OPST Commando Floating Tips are lightweight floating sections designed to pair with Commando and micro Skagit heads on single-handed rods. They keep your flies in the surface film or just beneath it — perfect for swinging soft hackles, skating dry flies, fishing nymphs high in the water column, and presenting emergers during hatches. Available in three lengths to match any rod and water type.
What Are Commando Floating Tips?
Unlike sink tips that pull your fly down, Commando Floating Tips maintain a natural, high presentation that keeps flies in the zone where trout and sea trout are actively feeding. They are specifically engineered for single-handed rods in the 30–50 grain range, delivering smooth turnover and delicate presentation at the light grain weights that micro Skagit and trout Spey fishing demands.
Which Floating Tip Do You Need?
FTIP-1: 5ft (1.52m) — 30 grains (1.9g)
- For 6–8ft single-handed rods
- Ideal for tight European streams and small rivers
- Excellent for delicate presentations with small flies
- Best for trout fishing in confined spaces with limited casting room
FTIP-2: 7.5ft (2.28m) — 40 grains (2.6g)
- For 8–10ft single-handed rods
- The most versatile all-round choice for medium-sized European rivers
- Excellent balance for trout Spey and micro Skagit setups
- Ideal for swinging soft hackles, spiders, and skating flies
FTIP-3: 10ft (3.04m) — 50 grains (3.24g)
- For 10–11ft single-handed and light switch rods
- For larger rivers and bigger water
- Excellent for skating larger patterns and covering more water
- Best for sea trout and larger brown trout on medium to large rivers
Key Features
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Lightweight design — specifically engineered for single-handed rods at 30–50 grains
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Three length options — 5ft, 7.5ft, and 10ft to match any rod and water type
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Superior flotation — stays on the surface even in choppy or broken water
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Smooth turnover — delivers delicate presentations at short range
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Commando system compatible — seamless integration with OPST Commando and micro Skagit heads
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Durable construction — built for repeated use in European river conditions
Perfect For
- Trout Spey fishing on Scottish burns, Highland rivers, and Irish spate rivers
- Swinging soft hackles and spider patterns for wild brown trout across the British Isles
- Skating dry flies during summer hatches on Welsh and English rivers
- Sea trout fishing along Scandinavian and Baltic coastlines with single-handed rods
- Presenting emergers and nymphs high in the water column on Alpine streams
- Grayling fishing with swung wet flies on European limestone rivers
Frequently Asked Questions
What are OPST Commando Floating Tips?
OPST Commando Floating Tips are lightweight floating line sections designed to pair with Commando and micro Skagit heads on single-handed rods. They keep flies in the surface film or just beneath it, and are available in three lengths — 5ft (1.52m), 7.5ft (2.28m), and 10ft (3.04m) — to match different rod lengths and water types.
What is the difference between Commando Floating Tips and sink tips?
Floating tips keep your fly in the surface film or just beneath it, ideal for swinging soft hackles, skating dry flies, and presenting emergers. Sink tips pull the fly down to a specific depth in the water column. For trout Spey and micro Skagit fishing, floating tips are the choice when fish are feeding near the surface or when a natural, high presentation is required.
Which OPST Commando Floating Tip length should I choose?
Match the tip length to your rod. The 5ft (1.52m) FTIP-1 suits 6–8ft rods and small streams. The 7.5ft (2.28m) FTIP-2 is the most versatile all-round choice for 8–10ft rods and medium rivers. The 10ft (3.04m) FTIP-3 suits 10–11ft rods and larger water. The grain weights are already optimised for each length, ensuring perfect balance with your Commando or micro Skagit head.
What is the difference between Commando and SHS floating tips?
Commando Floating Tips are lighter (30–50 grains) and designed specifically for single-handed rods and micro Skagit setups. SHS Floating Tips are heavier (55–90 grains) and designed for switch and Spey rods. Choose Commando tips for single-handed rods, SHS tips for two-handed rods.
Are OPST Commando Floating Tips suitable for sea trout fishing?
Yes — the 10ft (3.04m) FTIP-3 is particularly well suited to sea trout fishing with single-handed rods on Scandinavian and Baltic rivers. It provides the length to swing larger patterns effectively and cover productive lies, whilst keeping the fly in the upper water column where sea trout are often feeding.
Are OPST Commando Floating Tips available with worldwide shipping?
Yes — OPST Commando Floating Tips are available from Balticflyfisher with worldwide shipping. OPST are the originators of the micro Skagit system and their products are the benchmark for single-handed Skagit fishing worldwide.
