Overview

The Cortland Guide Series Saltwater is a fast-action 9' 8 wt built for saltwater power and quick shots: beach fishing, coastal water, wind, larger flies and powerful fish. Cortland lists striped bass, redfish, bonefish, permit and speckled trout among its targets.

It shares the Guide Series build: lightweight 4-piece graphite made to withstand wear and tear, a cork grip, an aluminum reel seat with dual locking reel seat nuts, and a fighting butt for leverage on big fish. It comes in a Cordura rod tube, which with the 4-piece design makes it an easy rod to pack as a travel or backup saltwater setup.

Cortland Guide Series Saltwater Specs

Cortland Guide Series Saltwater Models

620360 - 9' 8 wt

The 8 wt is the all-round saltwater line class, light enough to cast all day on the beach or the flats and strong enough for stripers, redfish and bonefish in the wind. The fighting butt helps when a fish runs.

Best for: striped bass, redfish, bonefish, speckled trout, beach and coastal fishing.

Line pairing: An 8 wt weight-forward floating saltwater line, with a tropical or cold-water coating to match where you fish. We recommend the SA Amplitude Textured Bonefish (WF8F) or the SA Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam (WF8F).

Guide Series Saltwater vs Other Cortland Guide Series Rods

If you need the whole setup, the Cortland Guide Series Saltwater Fly Rod Outfit pairs this 9' 8 wt with a large arbor aluminum reel, 150 yards of backing, a two-color weight-forward floating line, a leader and a rod and reel case. For fresh water, the Cortland Guide Series Freshwater Fly Rod also comes in a 9' 8 wt with a fighting butt, aimed at bass, pike and salmon, along with 4 to 6 wt trout models.

Cortland Guide Series Saltwater FAQ

What action is it?

Fast. Cortland builds it on a fast-action, lightweight graphite blank for line speed and quick shots.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. It comes in a Cordura rod tube.

What is the warranty?

Cortland lists a 2-year manufacturer's warranty for Guide Series rods, for rods bought from an authorized Cortland retailer.

What fish is it for?

Cortland lists striped bass, redfish, bonefish, permit and speckled trout, from the beach and in coastal water, with larger flies and in the wind.

Does it have a fighting butt?

Yes, the 9' 8 wt includes a fighting butt.

How is it different from the Freshwater 9' 8 wt?

Both are fast 9' 8 wt 4-piece Guide Series rods with fighting butts. Cortland places the Saltwater model in its saltwater lineup for beach and coastal species, and the Freshwater model for bass, pike and salmon.