OPST Commando Head Field Review - Skagit line and shooting head - McFly Angler Reviews
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- Skagit casting is something of an art, a little like spay, but a little not. Its something of its own. But when mastered it gives you the ability to fish either one or two handed rods in a way that bombs big flies out at distance even without any back cast room. While I have not mastered the casts, in fact I rather suck at the specific skagit casts right now, this line really was one of the best "shooting head" type lines Ive ever used. I was able to cast 80-100 feet with one back cast. My roll casts were consistently 40+ feet, and all of this with very large and weighted flies.
Also what is nice, is that you are buying multiple lines in one. Just trade out the tips for one of 3 sinking rates, or even their floating tip. Also there are two lengths of sink tips available. So that is a potential of 7 different lines all wrapped up in one. So you don't need to spend more money on extra reels, as this line will do just about anything you want it to do. Just get the different tips. Granted, its probably not your most finesse lines out there, so for small creek dry fly fishing, this might not be your best bet.
There are 3 components to the line, and I recommend getting them from OPST. OPST is the creator of this commando head, and also created the running line and sink tips. All are top notch. The running line (lazar line) is super slick, cuts through the water quickly so there is no drag on your casts, and has no memory. The command head is heavy, but not overloading on your rod. Its high quality, and I cannot say enough about it, its very good line! And their sink tips are great! They aren't stiff, but not noodles. They seem to help turn over the flies just as much as the tapered leaders do. These sink tips just rock and are really easy to trade out.
Here is a list of where you can buy the components of this line system.
Lazar line:
Chartreuse - amzn.to/2ug5b3u
Pink/35lb - amzn.to/2ufXVEK
Commando Head: amzn.to/2tLCzNU
Commando Tip:
12' sinking - amzn.to/2ugaGiK
5' sinking - www.opskagit.co...
Floating - www.opskagit.co...
If you are unsure what grain line to use, here is a link to their online chart. www.opskagit.co...
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OPST is the ticket. One reel, one running line, one leader wallet, one head wallet, three rods. I fish a 10' 3wt, 10' 5wt, and 9' 8wt with this set up. Stripers in salt water, indicator nymphing, streamer fishing, wets on the swing, bead eggs, whatever. You don't need tapered leaders as all of the turn over power is in the Commando Head. This is a beautiful system and it basically doubles your quiver of rods without buying more rods. In fact you will want to keep one dry fly line just in case. If anybody is hemming and hawing about buying this set up just do it. Get one setup according to the OPST guidelines for your favorite rod and then go practice making it work. It is a very intuitive system to use and the flexibility in casting is great. You don't need to just Skagit cast. Overhand, skagit, whatever it takes to get the line moving. Ive never seen line shoot out of a conventional fly rod like this.
Good stuff for sure!
Great information. Now I know how to use these line.
Thank you.
+hoshi hyuuma glad I could help
Thanks for making this. It really helped me figure out what things to get and how to set it up.
Happy to help, glad you liked the video.
Just sent the guys at OPST a request for their recommendation for my outfit. Loved your video BECAUSE you explained the setting up of the whole outfit, their videos don't. Why ? Because they know the answer !Hope I get an answer soon so I can buy what is needed.Great video as always. Even makes sense in the UK.
+Paul Simon thanks Paul! Good luck with the new line, and you are in good hands, they are good people over there, very helpful.
Good job of going through the steps to set this up. Looks like you got the skagit casting motion down pretty well. Thanks for the informative video.
+Big Papi naw, I could do much much better, I was just roll casting. Haha. Thanks, I hope some people get the line, I think they will like it.
I use the Commando heads also. I have Sage RPLxi 890-5. Great rod, works even better now. I use it to cast from my pontoon...which is the best single-hand fishing platform (because of ability to use feet, freeing up both hands for landing etc. It can also use oars, or motor, on rivers-lakes-ocean). I always had trouble changing direction and overhead casting streamers until I tried Skagit Style of Spey. WOW! What a difference! Effortless 70-80 ft casts. Thanks for the videos! I am looking at purchasing Sage Method 5, 6 or 7116 Switch. Any comments appreciated.
