What started as a quest to enhance their 8-weight and add more power ended up with an all-new series of rods, designed by Ed Ward, that utilizes a revolutionary graphite technology and comes in enough line weights to tackle whatever two-hand scenario you come across. A small family of rods thats ready to take down the slower game of winter steelhead fishing just as well as it handles the faster-paced game of freshly-running fall salmon, the SHS (short for steelhead and salmon) rods feature a new graphite technology thats ultra-crisp, super sensitive and is shaped into a taper that passes the Ed Ward test with flying colors. Combining new graphite technology with the perfect taper and state-of-the-art components like REC Recoil Guides, a premium cork handle, and a downlocking reel seat, the SHS casts like a dream and has the build quality that you need to ensure youre fishing this rod for decades. Crafted in Washington state, the SHS rods are offered in an 11 7-weight and an 116 weight, representing a shorter-length series of rods that makes for more compact casting and all of the sensitivity you need to feel a lazy steelhead chew your Intruder pattern.

Blank

Graphite – At the base of the SHS Rods is their graphite blank. This isnt just any standard graphite blank; OPST stumbled on this graphite technology by accident, but when they found how good it was, used it as the nucleus from which this family of rods emerged. Lightweight in hand yet powerful when casting, this graphite has everything that you need to feel each part of your swingfrom the initial casting stroke all the way to the stripping in of your line after a swingwhile maintaining the ability to put the cork to a hot fish when the time comes.

The SHS sports a classy cleared out blank that allows the graphite to shine through a glossy coat, giving a timeless look that blends into the environment while the smoke grey thread wraps finish things off with subtle elegance.

Guides

REC Recoil Guides w/ Ceramic Inserts – OPST took a premium route when outfitting the guides on their SHS Rods and included REC Recoil Guides w/ Ceramic Inserts. Not only are these guides insanely durable and spring back to shape when bent, but they have a silky-smooth construction that allows line to shoot effortlessly across the pool and into that undercut pocket.

Reel Seat

Downlocking Reel Seat w/ Wood Insert – Functional, beautiful, and ready to stand the test of strong fish, OPST uses a downlocking reel seat on this series of rods. This choice aids in rod balance while keeping your reel snug, and the wooden insert only further enhances the rods overall beauty.

Rod Tube

These rods are packaged in a durable OPST rod tube, and whether you’re taking the long way home thats full of bumpy roads or sitting on a cramped jet plane in Alaska, youll never have to worry about the safety of your rod.

Warranty

As of December 2024, the OPST warranty covers their SHS Steelhead Salmon Fly Rods against defects in materials or workmanship for 24 months from the purchase date, exclusively to the original owner and requires registration within 30 days using the Unique ID number found on the rod. OPST will repair or replace defective rods at its own discretion, and the warranty does not apply to unregistered rods, resold rods, or those purchased from third-party platforms like eBay or Amazon.

More Info
Rod Action: Medium-Fast action

Best for: Streamers, Wet Flies, and Dry Flies

Grip: Spey

Ability Level: Intermediate

(learn more)

Recommended Lines
Scientific Anglers Integrated Skagit Spey Lite Fly Line
OPST Commando Smooth Integrated Skagit Head/Running Line