The OPST Commando Head is the original compact Skagit shooting head — the head that started the micro Skagit revolution. Designed for single-handed, switch, and light Spey rods, its compact length enables multiple casting techniques, performs brilliantly in wind and tight spaces, and turns over bulky flies with ease. Available in fourteen weights from 150gr to 475gr, covering everything from 3-weight trout Spey setups through to light Spey rods for Atlantic salmon.
What Makes the Commando Head Different?
The Commando Head's compact design is the key to its versatility. Shorter than traditional Skagit heads, it is easier to control on the water, casts effortlessly in tight spaces with limited back-cast room, performs effectively in wind, and turns over bulky flies and heavy sink tips with ease. This compact length enables multiple casting techniques — roll casts, underhand casts, overhead casts with a haul, and sustained anchor techniques — making it the most versatile Skagit head available. It is the head that OPST founder Ed Ward developed through decades of research into sustained anchor systemology (SAS).
Commando Head vs Commando Groove vs Commando Smooth
The Commando Head is the original single-density floating shooting head — the most versatile option, enabling the widest range of casting techniques and compatible with all OPST tips. It requires separate running line. The Commando Groove is a dual density shooting head that adds superior fly depth control and high line speed for headwind casting — the choice when fly depth and wind performance are the priority. The Commando Smooth is an integrated shooting head with built-in running line — the simplest, most beginner-friendly option. Choose the Commando Head for maximum versatility and casting technique options; choose the Groove for depth control and wind performance; choose the Smooth for simplicity.
Full Float Micro vs Pure Skagit
The lighter weights (150–200gr) are Full Float Micro heads — the shortest and lightest Commando Heads, designed for 3–5 weight single-handed rods and micro Skagit applications. They are the choice for trout Spey on small to medium European rivers. The heavier weights (275gr and above) are Pure Skagit heads — heavier and longer, designed for switch rods and heavier single-handed rods targeting larger species such as sea trout, Atlantic salmon, and pike. Both share the compact Commando design philosophy but are optimised for different rod weights and species.
Which Weight Should I Choose?
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150gr / 10g — Full Float Micro; for 3–4 weight single-handed rods; small streams and delicate trout Spey applications
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175gr / 11.3g — Full Float Micro; for 3–4 weight rods; a step up for slightly larger flies or more wind
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200gr / 13g — Full Float Micro; for 4–5 weight rods; versatile for medium-sized European trout rivers
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225gr / 14.6g — for 4–5 weight rods; the transition weight between Full Float Micro and Pure Skagit applications
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250gr / 16.2g — for 5–6 weight rods; excellent for trout Spey on medium rivers and streamer fishing
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275gr / 17.82g — Pure Skagit; for 5–6 weight rods; for larger flies and heavier conditions
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300gr / 19g — Pure Skagit; for 6–7 weight rods; excellent for streamer fishing, sea trout, and light salmon
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325gr / 21g — Pure Skagit; for 6–7 weight rods; for heavier streamers and larger water
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350gr / 22.7g — Pure Skagit; for 7–8 weight rods; for heavy streamers, sea trout, and salmon
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375gr / 24.3g — Pure Skagit; for 7–8 weight rods; maximum power for the largest flies on heavier single-handed rods
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400gr / 26g — Pure Skagit; for 8–9 weight rods and switch rods; for salmon, pike, and saltwater applications
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425gr / 27.5g — Pure Skagit; for switch rods and light Spey rods; excellent for Atlantic salmon on medium rivers
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450gr / 29.26g — Pure Skagit; for switch rods and medium Spey rods; for larger salmon rivers and heavier flies
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475gr / 30.78g — Pure Skagit; for medium Spey rods; maximum power for two-handed salmon fishing on large rivers
Key Features
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Compact design — shorter than traditional Skagit heads for easier control, tight-space casting, and wind performance
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Multiple casting techniques — roll cast, underhand, overhead with haul, and sustained anchor techniques all work effectively
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Fourteen weight options — 150gr to 475gr covers 3-weight single-handed rods through to medium Spey rods
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Turns over bulky flies — handles large streamers, heavy nymphs, and bulky salmon flies with ease
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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
The Commando Head requires separate running line. OPST Lazer Running Line is specifically designed to pair with Commando Heads and offers excellent shooting performance and durability. Flat mono running lines such as North Edge Standard Flat Magic are also popular for their distance and wind resistance. Coated running lines offer easier handling in cold conditions. Choose based on your priorities — distance, handling, or all-round performance.
Perfect For
- Trout Spey fishing on Scottish Highland rivers and small to medium European rivers (lighter weights)
- Streamer fishing for wild brown trout on rivers and stillwaters across Europe
- Sea trout fishing on Scandinavian and Baltic rivers (medium weights)
- Atlantic salmon fishing with single-handed and switch rods on Scottish, Norwegian, and Icelandic rivers (heavier weights)
- Pike fly fishing on Baltic and Scandinavian lakes and rivers
- Fishing in tight spaces with limited back-cast room where traditional long heads cannot be used
- Anglers who want one head that works across multiple casting techniques
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OPST Commando Head?
The OPST Commando Head is the original compact Skagit shooting head, available in fourteen weights from 150gr to 475gr. Its compact design enables multiple casting techniques, performs effectively in wind and tight spaces, and turns over bulky flies with ease. It requires separate running line and is compatible with all OPST sink tips.
What is the difference between the Commando Head, Groove, and Smooth?
The Commando Head is the original single-density floating shooting head — the most versatile option for casting technique variety. The Commando Groove is a dual density head that adds superior fly depth control and high line speed for headwind casting. The Commando Smooth is an integrated head with built-in running line for maximum simplicity. Choose the Head for versatility; the Groove for depth control and wind performance; the Smooth for ease of setup.
What is the difference between Full Float Micro and Pure Skagit weights?
Full Float Micro heads (150–200gr) are the lightest and shortest, designed for 3–5 weight single-handed rods and micro Skagit trout Spey applications. Pure Skagit heads (275gr and above) are heavier and longer, designed for switch rods and heavier single-handed rods targeting sea trout, Atlantic salmon, and pike. Both share the compact Commando design but are optimised for different rod weights and species.
Is the Commando Head suitable for Atlantic salmon fishing?
Yes — the heavier weights (350–475gr) are well suited to Atlantic salmon fishing with single-handed, switch, and light Spey rods. The compact design enables effective casting in the varied conditions found on Scottish, Norwegian, and Icelandic salmon rivers, and the head turns over heavy sink tips and large salmon flies with authority.
What running line should I use with the Commando Head?
OPST Lazer Running Line is specifically designed to pair with Commando Heads. Flat mono running lines such as North Edge Standard Flat Magic are also popular for distance and wind resistance. Coated running lines offer easier handling in cold conditions. The right choice depends on personal preference and fishing conditions.
Is the OPST Commando Head available with worldwide shipping?
Yes — the OPST Commando Head is available from Balticflyfisher with worldwide shipping. OPST products are manufactured to exacting standards and trusted by Skagit anglers across Europe and beyond.
