OPST SHS Skagit Series Rods - Free Commando - NEW for 2025

Steelhead Salmon Series

As a company, we are always on the lookout for new and better technologies for our rods and line systems. In a quest to beef up our 8wt Pure Skagit rod, we stumbled upon a new graphite blend that had that "wow" factor we couldn't ignore. From this discovery the SHS Pure Skagit generation of rods were born. Featuring a crisper action and a new graphite technology, these rods still feature the action Ed Ward approved on the first generation. With a new down locking reel seat and reel seats components, this rod stands out with glossy Cleared Blank. The rod also features new cork, hands down some of the best we've seen. We kept the REC Cericoil guides from our Generation 1 rods to enhance rod flex and add durability. The SHS lineup of rods features the 11' 7wt and the 11'6" 8wt, for now. Come check out our new Micro Rods, and Feel The Difference.

Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics is proud to release our second generation of Two-Handed Rods. We developed these new rods over several years during which we refined the taper to represent Ed's concepts. We were on a quest to beef up our 8wt rod, and we found a graphite that would enhance our entire line-up! It will initially include seven rods in total, ranging from a 9'9" two-handed 3wt up to an 11'6" 8wt, and every rod weight in-between except 6wt. This line-up will be classified by design differences and divided into two categories: MS (almost a hybrid between trout spey and single hand rods) and SHS rods (more in line with contemporary switch rods/Short Spey rods). The rods 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.

SHS Skagit Series

• 11' 7wt.- Great for those smaller steelhead/salmon or XL trout/bass streamers and distance (popular for the Great Lakes and Southern Oregon).
• 11'6" 8 wt.- New Increased Power! Perfect all around steelhead/salmon rod. Enough power to feel comfortable With Any Steelhead.

Features

• More in line with short two handed rods
• Fully-Welled Upper Grips All New High End Cork
• Switch Style Lower Grips
• Medium/Fast Action (Just a Smidge Faster Than The Micro Series)
• REC Recoil Guides w/ Ceramic Inserts
• Shorter Lengths Facilitate Compact Casting and Extra Sensitivity

Specs

Rod	Line Weight	Length	Sections	Grip	Action
7110-4	7	11'0"	4	Full Wells	Medium/Fast
8116-4	8	11'6"	4	Full Wells	Medium/Fast

Line Recommendations

OPST Rod	Commando Head	Commando Smooth	Commando Groove	Lazar Line	Sink Tips
7110-4	325-350 gr	325-350 gr	300-325 gr	35-40 lb	10' 110 gr and 12' 132gr Commando Sink Tips, or D2 T-8 Tips
8116-4	400-425 gr	N/A	375-400 gr	40-50 lb	10' 140 gr and 12' 168gr Commando Sink Tips