OPST 10ft (3.04m) Single Density Sink Tips are the most popular sink tips amongst European Spey and switch rod anglers — trusted on salmon and sea trout rivers from Scotland to Norway and everywhere in between. Available in three T-weights (T8, T11, T14) and multiple sink rates, they cover every water condition from shallow summer riffles to deep autumn pools.
Why 10ft (3.04m) Single Density?
The 10-foot length has become the gold standard for two-handed sink tip fishing because it provides the ideal balance — long enough for excellent depth control and clean turnover, yet short enough to maintain precise casting and mending. Single density construction means the tip sinks at one consistent rate throughout its entire length, making it predictable and easy to control. You know exactly how your tip will behave in the water, making it straightforward to adjust your presentation and achieve the right depth for the conditions.
Which Tip Do You Need?
T8 — 80 grains (5.2g) — Light Conditions
For switch rods and lighter Spey setups on smaller rivers. Best for summer low-water conditions and delicate presentations.
-
T8 S2 (Riffle) — shallow riffles and gentle flows, summer low water
-
T8 S4 (Run) — medium-depth runs and moderate currents, the most versatile T8 option
-
T8 S6 (Bucket) — deeper pools and steady flows
T11 — 110 grains (7.1g) — Medium Conditions
The most popular weight in the range. Suits the widest range of European salmon and sea trout rivers in typical autumn conditions.
-
T11 S3 (Riffle) — shallow water with moderate current
-
T11 S6 (Run) — mid-depth runs and holding water — the single most popular tip in the range for autumn salmon fishing
-
T11 S9 (Bucket) — deep pools and strong currents
T14 — 140 grains (9.1g) — Heavy Conditions
For full-length Spey rods on larger rivers in high water. Best for spring and autumn high-water conditions when flies need to get down fast.
-
T14 S3 (Riffle) — shallow fast water requiring weight to cut through the current
-
T14 S6 (Run) — deep runs and powerful currents, ideal for spring high water
-
T14 S9 (Bucket) — maximum depth for the deepest lies and strongest flows
Key Features
-
10ft (3.04m) length — the proven standard for two-handed rods
-
Single density construction — predictable, consistent sink rates throughout the tip
-
Three T-weight options — T8, T11, and T14 cover all rod weights and water conditions
-
Nine sink rate options — from shallow riffles (S2) to deep buckets (S9)
-
OPST quality — manufactured to exacting standards for consistent performance season after season
Perfect For
- Atlantic salmon fishing on the Scottish Spey, Dee, and Tweed
- Norwegian salmon rivers including the Gaula and Alta
- Icelandic salmon fishing on classic beat rivers
- Sea trout fishing throughout Scandinavia and the Baltic region
- Sea trout on the spate rivers of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland
- Large brown trout fishing on medium to large European rivers with switch rods
How to Choose the Right Tip
Most anglers start with a T11 S6 — it is the single most popular tip in the range and covers the widest range of conditions for autumn salmon and sea trout fishing. From there, add lighter tips (T8) for summer low water and heavier tips (T14) for spring high water. Choose your sink rate based on water depth: riffle tips for shallow water, run tips for medium depths (the most versatile), and bucket tips for the deepest pools and strongest currents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are OPST 10ft Single Density Sink Tips?
OPST 10ft (3.04m) Single Density Sink Tips are the most popular sink tips for two-handed Spey and switch rod fishing in Europe. Available in three T-weights — T8 (80gr/5.2g), T11 (110gr/7.1g), and T14 (140gr/9.1g) — each in multiple sink rates from S2 (slow) to S9 (very fast), covering every water condition from shallow summer riffles to deep autumn pools.
What is the difference between T8, T11, and T14 sink tips?
The T-number refers to the density and weight of the tip material. T8 (80gr) is the lightest, suited to switch rods and lighter Spey setups in summer low-water conditions. T11 (110gr) is the most popular all-round weight, covering the widest range of European salmon and sea trout rivers in typical autumn conditions. T14 (140gr) is the heaviest, for full-length Spey rods on larger rivers in high water when flies need to get down fast.
What is single density vs dual density in sink tips?
Single density tips sink at one consistent rate throughout their entire length, making them predictable and easy to control. Dual density tips have different sink rates in different sections, which can create a more natural fly presentation in some situations. Single density tips are the most popular choice because their behaviour is straightforward to predict and adjust on the water.
Which OPST sink tip should I start with?
The T11 S6 (Run) is the single most popular tip in the range and the best starting point for most European salmon and sea trout anglers. It covers the widest range of conditions for autumn fishing on medium to large rivers. From there, add a T8 S4 for summer low water and a T14 S6 for spring high water to cover the full season.
What sink rate should I choose — S2, S4, S6, or S9?
Choose your sink rate based on water depth and current speed. S2 and S3 (Riffle) suit shallow, gentle water. S4 and S6 (Run) are the most versatile, covering medium-depth runs and typical holding water — the S6 Run is the most popular single option. S9 (Bucket) is for the deepest pools and strongest currents where maximum depth is required.
Are OPST 10ft Sink Tips available with worldwide shipping?
Yes — the full range of OPST 10ft Single Density Sink Tips is available from Balticflyfisher with worldwide shipping. OPST are the originators of the modern Skagit system and their sink tips are trusted by guides and anglers across Europe from the Scottish Highlands to the Norwegian fjords.
