OPST LAZAR Running Line

What is the OPST Lazar Running Line?

The OPST Lazar is a premium monofilament running line designed specifically for Skagit and Scandi shooting head systems. Available in 50m spools in high-visibility Pink or Green, and in four breaking strengths from 30lb to 50lb, the Lazar has earned a devoted following amongst Spey casters and single-hand shooting head anglers who demand consistent, reliable performance in all conditions. Whether you're swinging flies for Atlantic salmon on a cold Scandinavian river in February or chasing steelhead in the Pacific Northwest, the Lazar delivers the shooting distance, handling characteristics, and durability that serious anglers require.

What makes the OPST Lazar Running Line special?

• No permanent memory at any temperature - This is the Lazar's defining characteristic and the feature that sets it apart from most monofilament running lines. Many mono running lines develop coil memory in cold water, tangling in the stripping basket and reducing shooting distance dramatically. The Lazar maintains its suppleness and shoots freely whether you're fishing in summer warmth or winter cold
• Consistent performance in hot and cold conditions - The Lazar's material properties remain stable across a wide temperature range, delivering the same handling and shooting characteristics regardless of season or water temperature
• Exceptional durability - Built to withstand the abrasion of repeated casting, stripping basket contact, and the inevitable contact with rocks, gravel, and structure that running lines encounter in demanding fishing conditions
• Calculated stretch for high knot strength - Engineered stretch characteristics ensure knots seat cleanly and hold under pressure, whilst providing shock absorption during aggressive takes and head shakes
• Ties beautiful knots - The material's suppleness and surface characteristics allow knots to bed down smoothly without the micro-cuts that weaken stiffer running lines
• High visibility colours - Pink and Green options provide excellent visibility for tracking line position during the cast and on the water, helping you manage your shooting head system more effectively

What breaking strengths are available and which should I choose?

The Lazar is available in four breaking strengths, each suited to different shooting head weights and fishing applications:

• 30lb (13.6kg) - The lightest option, ideal for lighter Skagit and Scandi heads in the 300-400 grain range. Suits single-hand shooting head systems and lighter two-handed rods. The finer diameter maximises shooting distance with lighter heads
• 35lb (15.9kg) - A versatile mid-weight choice for medium Skagit heads (400-550 grains) and general two-handed fishing. The most popular strength for salmon and sea trout fishing across European rivers
• 40lb (18.1kg) - Suited to heavier Skagit heads (500-650 grains) and demanding fishing situations where additional strength provides confidence near structure or when fishing heavy tips
• 50lb (22.7kg) - The heaviest option for the largest Skagit heads and most demanding conditions. Provides maximum strength for big water salmon fishing and situations where the running line may contact abrasive structure

Which colour should I choose — Pink or Green?

Both colours provide high visibility for line management, but each has its advocates:

• Pink - Highly visible in most light conditions, particularly effective in low light and overcast conditions. Many anglers find pink easier to track against dark water backgrounds
• Green - Blends more naturally with vegetation and some water backgrounds whilst remaining clearly visible to the angler. A popular choice for anglers who prefer a more natural-looking setup

Both colours are equally capable performers — the choice is largely personal preference.

Why does memory matter in a running line?

Running line memory — the tendency of monofilament to retain the coiled shape of the spool — is one of the most frustrating problems in Spey and shooting head fishing. Coiled running line tangles in the stripping basket, catches on rod guides, and dramatically reduces shooting distance. In cold water, the problem is compounded as monofilament stiffens and retains coils even more stubbornly.

The Lazar's no-permanent-memory characteristic addresses this directly. The line shoots freely from the stripping basket without tangling, lies flat on the water, and handles consistently whether you're fishing in summer or winter conditions. For anglers who have struggled with memory issues in other running lines, this single characteristic alone makes the Lazar worth trying.

What casting systems work with the OPST Lazar?

The Lazar is designed for use with shooting head systems and works brilliantly with:

• OPST Commando Skagit heads and tips
• Rio, Airflo, and Guideline Skagit heads
• Scandi shooting heads for two-handed rods
• Single-hand shooting head systems for trout and sea trout
• Any shooting head system where a reliable, memory-free running line is required

What fishing situations suit the OPST Lazar Running Line?

• Atlantic salmon fishing with Skagit and Scandi systems on European rivers
• Steelhead fishing in the Pacific Northwest with heavy Skagit heads
• Sea trout fishing with shooting head systems on Scandinavian and Baltic rivers
• Winter salmon fishing where cold water memory is a persistent problem with other running lines
• Single-hand shooting head fishing for trout and sea trout
• Any two-handed fishing situation requiring a reliable, high-performance running line

How long is the OPST Lazar Running Line?

Each spool contains 50 metres of running line — sufficient for most two-handed and single-hand shooting head applications. 50 metres provides ample backing between the shooting head connection and the reel, with enough length to accommodate different stripping basket depths and casting styles.

If you've ever lost distance, suffered tangles, or struggled with a stiff, coiled running line on a cold morning, the OPST Lazar offers a compelling solution. Its combination of memory-free performance, consistent handling across temperatures, and exceptional durability makes it one of the most reliable running lines available for serious Spey and shooting head fishing.