We will use lighter floating tips than sink tips per rod/head combo, as we find the extra water load they provide allow us to go lighter. OPST floating tips come in two different series: Trout and SHS, or Steelhead and Salmon Series. The same rule applies to these tips as to our sinking tips: the shorter the tip, the shorter the rod they’re meant for.
We're known for Skagit, but what some people don't know is that if you harness the power of a Skagit head, and finish it with a tapered, floating tip, you get something that can be described as "micro Scandi". Lazer-sharp loops and delicate presentations are now possible with a Commando Head, with our new floating Commando Tips in 5, 7.5 and 10 foot lengths. They match with rods from 6 to at least 11 feet long, making them ideal for just about any trout rod you own. They can be fished with straight tippet or, for ultra-delicate presentations, tapered trout leaders up to 9 feet long and even longer. These Commando Floating Tips come with loops at both ends, and are 25 pound test to withstand any trout you may encounter. These trout floating tips have changed the game for us. They allow for delicate dry fly presentations as well as nymphing. You will be amazed at the loops you can throw with these tips. Rediscover your Commando Head, and rediscover trout fishing with Commando Floating Tips.
OPST SHS Floating Tips come in 7.5, 10, 12 and 14 foot lengths, and weigh 55, 75, 90, and 110 grains, respectively. These tips are meant for swinging light wet flies, skating steelhead flies on the surface, and also nymphing. With these tips, rod length is more important than Commando Head weight in making a choice. The 7.5 footer is a great choice for 6-through 8-weight single handed rods up to about 10 feet, with Commando Heads from 250 to around 300 grains. The 10 footer is your best choice for switch rods from 10 to 12 feet, with Commando Heads from about 300 to 400 grains while the 12 footer excels with rods from around 11 to 13 feet and Commando Heads from 350 to 450 grains. Our 14 foot SHS tip is for what we consider really long rods from 13 feet and up, all the way to 16 or 17 feet, beyond what we recommend even using with Commando Heads. Grain length of Commando Head varies for all of these tips, but the 14 footer is primarily meant for heavier heads from 400 to 475 grains.