How to Set Up a Commando Head System - OPST

This video teaches you how to set up a Commando Head, from backing to leader. The key step is tying the two double surgeon's loop knots on either end of the Lazar Line and in the backing. Other than that it's mainly loop to loop connections. opskagit.com.

[@chrismcleod9771]

Love this setup, it makes perfect sense, I'm looking forward to giving it a try

[@SkidinDingo]

something I've found with making knots slide through eye guides better is to cut the tag about 1/8 of an inch, then very carefully come in with a lighter or cauterizing tool and melt the tag end, then finish by mashing it into the completed knot with a damp finger. there's no chance of it coming loose and there's no tag to catch anything. I also like a bimini twist or spider hitch over a surgeons loop, but like you said, that's just personal preference. I also do the melting thing on my leaders for bass, it keeps the horrible scummy algae from sticking to my knots as badly.

[@richardburnham3191]

I'm confused. I thought to make a loop to loop connection you'd push the loop on the backing line through the loop on the lazar line and then put the lazar line drum through the backing loop. Putting the loop of the lazar line over the reel results in the loop to loop connection that is wrong. It doesn't look like a square not as I thought it was supposed to.

[@filipinotnoir2956]

When did OPST switch from using gold colored line IDs to black? The black is so much easier to read.

[@awaken77]

I would nice to have tippet setup recommendation: there's a table of head weigth and matched T-tip or polyleader length on the site. but no recommendations of tippet length for each setup. How short is too short, and how long is too long?

[@Cute_index]

Do you just tie the fluorocarbon tippet directly to the loop of the micro tip? Will the thin tippet cut the micro tip? I just ordered a complete set of opst system for my aetos 4WT! I'll receive it next week. Thank you.

[@oesutro]

tie a loop on the back end of the fluoro, and then attach via loop to loop connection straight to the sink tip

[@khristopherbourque7345]

Do I need a sink or float tip with the command smoth

[@evaldasbus9174]

Marking on head washed of . Wich end goes to leader? Thinner or thicker?

[@christophercook723]

Is this similar to a Laser line?

[@OPSkagit]

Yes

[@RomanKomarov90]

Hey there! I think I'm confused a bit with head selection.. I bought a Hardy Demon Switch #6/7 and it's written 450grain recommendation on it. At the same time with OPST recommendation chart, 450 corresponds to #11/12.. Should I orient on OPST recommended weight, or on what is written on the rod? Thanks in advance

[@maximiliansadchikov393]

Email OPST, they will email you exactly what you need. My 13'4 Winston 7WT Spey needs a 425grain Commando head, otherwise i usually use a 500 Grain in RIO or Airflo.

[@anonym1anonym243]

Hi, i also have a nylon shooting/running line on my single handed 9#7 setup. Do you find the shooting line (nylon) somewhat odd regarding if you want to strip the fly? The diameter between shooting head and shooting line seems also a little "dispropotional" On my double handed setup it seems like the coated running line is more balanced towards the shooting head. Is this something you have to get used to, or have i totally failed when i did the setup? I use 25ibs nylon shooting line on a 7/8 shooting head...

[@OPSkagit]

It takes some getting used to but once you adjust to it, we find it works great. Also, if it continues to be an issue check out our Commando Smooth Integrated Skagit Head/Running Line!

[@carls.6746]

how should i set up a 6wt 8' rod? i wont do a loop to loop when connecting the head to tip and leader because it could break the rod.

[@mercertevyn]

8ft 4wt glass rod. What would you suggest?

[@RostislavKuzmich]

Are the weight markings on the head skagit on the side of the extension line? or from the leader's side?

[@OPSkagit]

Toward the Leader Side

[@RostislavKuzmich]

@@OPSkagit Thanks)))))

[@khristopherbourque7345]

What would be a good set for Louisiana redfish on a 6-8wt

[@harleyjune1233]

how much lazar line on reel - the reel comes in 50m lengths? - and any specific backing used? - can you provide ft lengths for each part of this setup - backing line - 100ft, lazar line - 100ft - commando - 14ft - tippet leader combo 9 dependant - something like this? thanks

[@OPSkagit]

Well, the Commando Heads and the tip lengths vary greatly. The Lazar Line is approximately 165 feet. We recommend 120-120 yards of backing before applying the Lazar Line. But the Line is so thin and the heads are so short even with the tips, that they'll fit on he reel you already use on your rod currently. those lengths aren't all that important to the effort beyond that, unless there's something we're missing?

[@harleyjune1233]

@@OPSkagit no worries i will get it right. - thanks. but totally different - have you tried these tips on the ocean - flats wade fishing for reds or off the bow?

[@OPSkagit]

@@harleyjune1233 We have! They perform pretty darn well in the salt and have landed a multitude of species from Ling Cod to Bonefish to redfish to Stripers:)

[@OPSkagit]

@@harleyjune1233 And we do fish them off the bow or stern, both skagit style and overhead

[@harleyjune1233]

@@OPSkagit i was told long cast accuracy might be an issue? have you heard this before?

[@jjjerbear777]

is there a reason you don't wet your line before drawing the knot tight?

[@JTweb67]

it makes no difference

[@MrChristerarnevik]

Just bought a commando head. Now I know how to set it up. So I have just one question. Where did you buy that shirt?

[@oesutro]

It's my all time favorite shirt. Second Chance Thrift Store, Ridgeway CO

[@therealcow541]

Why do i need lazer line on my backing?

[@OPSkagit]

Lazar Line is your shooting line

[@therealcow541]

I'm really new to fly fishing and have been doing weeks of reading and am finally making break through of the stuff I actually want to buy. I found your stuff from savage and Smith on KZbin and going to buy the commando head. If I didn't use lazer line or something similar would that be a bad idea?

[@therealcow541]

I read the other comment about how backing is too limp

[@jimslade]

Why do you suggest a wallet as I keep my commando head on the reel?

[@Jaimelapoesie]

Like he said, in different conditions, you might want to carry multiple heads to change on the water.

[@jimslade]

Jaimelapoesie I’m not clear on when and where to use different heads?

[@Jaimelapoesie]

If you want to throw a bigger fly, change to higher grains right on the water. Or, if you have multiple rods and you decide you want to target redsides on the Deschutes instead of the steelhead, put on a smaller head. Jim, you may simply not be sucked deep enough into the gear collecting vortex.

[@jimslade]

Jaimelapoesie with44 rods and reels to match not to mention extra spools I’m an addict that may need an intervention

[@awaken77]

I keep in my pocket :-) . I have few heads and tips for different conditions.