Recommended Line Systems for the R.B. Meiser Highlander Switch Rod Series
NOTE: All line weight numbers rated for our rods are based on the criteria of two handed line systems. We do not rate any of our rods with single hand line numbers.
The two families of line systems that will deliver and fish most efficiently with the short two handed rod will be correctly grain matched compact length two handed shooting head line systems and short belly length classic Spey lines.
Two Handed Shooting Heads
There are two families of two handed shooting head line systems: Scandinavian shooting heads and Skagit shooting heads. Both of these line systems will perform extremely well on the shorter two handed rods.
Compact length Skagit Shooting Heads
Skagit shooting heads are designed primarily to deliver tips, and although floating tips can be utilized, most often used by anglers will be sinking tips of various lengths and sink rates. Skagit head lengths will vary in length from 22 to 27 feet. Their short head length, and concentrated gain within their tapers are designed to load the rod quickly. Their forte is allowing easy release of sustained anchors with extreme tips and heavy flies in tow, and their ability to deeply penetrate the water column with large heavy flies.
They can be used as either high-stick or swing fishing tools.
- The shorter length Skagit heads of 22 to 24 feet will work most effectively on the shorter two handed rods.
- Skagit head grain weight marriages are best determined by the rods' grain carrying capability or “Grain Window".
- With short two handed rods: Tip lengths most effectively delivered will be from 6' to 12' in length and will generally range from 75 grains to 150 grains.
- Efficiently allowed delivery of tip grain weight will be determined by head weight. IE the heavier the head weight; the higher the tip weight allowed.
Scandi shooting heads are either sinking or floating heads, and are designed primarily to deliver tapered Poly Leaders of various lengths. Poly Leaders (like Skagit tips) can be floating or various sink rates, but (unlike Skagit tips) are generally much lighter in grain weights.
They are ideal multi-purpose swing fishing tools for both shallow and deep water column depth penetration. They are also excellent lines for two handed overhead deliveries.
- Two handed Scandi shooting heads will be longer then Skagit shooting heads. Scandi head lengths most suitable for short two handed rods will generally range from 28' to 30'
- Poly Leader lengths best managed on the short two handed rods will be 10' or less, and will generally not exceed 100 grains in weight.
Another line system that will work very well with the shorter two handed rod will be short belly Spey lines. The belly lengths that will work most effectively on these rods will be less than 55' in length. The short belly Spey lines best utilized will be full floating lines, or floating lines looped to carry various tips.
- Short belly Spey lines are ideal multi-task grease line tools.
- They may be preferred by those anglers that will wish to minimize line stripping associated with Skagit and Scandi shooting heads.
The tables below define general line criteria call outs best suited for the Highlander Switch Rods. Simply match the tabled head/belly lengths and weights to manufacturer line information.
1 gram = 15.43 grains
| 10'6" 3/4 wt. 4pc Highlander S2H10634-4 <> Grain Window: 250 to 400 | ||
| Short Belly Spey | Belly length: To 45' | Belly wt: To 400 grains |
| Compact Skagit | Head wt: 250 to 300 grains | Tip wt: To 100 grains |
| Scandi | Head: 2.35 X rod length | Head wt. 250 to 300 grains |
| 11'0" 4/5 wt. 4 pc Highlander S2H11045-4 <> Grain Window: 300 to 450 | ||
| Short Belly Spey | Belly length: To 45' | Belly wt: To 400 grains |
| Compact Skagit | Head wt: 300 to 350 grains | Tip wt: To 100 grains |
| Scandi | Head: 2.50 X rod length | Head wt: 300 to 350 grains |
| 11'0" 5/6 wt. 4 pc Highlander S2H11056-4 <> Grain Windows: 350 to 500 | ||
| Short Belly Spey | Belly length: To 45' | Belly wt: To 450 grains |
| Compact Skagit | Head wt: 350 to 400 grains | Tip wt: To 125 grains |
| Scandi | Head: 2.50 X rod length | Head wt: 350 to 400 grains |
| 11'0" 6/7 wt 4 pc Highlander S2H11067-4 <> Grain Window: 400 to 600 | ||
| Short Belly Spey | Belly length: To 50' | Belly wt: To 500 grains |
| Compact Skagit | Head wt: 400 to 450 grains | Tip wt: To 125 grains |
| Scandi | Head: 2.50 X rod length | Head wt: 400 to 450 grains |
| 11'0" 7/8 wt. 4 pc Highlander S2H11078-4 <> Grain Window: 450 to 650 | ||
| Short Belly Spey | Belly length: To 55' | Belly wt: To 550 grains |
