water, nylon might be more supple, but for everything else, this is a top-tier fluorocarbon option.
Would you like recommendations for specific fishing scenarios?