I have a method, and I love it. But its not for everyone, or every situation. It is very very stiff, and hard to feel the rod loading. The commando head is heavy though, so it could work for that. With regular line, I highly recommend upsizing your line one weight. If you are a good caster, then it will be a great rod and very powerful! Its just hard to load at short distances if that makes sense. I think scott just came out with a new saltwater rod that I hear is awesome also. Its not quite as stiff, and easier to make casts, however its also quite pricy. Do you plan on only streamer fishing? If so, either of these rods would be great! If you want to nymph as well, then I would recommend a rod a bit less stiff.
David AFO I have always used commando heads for fishing the river for steelhead but have never spey casted in my float tube. I’ve always thought an overhead cast was the only way since you’re sitting so low
Great choice! I'm in the pnw and use Spey rods and switchs for everything, I have a couple opst setups for my rigs, pointer I learned with the lazr line. After you get it on your reel make your loop that attaches to head larger and wrap it around something and take reel about 30-40 back and stretch it a little and will prevent any coiling when it's stripped off, just helps slide threw guides much easier and less tangles
+Mike Brown thanks for the tip.
Jason Snyder I've caught countless steelhead on the same lazr line for over a year now and seems fine to me, no coiling and shoots like a lazr every time
Mike Brown...you are exactly right...the Lazr line needs a bit of workout to get coils out or it can be frustrating. It is very fast and worth the extra effort.
I could tell that it made a difference in casting. I think I need to give it a try, thanks for doing the review
No problem Kerry, hope you like using it. It does take a bit of getting used to though, keep that in mind. I am still trying to figure it out, but in just a few trips I should be casting it really well.
Really appreciate your help with this stuff. I just got a two handed Spey rod and I’m not sure what to do with it... it’s a 8/9 old glass rod from Great Britain. It’s also 13’6” and new from the late 60’s/70’s. Any ideas are sure appreciated. Stay cool and grounded✌️
Thanks man! As for spay, I’ve never done it, I wish I could be more help, but any advise I get would not be the best since I don’t do spay fishing...
Looks like a great setup for lakes and ponds! Thanks for the video!
+MrBlueSkyNM no problem
Skagit style and OPST Works awesome with inflatable pontoon boat on lakes, rivers, estuaries. Allows you to use finned feet while landing fish, stealth trolling, and also maintain casting position in wind without anchoring. I got tired of wacking myself on overhead backcast with heavy streamers. Skagit helped a lot. Good luck!
This weekend I bought the hydrogen trout spey, and bought all of the opst skagit setup. I'm looking forward to trying it out on the Yuba River in California this weekend. Should be fun, totally new to this myself. Just been watching a ton of videos. Thanks for your video! Im gonna be looking like a noob this weekend trying to put thought into action with casting this new line.
Nice man! I hear good things about that rod. As for the skagit casting, I look like a noob also! Haha. I can’t figure that cast out. But I will say the simple roll cast goes a mile with that line!
@@McFlyAngler Yeah I kinda told myself worst case I roll cast if I fail at skagit casting. Look like it works either way LMFAO!!!! The idea of being able to fish the opposite bank where I normally cant wade sounds like a good plan. Keep practicing, looks like this style will be much worth learning. Thanks for the vid and comment once again! Have a wonderful day. PS looking forward to the next vid.
Great video very informative. Thank you
+John Marulli thanks
For the Spey style skagit casts it works best to put a tip section on after the commando head so you have more depth control and better anchor control
Ok thanks, I think I had the tip section on though.... been a while since I made this video. But I usually fish this with a tip. They have like 4 different tips from what I remember.
Nice, thanks for the good review. These lines change the game in tight back corners. Thanks to Ed Ward for his great design.
Yeah its good stuff for sure! :) Im excited to perfect the cast, as I can really see potential with it. I had a few decent casts with their "rat tail" type of casting (skagit style) and when I did get it right, it was nice. Just too many were bad casts. I need to learn the technique for sure. But that line roll casted really well and also shot out like a cannon! HAHA
Very nice informative video. Thanks for posting it!!