| Compact Skagit | Head wt: 450 to 500 | Tip wt: To 150 grains |
| Scandi | Head: 2.50 X rod length | Head wt: 450 to 500 grains |
| 11'0" 8/9 wt. 4 pc Highlander S2H11089-4 <> Grain Window: 500 to 700 | ||
| Short Belly Spey | Belly length: To 55' | Belly wt: To 600 grains |
| Compact Skagit | Head wt: 500 to 550 | Tip wt: To 150 grains |
| Scandi | Head: 2.50 X rod length | Head wt: 500 to 550 grains |
| 11'0" 9/10 wt 4 pc Highlander S2H110910-4 <> Grain Window: 550 to 750 | ||
| Short Belly Spey | Belly length: To 55' | Belly wt: To 650 grains |
| Compact Skagit | Head wt. 550 to 600 | Tip wt: To 150 grains |
| Scandi | Head: 2.50 X rod length | Head wt: 550 to 600 grains |
New Series
The SGSTM Series of Two Handed Lines
We do now offer our own series of two handed lines to perfectly match all short two handed rods
They Include:
- SGS Scandi Shooting Heads
- SGS Skagit Shooting Heads
- SGS IT Scandi Systems
- SGS IT Skagit Systems
- SGS Level Running Lines (Available in three diameters)
- SGS Tapered Running Lines (Available in two weights)
- SGS Poly Leaders
- SGS Zink TipsTM
Scandi shooting heads inherently are extremely caster friendly lines due primarily to the fact that their short head length is very easily managed beyond the rod tip. They are not only very forgiving of caster error, but are extremely effective fishing lines as well.
We do recommend our SGS floating Scandi shooting heads for our short two handed rods.
They are perfectly tapered Scandi shooting heads and will throw laser tight loops amazing distances with literally only a flick of the wrist. Floating Scandi shooting heads are ideal general purpose line systems that can be utilized for both two handed overhead and anchor point Spey deliveries. They are ideal for long distance deliveries and top water to shallow water-column depth penetration for all swing-fish applications.
They are available with welded loops both fore and aft, this to allow easy head exchange of both Poly Leaders and running lines. They are also available with a single welded loop on the fore end with a correctly sized diameter integrated SGS running line. All are designed to carry Poly Leaders of various sink rates from floating to extra fast sink.
SGS Scandi Heads for our Highlander Switch Rods
| Rod Model | Head Weight | Head Length | Price | With Level Integrated Running Line | With Tapered Integrated Running Line |
| S2H10634-4 | 280 grains | 27.5 | '$39.50 | $65.00 | $70.00 |
| S2H11045-4 | 330 grains | 27.5' | $39.50 | $65.00 | $70.00 |
| S2H11056-4 | 380 grains | 27.5' | $39.50 | $65.00 | $70.00 |
| S2H11067-4 | 430 grains | 29' | $39.50 | $65.00 | $70.00 |
| S2H11078-4 | 480 grains | 29' | $39.50 | $65.00 | $70.00 |
| S2H11089-4 | 530 grains | 29' | $39.50 | $65.00 | $70.00 |
| S2H110910-4 | 580 grains | 29' | $39.50 | $65.00 | $70.00 |
SGS Scandi IT Shooting Head Systems
The SGS Scandi IT shooting heads are system lines designed to multi-task and maximize the diverse capabilities of the short two handed rod with Scandi shooting heads.
 | The SGS IT shooting heads are ideal for all short two handed rods 13'0" and shorter, and are suitable for all river borne game fish. They will achieve long distance, tight loop ascending deliveries with only minimal expended energy. Their extra long back tapers will allow ultra sweet straight line lay outs to the descending head and leader.
We also have designed looped tapered running lines that will allow extended distance stack mending. The combination of our long gradually tapered running line will add 15' to 20' of stack mending distance advantage for both high-stick and indicator nymph techniques. The added mass of the taper running line will not only allow effortless two handed stack mending, but will also tighten the delivery loop and assist a straight-line layout of the entire descending line. Conventional two handed shooting head running lines will not allow these advantages. |
 | The SGS IT Scandi Shooting Head Kit Will Include:
|
SGS Skagit Shooting Heads
The SGS Compact Skagits are designed for short two handed rods in grain windows of 225 to 530 grains
We do recommend the SGS Skagit shooting heads for our short two handed rods. They have all of the right things going for them: They have perfect balance of grain within their tapers that will give them the ability to carry extreme tips with heavy flies in tow. They will quickly load the rod with minimal expended energy; allowing easy anchor release of extreme sink tips creating tight loop ascending deliveries.
They have tough poly coatings, braided cores and durable welded loops both fore and aft.
