OPST Pure Skagit
These rods were designed by Skagit legend Ed Ward and represent decades of dedication purely to sustained-anchor two-handed casting. A rod reflects its designer, and these rods are a true illustration of Ed’s vision.
Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics is proud to release our very own line of Micro Skagit and Pure Skagit Two-Handed Rods, designed by Ed Ward. We developed our rods over five years during which we refined the taper to represent Ed’s concepts. It will initially include six rods in total, ranging from a 9’9” Micro Skagit Two-Handed 3wt up to a 11’6” 8wt, and every whole rod weight in-between.
This line-up will be classified by design differences, into two categories:
- Micro Skagit - 399-4, 4100-4, 5104-4
- Pure Skagit - 6108-4, 7110-4, 8116-4, 9123-4
OPST Pure Skagit
The Pure Skagit Rod line-up is definitively more focused towards Spey/Skagit-type two-handed casting.
Represented by a 10’8” 6wt, an 11’ 7wt, an 11’6’ 8wt, they depart from our Micro Series in a few ways. The upper grips are double-welled and thus more aligned with contemporary two-handed rods under 12’, while the lower handles remain switch-style.
These rods are also faster than the Micro series, being a true medium-fast action that casts off the upper third of the taper. This taper loads very well during the Sweep phase of the Skagit casting sequence and maintaining that load into the Forward Cast, with a very crisp final delivery.
This rod line-up is targeted toward the fishing of large trout up to Canadian and Alaskan King Salmon. Rod color is Matte Black with Blue Accent Wraps
Specs
Rod | Line Weight | Length | Sections | Grip | Action |
6108-4 | 6 | 10'8" | 4 | Full Wells | Medium/Fast |
7110-4 | 7 | 11'0" | 4 | Full Wells | Medium/Fast |
8116-4 | 8 | 11'6" | 4 | Full Wells | Medium/Fast |
9123-4 | 9 | 12'3" | 4 | Full Wells | Medium/Fast |
Line Recommendations
OPST Rod | Commando Head | Commando Smooth | Commando Groove | Lazar Line | Sink Tips | Floating Tips |
399-4 | 150-175 gr | 150-175 gr | N/A | 30 lb | 7.5' 60 grain Micro Sink Tips, 10' 80 grain Commando Sink Tips | 7.5' 35 grain and 10' 50 grain Micro Floating Tips |
4100-4 | 175-200 gr | 175-200 gr | 200 gr | 30 lb | 7.5' 60 grain Micro Sink Tips, 10' 80 grain Commando Sink Tips | 7.5' 35 grain and 10' 50 grain Micro Floating Tips |
5104-4 | 225-250 gr | 225-250 gr | 200-225 gr | 30-35 lb | 10' 80 grain and 12' 96 grain Commando Sink Tips | 10' 50 grain Micro Floating, 10' 75 grain SHS Floating Tips |
6106-4 | 275-300 gr | 275-300 gr | 250-275 gr | 35-40 lb | 10' 80 grain and 12' 96 grain Commando Sink Tips | 10' 50 grain Micro Floating, 10' 75 grain SHS Floating Tips |
7110-4 | 325-350 gr | 325-350 gr | 300-325 gr | 35-40 lb | 10' 110 grain and 12' 132 grain Commando Sink Tips | 10' 75 grain and 12' 90 grain SHS Floating Tips |
8116-4 | 375-400 gr | 375-400 gr | 350-375 gr | 40-50 lb | 10' 140 grain and 12' 168 grain Commando Sink Tips | 12' 90 grain and 14' 110 grain SHS Floating Tips |
*For Commando Groove, drop down 25grn from the Commando Head or Smooth.