OPST 12ft (3.7m) Dual Density Sink Tips are precision-engineered sink tips for switch and Spey rods, designed to deliver superior fly presentation across European salmon and sea trout rivers. Available in three T-weights (T8, T11, T14) and nine sink rate combinations, they cover every water condition from shallow summer riffles to deep autumn pools.
What Are Dual Density Sink Tips?
Dual density tips feature two different sink rates in a single 12ft section — a slower sinking front section that keeps your fly swimming naturally, and a faster sinking rear section that anchors the cast. This design creates a smooth, natural transition from your Skagit or Scandi head to your fly, resulting in a more lifelike fly presentation and more hookups compared to single density tips of the same length. The 12ft length is particularly well suited to full-length Spey rods on larger rivers where additional tip length improves depth control and mending.
Which Tip Do You Need?
T8 — 96 grains (6.2g) — Light Conditions
For switch rods and lighter Spey setups. Best for summer low-water conditions and smaller rivers.
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T8 S2/S3 (Riffle) — shallow riffles and gentle flows, summer low water
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T8 S3/S4 (Run) — medium-depth runs and moderate currents, the most versatile T8 option
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T8 S5/S6 (Bucket) — deeper pools and steady flows
T11 — 132 grains (8.6g) — Medium Conditions
The most popular weight in the range. Suits the widest range of European salmon and sea trout rivers in typical autumn conditions.
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T11 S2/S3 (Riffle) — shallow water with moderate current
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T11 S5/S6 (Run) — mid-depth runs and holding water — the most popular option for autumn salmon fishing
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T11 S8/S9 (Bucket) — deep pools and strong currents
T14 — 168 grains (10.9g) — Heavy Conditions
For full-length Spey rods on larger rivers in high water. Best for spring and autumn high-water conditions.
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T14 S2/S3 (Riffle) — shallow fast water requiring weight to cut through the current
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T14 S5/S6 (Run) — deep runs and powerful currents, ideal for spring high water
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T14 S8/S9 (Bucket) — maximum depth for the deepest lies and strongest flows
Key Features
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12ft (3.7m) length — optimal for full-length Spey rods and larger European rivers
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Dual density construction — superior fly presentation compared to single density tips of the same length
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Three T-weight options — T8, T11, and T14; the T-number refers to mass, not sink rate — choose based on the size and weight of fly you want to cast
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Nine sink rate combinations — from shallow riffles (S2/S3) to deep buckets (S8/S9)
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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 and large brown trout on the spate rivers of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland
- Full-length Spey rod fishing on larger European rivers where the 12ft length maximises depth control
How to Choose the Right Tip
Start with your fly size. The T-number is a measure of mass, not sink rate — choose T8 for smaller, lighter flies, T11 for medium-sized flies, and T14 for large, heavy patterns. Then select your sink rate based on water depth: riffle tips for shallow water, run tips for medium depths, and bucket tips for the deepest pools. The T11 S5/S6 is the most popular single option and the best starting point for most European salmon and sea trout anglers fishing medium to large rivers in autumn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are OPST 12ft Dual Density Sink Tips?
OPST 12ft (3.7m) Dual Density Sink Tips are two-section sink tips for switch and Spey rods, featuring a slower sinking front section and a faster sinking rear section. Available in three T-weights — T8 (96gr/6.2g), T11 (132gr/8.6g), and T14 (168gr/10.9g) — each in three sink rate combinations, covering every water condition from shallow riffles to deep pools.
What does the T-number mean on OPST sink tips?
The T-number refers to the mass of the tip material, not the sink rate. T8, T11, and T14 indicate increasing mass — choose based on the size and weight of fly you want to cast. Larger, heavier flies require more mass to turn over cleanly, so you increase the T-number. Smaller, lighter flies suit T8. The sink rate — how deep the tip fishes — is determined by the S-number, not the T-number.
What is the difference between dual density and single density sink tips?
Single density tips sink at one consistent rate throughout their entire length — predictable and easy to control. Dual density tips have a slower sinking front section and a faster sinking rear section, creating a more natural fly presentation as the fly swings through the current. Dual density tips are generally preferred for larger rivers and full-length Spey rods where the longer tip length benefits from the more nuanced sink profile.
What is the difference between the OPST 12ft and 10ft sink tips?
The 10ft (3.04m) single density tips are the most popular all-round choice, suited to switch rods and medium-length Spey rods on a wide range of European rivers. The 12ft (3.7m) dual density tips are better suited to full-length Spey rods on larger rivers where the additional length improves depth control and the dual density construction enhances fly presentation. Many anglers carry both lengths to cover different rods and conditions.
Which OPST 12ft sink tip should I start with?
The T11 S5/S6 (Run) is the most popular option in the range and the best starting point for most European salmon and sea trout anglers. It suits medium-sized flies — the most common choice for autumn salmon and sea trout fishing — and covers the widest range of typical river conditions. From there, adjust the T-number to match your fly size and the S-number to match your water depth.
What sink rate combination should I choose?
Choose your sink rate based on water depth and current speed. S2/S3 and S3/S4 (Riffle) suit shallow, gentle water. S5/S6 (Run) is the most versatile, covering medium-depth runs and typical holding water. S8/S9 (Bucket) is for the deepest pools and strongest currents where maximum depth is required.
Are OPST 12ft Dual Density Sink Tips available in Europe?
Yes — the full range of OPST 12ft Dual Density Sink Tips is available from Balticflyfisher with shipping across Europe. 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.
