OPST – short for Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics – is a new player in the Spey market, but with very old roots. Owners Ed Ward and Jerry French are part of the crew that invented Skagit lines and techniques. In an effort to build exactly what they wanted, they formed OPST and introduced two products that are quickly becoming popular.
The Commando Head is their own version of the Skagit head. Shorter and lighter than other “Skagit” heads, this really is something different. It is perfect for the shorter rods we use for trout and Steelhead, and they are a perfect match for the new “troutspey” rods coming to the market.
Lazar Line is the first OPST product I head about from local Skagit guru Erich Bittman. Shoots great, doesn’t tangle, hydrophobic, etc. Basically, most mono running line geeks I talked to swore by the stuff.
We are carrying both products at the shop (and online), and while we are mostly a Scandi crowd around here, I expect the Commando Head/Lazar Line setup to be seen on more and more rods around the Missouri this winter. Including mine.
If you don’t know who Ed and Jerry are, ask around. Instead of explaining it to you here, I’ll let you check out some of their videos, which are really cool.
1 Comment.
The Hoh and the Sol Doc, what beautiful river, and I was lucky enough to be raised with them in my back yard. The OP should be on everyone’s fly fishing destination wish list.