The OPST Commando Smooth is an integrated shooting head — a complete, ready-to-fish Skagit system for single-handed rods that combines a full-floating Commando head and running line into one seamless 100ft (30m) line. No loop-to-loop connections, no hinging, no separate running line to manage. Simply attach your chosen sink tip, and you are fishing. Available in eleven weights from 150gr to 400gr, covering single-handed rods from 3-weight through to 9-weight.
What Is an Integrated Shooting Head?
Unlike traditional Skagit systems where you attach a separate head to running line via a loop-to-loop connection, the Commando Smooth combines both into one seamless 100ft (30m) line. The front section is a full-floating Commando head; the rear section is integrated running line. This eliminates connection points that can create hinge effects or catch in guides, produces smoother energy transfer through the cast, and simplifies setup considerably — particularly for anglers new to Skagit fishing. The trade-off is less flexibility to swap heads, but for anglers who fish primarily one weight range, the performance benefits are substantial.
Which Weight Should I Choose?
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150gr / 10g — for 3–4 weight single-handed rods; small streams and delicate presentations with lightweight tackle
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175gr / 11.3g — for 3–4 weight rods; a step up from 150gr for slightly larger flies or more wind
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200gr / 13g — for 4–5 weight rods; versatile for medium-sized European trout streams
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225gr / 14.6g — for 4–5 weight rods; excellent balance of delicacy and power for varied conditions
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250gr / 16.2g — for 5–6 weight rods; popular choice for trout Spey applications on medium rivers
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275gr / 17.82g — for 5–6 weight rods; for larger flies or heavier conditions on medium to large rivers
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300gr / 19g — for 6–7 weight rods; excellent for streamer fishing, sea trout, and light salmon fishing
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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, big water, salmon, and pike fishing
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375gr / 24.3g — for 7–8 weight rods; maximum power for the largest flies on heavier rods
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400gr / 26g — for 8–9 weight rods; for salmon, pike, and saltwater applications with the heaviest flies
Key Features
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Integrated design — seamless head and running line in one 100ft (30m) package; no connections, no hinging
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Full floating — perfect for swinging flies, skating surface patterns, and fishing with sink tips
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Eleven weight options — 150gr to 400gr covers single-handed rods from 3-weight to 9-weight
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Smooth casting — no loop-to-loop connections means no hinge points or guide-catching
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Beginner-friendly — simpler setup than traditional two-piece Skagit systems
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OPST tip compatible — pairs with all OPST Commando tips, DD6, DD8, and MTIP sink tips
What Tips Work With the Commando Smooth?
The Commando Smooth pairs with all OPST sink tips via the front loop — OPST Commando floating tips for surface presentations, OPST DD6 and DD8 dual density tips for varied depth control, and OPST MTIPs for single-density sink rates. Simply attach your chosen tip and you have complete control over fly depth for any water type or condition.
Perfect For
- Trout Spey fishing on Scottish Highland rivers and medium-sized European rivers
- Streamer fishing for wild brown trout on rivers and stillwaters across Europe
- Swinging soft hackles and spiders for trout and grayling on European rivers
- Sea trout fishing on Scandinavian and Baltic rivers
- Atlantic salmon fishing with single-handed rods on smaller rivers
- Pike fishing with streamers and poppers on Baltic and Scandinavian waters
- Anglers new to Skagit fishing who want a simple, high-performance system
Technical Specifications
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Total length: 100ft / 30m
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Design: integrated floating head with running line
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Available weights: 150gr, 175gr, 200gr, 225gr, 250gr, 275gr, 300gr, 325gr, 350gr, 375gr, 400gr
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Head type: full floating Commando head
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Running line: integrated smooth running line
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Tip compatibility: all OPST Commando tips, DD6, DD8, and MTIP sink tips
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Manufacturer: OPST (Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the OPST Commando Smooth?
The OPST Commando Smooth is an integrated shooting head — a full-floating Commando head and running line combined into one seamless 100ft (30m) line for single-handed rods. Available in eleven weights from 150gr to 400gr, it covers single-handed rods from 3-weight through to 9-weight and pairs with all OPST sink tips for complete depth control.
What is the difference between the Commando Smooth and a traditional Skagit head?
A traditional Skagit system uses a separate head attached to running line via a loop-to-loop connection. The Commando Smooth integrates both into one seamless line, eliminating the connection point that can create hinge effects or catch in guides. The result is smoother casting and simpler setup. The trade-off is less flexibility to swap heads — choose the Commando Smooth if you fish primarily one weight range and want the simplest, smoothest-casting system.
How do I choose the right Commando Smooth weight?
Match the grain weight to your rod's line weight rating. As a general guide: 150–225gr suits 3–5 weight rods, 250–300gr suits 5–7 weight rods, and 325–400gr suits 7–9 weight rods. When in doubt, choose the lighter option — it is easier to cast and more versatile for varied conditions. If you are unsure, contact us and we will help you match the right weight to your rod.
What sink tips are compatible with the Commando Smooth?
The Commando Smooth is compatible with all OPST sink tips via the front loop — including OPST Commando floating tips, DD6 and DD8 dual density tips, and MTIP single-density tips in 5ft and 7.5ft lengths. This gives you complete control over fly depth for any water type or condition throughout the season.
Is the Commando Smooth suitable for beginners?
Yes — the integrated design eliminates the complexity of matching separate heads to running lines, making it an excellent choice for anglers new to Skagit fishing. The seamless construction also casts more smoothly than traditional two-piece systems, helping beginners develop proper technique more quickly.
Is the OPST Commando Smooth available with worldwide shipping?
Yes — the OPST Commando Smooth is available from Balticflyfisher with worldwide shipping. OPST products are manufactured to exacting standards and trusted by single-handed Skagit anglers across Europe and beyond.
