When fly fishing takes you offshore, where dorado leap across the sky, tuna dig deep, and sailfish rip and fly across the surface, all your gear will be tested and better hold up—especially the backing on your reel.
Having good backing on your fly reels is very important. That’s where Cortland’s Hollow-X backing earns its stripes. This isn’t just any braided backing—it’s a purpose-built workhorse designed to deliver strength, control, and durability in the most demanding saltwater environments.
Hollow-X is engineered with high-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMWPE) fibers, making it incredibly strong for its diameter. But what sets it apart for fly anglers is its tight, round weave, which lies flat on a reel and pays out smoothly during blistering runs. That means fewer tangles, less drag, and more confidence when a pelagic fish is hell-bent on finding the horizon.
The offshore game is all about connections; strong knots to your flies/leader system, and smooth connections from your fly line to your backing. Cortland’s FiberTech treatment bonds to each fiber in the braid, creating a slick, smooth connection with almost zero stretch. I like to attach my fly line loop to my braid with a Bimini four-strand surgeons' loop. This loop-to-loop connection is secure and glides through the guides with ease and handles beautifully under pressure. Whether you're locked into a tuna on a 14-weight or clearing backing in a chaos of spray and adrenaline, it remains smooth and reliable under pressure.
Offshore fishing is no place for delicate gear. Salt, sun, and toothy predators will test your setup every time. Fortunately, Hollow-X is abrasion-resistant, colorfast, and tough as nails. Thanks to Cortland’s ColorLast technology, it keeps its color through long days on a sunny deck without bleeding. And with test strengths from 5 to 200 pounds and spools ranging from 150 to 5000 yards, it meets the demands of all saltwater situations.