+kevin j. toner glad I could help
Just to be clear, it's the monofilament Laser running line that gives you the greater distance (about 20-25% further) not the Commando shooting head or sink tip.
Yes the running line helps for sure, but a good quality head doesn’t hurt my friend
That 225 grain shooting head is definitely what’s giving you a majority of the distance Paul. If you were to try and cast just the WF head section of a 5wt line, sure you’d be able to shoot it a little farther, but not with that large of a fly, and that commando head is designed to weigh a ton more than your standard fly line shooting head, giving it the ability to turn over giant flies and cast farther with less effort. Just putting a running line on any head doesn’t make that happen. Love the video by the way dude!
You can use dry flies I use them all the time and they turn over so gentle you would never think so but it does
+big ron good to know
When tying the lazar line, put some tough rubber gloves and pull really tight. The knot will almosr disapear.
Good to hear, yeah it actually almost disappeared already. I threw on a 15lb tippet for one of my heavy large streamers and got stuck on the bottom. I had to pull pretty hard to dislodge it. The knot did shrink a bit for sure!
Agreed...the Lazer line is mono, needs breaking in, and is harder to keep from tangling...but is super fast. I use only one glove with finger tips cut out. Have you tried it from pontoon...awesome? IMO Skagit and Toons are the perfect pair... The best fishing spots are where there is no bank access and overhanging trees which requires roll or Skagit cast, less fishing pressure, more fish, and can only be accessed by boat. Please comment..
After fishing Skagit heads for about 10 years now be very careful when winding up your skagit head (don't wrap it around your hand) or you will introduce line twist which really sucks with the Lazer Line as it will cause the Lazer Line to bunch up instead of forming loops when you strip it in.
+Director Cronnic thank you for the recommendation
That knife looks like a Benchmade Osborn. Love mine, it's a great knife!
It is! Love it!
Thank you for this video I knew about Spey casting but never seen Skagit before what I love about it is you can use lighter tackle.
It looks like I have something else to get addicted to now..lol
I just got some on a 3wt rod. It casts streamers. Nothing really heavy, but decent sized. I just caught a few trout on a size 12 streamer. Hard to cast normally on a 3wt rod, but this line allows me to cast to them. A 5wt would not be fun fishing these small 10" fish, but the 3wt is fun. So thats where this shines. Allows you to fish appropriate rod weights for fish your targeting, however still be able to throw the sized flies they are interested in.
As for the rod, anything you normally use will work. No change. Just get your favorite rod, and match up the head grain with the rod weight. They have that on their website if you need it. And, don't worry too much right in the beginning about how to cast like they do. This line works great with a simple roll cast and even a back cast. Over time you can learn the skagit casts (similar to spay).
McFly Angler thanks Shawn I can't wait to try it! Just another way to add to my addiction with fishing
+big ron haha! Right?
McFly...Thanks for great videos...practicing with grass leader on grass will help tighten your loops and help to get timing down and feel the loaded rod. You might be able to put more of a stop in your forward cast also could help. Your overhead casts look good and tight. I am no expert caster..just saying.
Yes, however I need to find a grassy area. HAHA I am no expert caster either. In fact, I'm far from it. But for what I do, it gets me by. HAHA
haha i have the pink running line and 225 grain for my #6 as well, good news is down the road is you can get a 150/175 grain for your #3 run it with a long leader till you need a tip and a streamer
+M40_Kid yeah I definitely plan on getting the 175 for my 3wt. I can use the same tips, just need to get the laser line and commando head. I even have a reel ready for it... however it's going to still cost a bit and I need to save up
McFly Angler run the same reel And lazer line to save money
+M40_Kid it's a 5/6 reel, too large
McFly Angler for 10' 3wt a 5/6 is about right size for balanced skagit set up
+M40_Kid yeah I have a 4/5 on there already... still would rather get something smaller and lighter... it's a light weight rod with it weighted a bit in the handle, so it won't feel too heavy even with a smaller reel.
Great informative review, a couple of UK suppliers are now stocking OPST products, thinking of trying it one on my 8/9 salmon switch rod. Currently use airflo 570g skagit, the river i fish runs so you are always casting into the predominant SW wind, thinking that shorter head and slick running line should punch through the wind better?