Skagit shooting heads are designed for quick rod loading and easy management of sustained anchor deliveries. They are lines specifically designed to carry sink tips and weighted flies to allow deep water-column penetration. They can also be used with Poly Leaders and correctly grained Skagit floating tips.
| Head Weight
and Line Model |
Head Length |
Head Only | With Level Integrated Running Line |
With Tapered Integrated Running Line |
| SGS-225 | 20' | $39.00 | $65.00 | $70.00 |
| SGS-275 | 20' | $39.00 | $65.00 | $70.00 |
| SGS-325 | 21' | $39.00 | $65.00 | $70.00 |
| SGS-375 | 22' | $39.00 | $69.00 | $70.00 |
| SGS-425 | 23' | $39.00 | $65.00 | $70.00 |
| SGS-475 | 24' | $39.00 | $65.00 | $70.00 |
| SGS-525 | 25' | $39.00 | $65.00 | $70.00 |
| Airflo Compact 570 | 23' | $49.00 | $75.00 | $80.00 |
| Airflo Compact 600 | 23' | $49.00 | $75.00 | $80.00 |
SGS Scandit Shooting Heads
Scandits are lines that combine the advantage of both Skagit and Scandi shooting head line systems
Over the past few seasons two handed anglers have discovered the diverse benefits of looping floating classic Spey line tips onto the ends of their Skagit shooting heads. Many anglers have now coined these lines as “Scandit" shooting heads.
In essence (if tip grains and length are balanced to the head) this system will allow the angler to convert a short head Skagit into a longer head Scandi; diversifying the heavy sink tip delivery capability of the Skagit head into a longer Poly Leader carrying Scandi head. We have taken this system to the next step, and do now offer correctly grain balanced and appropriate length head and tips for all two handed rods.
The SGS Scandit head will come with a Skagit head looped to accept a balanced looped floating tip.
- With the floating tip removed; you have a Skagit shooting head for sink tips and heavy flies
- With the floating tip in place; you have a Scandi shooting head looped for Poly Leaders and lighter weight flies
The SGS Scandit System will allow all of the quick loading and deep water penetration advantages of the Skagit shooting head with sink tips, but will also offer an equal and additional advantage for top water grease line presentation with the use of a tapered running line, a tapered Skagit floating tip and Poly Leaders.
The Scandit System will come with two running lines: One a conventional level running for distance deliveries, and another tapered running line to detail line mending; assisting in all applied Trouting techniques.
With this system you will be able to literally cover all sub-surface and top-water presentations; from dredging heavy sink tips and heavily weighted Intruders, to skating a Quigley Dragon … And everything in between.
These are lines for the angler that will wish to carry only minimal kit to the river, but will still be well fitted to meet most any situation one may encounter.
The SGS Scandit Shooting Head System Will Include:
- One Skagit floating shooting head looped fore and aft
- One grain matched floating tip looped fore and aft
- One looped SGS ELF tapered running line (Sized for the head)
- One looped SGS ELF level running line (Sized for the head)
- Four looped SGS Zink Tip kit (Sized for the head)
- Four looped SGS 10' Poly Leaders: Floating, Intermediate sink, slow sink, fast sink
- A 6 pouch Shooting head wallet
| Head Weight and Line Model | Kit Price | Head & Floating Tip Only |
| SCANDIT-230 | $159.00 | $49.00 |
| SCANDIT-280 | $159.00 | $49.00 |
| SCANDIT-330 | $159.00 | $49.00 |
| SCANDIT-380 | $159.00 | $49.00 |
| SCANDIT-430 | $159.00 | $49.00 |
| SCANDIT-480 | $159.00 | $49.00 |
| SCANDIT-530 | $159.00 | $49.00 |
| SACNDIT-580 | $169.00 | $59.00 |
| SCANDIT-630 | $169.00 | $59.00 |
| SCANDIT-680 | $169.00 | $59.00 |
SGS ELF Running Lines
We have these available in level diameters and tapered diameters:
- The level running lines are available in three diameters
- The tapered running lines are available in 2 weights
- All running lines are poly coated braid core, 85' in length
- The level running lines have 5" welded loops at both ends. The tapered running lines are looped at the fore end.
Our level running lines are available in three diameters. We recommend that you use the smaller diameters (.026 and .032) for lighter/shorter heads and smaller game fish, or for extreme distance deliveries. We suggest the heavier (.038) running lines to be used for larger heads and heavier game fish.
Holding points: All of the level running lines will have larger diameter bi-color hold points welded into the fore end of the running line
ELF tapered running lines: Tapered shooting head running lines are designed for “detailing" your fishing presentation.
These are tools designed for detail fishing, and as fishing tools they will prove to be a great asset in assisting all aspects of mending shooting head line systems.
