The Lazar running line from Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics (OPST) is an incredible new running line that was developed to “right all wrongs” in the world of monofilament running lines.
Traditional monofilament running lines shoot line very well, but they degrade over time due to UV sensitivity. Additionally, they have a lot of memory and can create coils and tangles in running lines very easily when casting long distances and stripping in large quantities of line between casts. The OPST lazar line is a much more durable, super-slick, and narrow running line that is completely memory free in both hot and cold conditions. This consistent performance allows it to excel in a host of different fishing situations-whether it be spey casting in board shorts on the Deschutes in August or braving monsoon-like rain on the Coastal streams during winter, this line remains free and limp. Another aspect of this line that makes it unique is that it is hydrophobic, and it floats very well, allowing for good pickup and control.
I have personally fished this running line with both Skagit and Scandi heads and used various fishing methods with it; anything from heavy tips and weighted flies to floating lines and skated dry flies. It casted great and was consistent in both situations and allowed me to seamlessly shoot line immense distances with noticeable ease, and frankly, make me look a lot better than I actually am with a spey rod! I really enjoyed how this mono running line floats as well, it made it easy to see and control my line on long drifts as my fly swung.
Overall, if you have had issues in the past with tangling or deteriorating running lines or are looking to add a new dimension to your spey game, this is the line for you. This line is available online in 50m spools in 25, 30, 35, 40, and 50lb test at $31.95. And even in the larger weighted varieties (50lb), the diameter of the Lazar line remains surprisingly small and just as limp as the 25lb. I highly recommend you give it a try. Don’t believe me? Hear it from the guys who designed it: watch?v=–JYunDrxJM
I purchased the Lazar running line and tried it out with my 325gr shooting head 9wt Scott and even though I stretched it the line coils like crazy. It definitely is not without memory!