+Simon Goddard I think it will cut through the wind much better yes. I do have some links that you can buy the line from if you can't find it in your local shop. In the description section of my video. I used them, and they mailed it in a timely manner.
I just bought a 5 wt glass rod and was curious as to find out whether the casting would be affected by a much slower casting stroke with the commando heads. Might just try this on my faster carbon and graphite rods.
+Stephan Zigler actually I think the slower rod would do better. I saw one of these guys casting this on a reddington butter stick. But just email them, they will tell ya for sure.
Nice casting and that sold me on the line. I like the idea of multiple lines without carrying several reels. One question though, how is it if you have to cast a short distance? Say you want to hit the close runs before sending it out across the river. Also, what line winder was that you had? I like the suction cup idea on it.
+torrey self the line winder I got from "qualifly products" who makes those maverick reels I reviewed.
As for short casts, it's not bad, I mean maybe 10 feet is possible with the 5' leader. I would say much closer is tough.
The loop to loop connecton catching on the guides can make stripping in short casts a pain.
Love the perfection loop but I reached out to Ed Ward of OPST after watching his line setting up UA-cam video and he recommended the double surgeons knot. I believe that it is not an issue for trout but bigger game salmon, steelhead, stripers etc. the perfection loop maybe problematic.
Probably yes. Seems to work for me though. But yeah it can have issues I guess when something powerful is taking you to backing I guess.
Triple surgeons not perfection loops on either end of the lazar
Ok
ua-cam.com/video/nrDseHoMq6I/v-deo.html lol I meant to share this link with that comment sorry if I sounded like a jerk lol watch it though very good instructions it’s tied with a different technique
Hey McFly, I have been looking at buying one of these for a while! Is there any way we could meet up on the Animas or something and I could make a couple casts with it?
Seems HIGHLY interesting to me for fishing ponds and maybe even from a canoe where you can't get as much umph on the cast? Are they available in 7wt or 8wt? Thanks for the video!
+Charlie Wilson yes, could work for that. They sell grains that would work all the way to 10wt I think. Maybe more
Cool! I have a 7'6 4/5wt that I've been wanting to try a new line on, and a 9' 8wt with a Rio Bass line on that I've never loved casting. The 4/5 has almost bee. Retired due to all my trout fishing being done with a Tenkara rod. I would love to see some more from you on this line system as you learn it more!
I will probably do another video soon.
If you don't like casting the 8wt, then I wouldn't add this line to the 8wt. It makes the rod feel like a weight up. My 6wt felt like a 7-8wt when casting this. But when fighting fish it still feels like a 6wt type of thing. So I would add the line to your 4/5wt honestly. Get a 200g commando head (or if its more towards the 4wt than 5wt then a 175g). amzn.to/2eNPkFE
Even that 4/5 should cast a decent sized streamer a mile with this line.
Use a 300 or 325 gr commando head on your single hand 8 wt, turns it into a rocket launcher! This system is not that new as indicated in this video, lines have been available now for 2 years. OPST has multiple videos available on casting their heads and tips.
A bit pricy, but well worth the dollar. I have the opst on three rods and could'nt go without it.
Yeah, it is pricy your right, but yes, well worth it! It will be the line I use for all streamer fishing actually...
How would this kind of setup work on a 10wt for shooting out large musky flies from shore, I'm looking for something even more extreme than rio OBS, or 40 plus sniper. Ability to snap shoot accurately with minimal back casts.
Great question. I mean I can imagine it would work well. But I’ve never used the 10wt version...
Thank you might have to try it
I have been messing with a cut airflo 40+ sniper head type 3, and berkley big game 40lb as the running line, if the commando head/lazer line works even slightly better than this hodge podge than it's grossly underpriced. Oh and the head is a 10wt and the rod is a been repaired redington redfly 2 in 9'6" 4 piece 7wt thats probably 9'3" now and it launches pike/small musky flies like size 20 tricos simply amazing.