The tapered running lines are recommended for all applied Trouting techniques for all game fish. This includes all techniques from high stick nymphing, riffle hitching and skating, to dead drift dry fly fishing. Their additional mass and rear taper will greatly assist the stack mend of high stick Chezk style and indicator nymphing. It will also aide in assisting the turn over of the entire head at the shot, enhancing a straight line delivery and sweet friendly drop to the water of the head.
These are amazing running lines that will greatly diversify your shooting head presentations.
SGS Level Shooting Head Running Lines
| Line | Length | Diameter | Pound Core | 15' Hold Point Dia. | Price |
| SGS026 | 85' | .026 | 15# | .032 | $29.50 |
| SGS032 | 85' | .032 | 20# | .038 | $29.50 |
| SGS038 | 85' | .038 | 30# | .043 | $29.50 |
SGS Tapered Shooting Head Running Lines
| Line | Length | Taper Length | Pound Core | Price |
| SGS6 | 85' | 40' | 30# | $29.50 |
| SGS8 | 85' | 40' | 30# | $29.50 |
Our sink tip material is a Zink impregnated polymer with a 40 pound braided core that will be far more supple then will Tungsten impregnated materials. These tips use the same polymer coatings as do our SGS fly lines. This will be a great asset for easy turn-over and straight lay-out for flies of all sizes. The poly coating is extremely easy to build welded loops for your own individual tips.
Our Zink tips are available in four weight ratings: 6,10,14 and 18 grains per foot, and we have Zink Tip material available as pre-made individual looped tips, tip kits, or in bulk spools.
Individual and Kit Tips Come With Welded Loops on Fore and Aft Ends
| Z6 Tip Length | Z6 Tip Weight | Z6 Tip Price | Z6 Tip Kit Price | Z6 Bulk | Z8 Bulk Price |
| 6' | 36 grains | $8.00 | $20.00 | 100 yards | $35.00 |
| 9' | 54 grains | $8.00 | - | - | - |
| 12' | 72 grains | $8.00 | - | - | - |
| Z10 Tip Length | Z10 Tip Wt | Z10 Tip Price | Z10 Tip Kit Price | Z10 Bulk | Z10 Bulk Price |
| 6' | 60 grains | $8.00 | $36.00 | 100 yards | $35.00 |
| 9' | 90 grains | $8.00 | - | - | - |
| 12' | 120 grains | $8.00 | - | - | - |
| 15' | 150 grains | $8.00 | - | - | - |
| 18' | 180 grains | $8.00 | - | - | - |
| Z14 Tip Length | Z14 Tip Wt | Z14 Tip Price | Z14 Tip Kit Price | Z14 Bulk | Z14 Bulk Price |
| 6' | 84 grains | $8.00 | $36.00 | 100 yards | $35.00 |
| 9' | 126 grains | $8.00 | - | - | - |
| 12' | 168 grains | $8.00 | - | - | - |
| 18' | 252 grains | $8.0 | 0- | - | - |
| 21' | 294 grain | s$8.00 | - | - | - |
| Z18 Tip Length | Z18 Tip Wt | Z18 Tip Price | Z18 Tip Kit Price | Z18 Bulk | Z18 Bulk Price |
| 6' | 108 grains | $8.00 | $36.00 | 100 yards | $35.00 |
| 9' | 162 grains | $8.00 | - | - | - |
| 12' | 216 grains | $8.00 | - | - | - |
| 18' | 324 grains | $8.00 | - | - | - |
| 21' | 378 grains | $8.00 | - | - | - |
SGS Poly Leaders We do also offer a full range of Poly Leaders
The SGS Poly Leaders are constructed of tapered Polyurethane over a very durable 24 pound test monofilament core. These are all Salmon/Steelhead duty Poly Leaders. The smooth molded loops allow an easy connection and movement through the head loop. The taper gives a silky smooth turn-over and delicate presentations when needed. They are suitable for both fresh and salt water environments.
SGS Tapered Poly Leaders
| Leader | Length | Density | Sink Rate | Price |
| SGS-F16 | 16' | Floating | Zero | $12.00 |
| SGS-IS16 | 16' | Intermediate Sink | 1.5" per sec | $12.00 |
| SGS-F14 | 14' | Floating | Zero | $11.00 |
| SGS-SS14 | 14' | Slow Sink | 2.6" per sec | $11.00 |
| SGS-FS14 | 14 | Fast Sink | 3.9" per sec | $11.00 |
| SGS-EFS14 | 14 | Extra Fast Sink | 4.9" per sec | $11.00 |
| SGS-F10 | 10' | Floating | