The OPST Commando Groove is a dual density Skagit shooting head designed to keep your fly in the fish zone throughout the swing whilst generating the high line speed needed to cast effectively into headwinds. Available in twelve weights from 200gr to 475gr, it covers single-handed rods, switch rods, and light to medium Spey rods — making it equally at home on a trout Spey setup on a Highland burn as it is on a two-handed salmon rod on an exposed Norwegian or Icelandic river.
What Makes the Commando Groove Different?
The Groove is a dual density head — two different line densities within the head itself. This keeps your fly at the optimal depth throughout the swing rather than rising too quickly or sinking too deep, ensuring it stays in the fish zone in varying currents. The head's design also enables high line speed to be generated, which translates directly into the ability to punch casts through headwinds — a crucial advantage on exposed European salmon rivers where wind is a constant factor. When conditions are at their most demanding, the Groove keeps you fishing effectively.
Groove vs Smooth — Which Should I Choose?
The Commando Smooth is an integrated floating head with built-in running line — the simpler, more beginner-friendly option for anglers who want a complete, ready-to-fish system. The Commando Groove is a separate shooting head requiring its own running line, with dual density construction for superior fly depth control and high line speed for headwind casting. Choose the Smooth for simplicity and ease of setup; choose the Groove when fly depth control and wind-penetrating performance are the priority.
Which Weight Should I Choose?
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200gr / 13g — for 4–5 weight single-handed rods; small streams and trout Spey applications
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225gr / 14.6g — for 4–5 weight rods; a step up for slightly larger flies or more wind
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250gr / 16.2g — for 5–6 weight rods; versatile for medium-sized European trout rivers
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275gr / 17.82g — for 5–6 weight rods; for larger flies or heavier conditions
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300gr / 19g — for 6–7 weight rods; excellent for streamer fishing and sea trout
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325gr / 21g — for 6–7 weight rods; for heavier streamers and larger water
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350gr / 22.7g — for 7–8 weight rods; for heavy streamers, sea trout, and light salmon fishing
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375gr / 24.3g — for 7–8 weight rods; maximum power for the largest flies on heavier single-handed rods
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400gr / 26g — for 8–9 weight rods and switch rods; for salmon, pike, and saltwater applications
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425gr / 27.5g — for switch rods and light Spey rods; excellent for Atlantic salmon on medium rivers
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450gr / 29.26g — for switch rods and medium Spey rods; for larger salmon rivers and heavier flies
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475gr / 30.78g — for medium Spey rods; maximum power for two-handed salmon fishing on large, exposed rivers
Key Features
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Dual density construction — keeps your fly in the fish zone throughout the swing in varying currents and depths
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High line speed — head design enables exceptional line speed for casting effectively into headwinds
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Twelve weight options — 200gr to 475gr covers single-handed, switch, and light to medium Spey rods
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Loop-to-loop connections — for running line at the rear and sink tips at the front
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Compatible with all OPST tips — pairs with Commando tips, DD6, DD8, and MTIP sink tips
Running Line and Tips
The Commando Groove is a shooting head that requires separate running line — flat mono running lines such as North Edge Standard Flat Magic are popular choices for distance and wind resistance, though coated and oval mono running lines also work well. For salmon fishing, pair the heavier weights (425–475gr) with OPST 10ft or 12ft sink tips in T11 and T14 to achieve full depth control and keep your fly in the salmon zone throughout the swing.
Perfect For
- Atlantic salmon fishing with switch rods and Spey rods on Scottish, Norwegian, and Icelandic rivers — particularly in windy, exposed conditions
- Sea trout fishing along exposed Scandinavian and Baltic coastlines
- Trout Spey fishing on Highland streams and medium-sized European rivers
- Streamer fishing for wild brown trout on rivers and stillwaters
- Pike fishing with large streamers on Baltic and Scandinavian waters
- Any situation where headwind-casting ability and precise fly depth control are essential
Technical Specifications
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Design: dual density floating shooting head
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Available weights: 200gr, 225gr, 250gr, 275gr, 300gr, 325gr, 350gr, 375gr, 400gr, 425gr, 450gr, 475gr
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Connections: loop-to-loop for running line and tips
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Tip compatibility: all OPST Commando tips, DD6, DD8, and MTIP sink tips
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Rod range: 4-weight single-handed through to medium Spey rods
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Manufacturer: OPST (Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OPST Commando Groove?
The OPST Commando Groove is a dual density Skagit shooting head available in twelve weights from 200gr to 475gr. Its dual density construction keeps your fly in the fish zone throughout the swing, and its design enables high line speed for casting effectively into headwinds. It requires separate running line and is compatible with all OPST sink tips.
What is dual density and why does it matter?
Dual density means the head contains two different line densities within a single head. This keeps your fly at the optimal depth throughout the swing — preventing it from rising too quickly in slower water or sinking too deep in fast currents. For salmon and sea trout fishing where fly depth is critical to success, dual density construction provides a genuine advantage over single-density heads.
What is the difference between the Commando Groove and the Commando Smooth?
The Commando Smooth is an integrated shooting head with built-in running line — a complete, ready-to-fish system that is simpler to set up. The Commando Groove is a separate shooting head requiring its own running line, with dual density construction for superior fly depth control and high line speed for headwind casting. Choose the Smooth for simplicity; choose the Groove when fly depth control and wind-penetrating performance are the priority.
Is the Commando Groove suitable for two-handed salmon fishing?
Yes — the heavier weights (425–475gr) are specifically suited to switch rods and light to medium Spey rods for Atlantic salmon fishing. The dual density construction keeps large salmon flies in the fish zone in varying currents, and the high line speed enables effective casting into the headwinds common on exposed Scottish, Norwegian, and Icelandic salmon rivers.
What running line should I use with the Commando Groove?
Flat mono running lines such as North Edge Standard Flat Magic are popular choices for their distance and wind resistance. Coated running lines and oval mono are also effective. The right choice depends on personal preference and fishing conditions — flat mono excels in windy conditions and for distance; coated lines are easier to handle in cold weather.
Is the OPST Commando Groove available with worldwide shipping?
Yes — the OPST Commando Groove is available from Balticflyfisher with worldwide shipping. OPST products are manufactured to exacting standards and trusted by Skagit anglers across Europe and beyond.