Thanks Shawn, best review ever. Finally got some hands on advise on this line system. I've watched Ben Paul cast with such grace I thought "only an expert" casting a product they're selling, more "sizzle than steak" if you will. This could open up more areas to fly fishing for me that I would normally spin fish. I agree, pricey, but much less than buying a specialized rod when I can use the many rods I have. I see you kept the backing on your reel, is that a necessity to fill out the capacity? ( I know each reel has a backing/line rating, as well as commen sense lengths for running fish, like salmon ) What type of leader did you use on that sink tip? I know opst gives recommendations, but do you know how rod action plays in the size head used?
There's nothing wrong with you casting, much better than mine. I know there's a learning curve involved and I think you're in the ballpark. Thanks and good luck!
+Joe Duca thanks man, so I always keep the backing. It's not to fill the reel but for line capacity. The running line with the head and the tips are not long enough for me to feel safe fighting larger fish. Just like you add backing to regular fly line, you would probably want to for this.
+Joe Duca the leader was the normal tapered leader from Rio. Honestly for most Streamer fishing though you could just tie on some heavy mono, then tie on a finer flouro (4x-0x) and be just fine. Not sure why they recommend specific leaders with it. I didn't have much trouble at all.
McFly Angler Thanks Shawn . Seriously I've learned more from this video than on the many others. 👍 Thanks!
im glad I could help.
And what are the flies of choice to throw with these bigger two handed salmon rods?
I would think streamers....
Is that a regular 6wt fly rod you put that set up on? Or is it a switch rod?
+BubbaLewis208 regular... 9' 6wt, just has a fighting butt, however that's not necessary...
How much mono running line do you put on the reel?
Oh man, good question, I can’t remember. Been a while since I’ve spoiled it.
Would you know the best grain head to get for my new Piscifun 3/4 wt. reel and also do you have to put backing on first?
Thanks
+big ron well, what rod are you fishing it with? It's not the reel but the line
+McFly Angler it's not the reel but the rod that dictates the line...
McFly Angler I ended up going with my 6wt. pole the owner of my favorite tackle shop hook me right up today with everything I need to get started I just got home and can't wait to try it out!
Your local fly shop has OPST Commando heads? Wow! Mine doesn't. LOL Lucky you! Good luck, tell me how it works for you.
McFly Angler I really need to give a shout out to Scott the owner of The Bears Den in Marlboro Mass.he set me up with everything I needed and explained Skagit casting a-z his shop is the best
So you use the Lazar line instead of regular backing?
+big ron I also use backing, maybe I shouldn't...
Think of the running line as the thin rear section of a traditional fly line.
Hey buddy,
Is that made by Rio?
I bought 9 wt. heavy head Rio salt water line and it is incredible
+big ron Rio makes some amazing line! Love their stuff. No this is OPST, a company that specializes in skagit...
McFly Angler thank you I found their website what kind of rod would you recommend? Do u need a fighter butt?
Any rod you have, you do not need a special rod. No fighting but needed unless you want one. If you are fishing for large fish, that fight crazy hard, and you need a fighting but to not break your wrist than yes, but for the line itself, no. I have one on my 6wt because I will use it sometimes to go fish redfish in the Gulf. But its not needed. I just got some of this line for my 3wt, and that doesn't have a fighting but. It casts awesome! It will cast with any rod. Even a super noodle type rod like a glass. Anything you normally use. Don't get a new rod, just pick your favorite rod, and throw the line on. You will not be disappointed.
Inches not feet. Is that an Anvil vise behind you? How do you like it?
+samurai heehaw not sure I understand your inch comment.
Yes, it is. I have a review on the vice I did just recently. Here is that review... ua-cam.com/video/qulEO9-zZHk/v-deo.html
I'm referring to the sink rate of your sink tips. Inches per sec, not feet.
+samurai heehaw yes sorry you are 100% correct.
you ever thing about going to a spey rod and trying that out???
I’ve heard of it yes, 12’+ rods aren’t all that practical all the time, than there is the added expense of buying another full setup.
I am looking to exchange info with someone that has used the Skagit OPST with pontoon boats. I use $550 Colorado XT and Sage RPLxi-890-5. I don't have any vested interest in any company.
