Compact Sink Type 6

January 15th, 2026

Some of the most aggressive strikes come from fish holding deep in the water column, lurking in channels, along drop-offs, or suspended over structure. Reaching them effectively requires a line that not only sinks but does so predictably and keeps your fly in the strike zone throughout the retrieve. The Specialty Series Compact Sink Type 6 was engineered to be the world’s most versatile sinking line, a single tool that excels in countless deep-water scenarios across all temperature conditions. This is the line you reach for when you need to dredge the depths for musky, tempt deep-holding striped bass, or swing flies for steelhead in cold rivers. Its design eliminates guesswork and allows you to focus on your presentation and the bite.

Precision Sinking, Superior Connection

The power of this line comes from its 28-foot, Type 6 sinking head. This density-compensated head is designed to sink at a consistent 6 to 7 inches per second, pulling your fly through the surface film and down into productive water quickly. The compact head design also loads modern fly rods with ease, allowing for powerful, distance-eating casts with minimal effort.

What truly sets the Compact Sink Type 6 apart is its pairing with an intermediate, low-friction running line. Unlike lines with a floating running line that can create a dramatic sag or "belly," the intermediate running line follows the sinking head down. This creates a much straighter connection between you and your fly, enhancing strike detection and ensuring your strip-sets drive the hook home with authority, even at depth. It keeps your fly in the zone longer, preventing it from being pulled upward during the retrieve.

All-Temperature, All-Water Dominance

Versatility means more than just targeting different species; it means performing flawlessly wherever you fish. Built on a tough monofilament core, the Compact Sink Type 6 is rated for all temperature conditions. It remains slick, supple, and memory-free whether you're fishing in warm climates (50-70°F) or true tropical heat (70°F+). This adaptability makes it the perfect choice for the traveling angler targeting everything from trout and bass to pike, bluefish, and false albacore.

Performance is further enhanced by our advanced coatings. The proprietary ST coating and Heat-Tempered Surface Treatment work together to create an exceptionally low-friction finish. This line shoots through the guides like a dream and seals out dirt, algae, and oils that can degrade performance over time. Rigging is made fast and reliable with the inclusion of our durable Dual Welded Loops on both ends, providing strong, seamless connections to your backing and leader.

Find the Best Fly Fishing Inventory at Cortland Line Company

At Cortland Line Company we share a passion for everything fly fishing. We specialize in fly lines for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, and offer other products including leaders, tippet, rods and reels. We are passionate about the sport and offer over 100 years of refined experience both designing and manufacturing the world’s top fly line and braided fishing line. As techniques progress we remain focused on growing our technology for innovative new angler adventures. Our dedication over the last century compels us to continue pushing the limits of fly lines and propel the progression of fly fishing forward. All our lines are made in the USA at our premier location in Cortland, New York. We are a groundbreaking pioneer within the fly fishing industry, with many of our cultivated technologies continuing to shape fly line development. If you have questions about our elite fly lines, or anything fishing related, stop by and see us - we love to talk about all things fishing. We look forward to seeing you out on the water.