I don't have a pontoon boat, sorry. But maybe someone reading your comments might.
Found it funny you went to so much trouble when loading the running line, why didn't you just slip the spool through the loop rather than the bottom section of the rod and reel? Also one very important point your viewers should be aware of and you didn't touch much on was the importance of how the running line is loaded onto the reel. You can get some twist in the line if you are not careful on how the line is wound off the spool onto the reel and once you get that twist into the line it will not come out. The running line will constantly twist up while stripping back and cause it to knot up when trying to cast creating alot of frustration and perhaps lack of confidence in this system.
+TheSilver9r hmmm I guess your right. Hahahahaha. I don't change line out too often... I guess the spool would have been sufficient. Hahahaha
This video wasn't a how to on spooling up line, just more showing the components of this new line. Sorry I left out the twist issue. But if I touched on everything, then the video would have been longer than it already is. Good point though. Thanks
Interesting..... Hmmmmm
Thoughts? LOL
McFly Angler I have always been interested in these!
+Twig 'N' Timber Archery and Outdoors they are nice. A little getting used to, but it is nice and casts very well...
McFly Angler Awesome! Glad to know! I love spey casting light rods
Woooooow
+Sebastian mendez it's a good line!
Should learn how to double Spey, perry poke, snap t, all skagit type casts. Water anchor born casts.
+Joe Phuture uhhh. Yeah I'm learning it. Lol
Yep, learning a compact underhand cast without using top hand is a challenge at first. My best casts are when I don't try to overpower the cast and just let the rod do the work.
You kept blowing your anchor. When you snap your fly into casting position just keep moving. When you pause you loose it. Its kinda tricky when you start but you'll get used to it. Nice job all things considered. It will only get better!
Like I said, I had not practiced the skagit casting before, I tried a little bit, and I did know about the "continuous" cast. However I wasnt too good at it. And it was embarrassing to show. HAHA But it does roll cast well, and shoots line like crazy! Im learning it for sure, just taking me a while to un-train myself from a "roll cast" stop.
Actually, Ed Ward has a video out there where he delays 1 count before the sweep.. making sure NOT to blow the anchor. Also, double check D-loop and railroad tracks.
no back casts at all, if so you use the line wrongly..
+TheStreeser1 hahahaha. Funny. Even the creator of the line talks about how it's a great shooting line for back casts.
If it works, it works...
Well the rod I am using is a quick rod. And just cause you cannot time the cast right, doesn't mean other people cannot. Like I said, OPST puts out video's talking about doing a back cast. In fact they were using a glass rod in one of them that they were back casting with. So... yeah...
I don't only do normal back casts, I was trying to demonstrate to people that the line is good line even for those who don't only spay cast. It is versatile and can be used in many situations. If you noticed, I did roll cast (a type of spay casting). Is the back cast the best thing to do with this line? No, but it is possible if you want to reach out just a bit further. But it roll casts really well. And when I learn the skagit type casts, it will do that well also I am sure.
I totally understand the rat tail drag of the water, I get it. Doesn't mean I can execute it perfectly the first time I try doing it though. Neither could you when you first started, and neither will all my subscribers. I have started to get it down, and the timing is something that takes a bit of practice with. Again, like I said in the video, it was the first time I picked up the line. This was not a lesson on how to cast skagit, but more telling people about what it will be like when they first get the line. Show that it can be used even if they don't know the spay/skagit casts. And they can learn to use more and more of the skagit casts over time.
One thing that I notice with the fly fishing community is that many people are so focused on "how" you do something, and forget that its a sport. Its supposed to be fun. I go out and catch a bunch of fish on streamer and nymph, then I get some people coming in and saying I am not "fly fishing" because I am not using a dry fly. HAHAHAHA Or, thats a skagit line, how come your not skagit casting... Well if it works, it works. If I catch fish, then I catch fish. Isn't that what it is about? People created new ways of fly fishing (including spay and skagit) by trying new things. Who is to say that using a spay line to back cast won't become the "new thing". HAHA Anyway, life is too short to be so stuck on specific things. Branch out, try new things, and enjoy life and fishing! :)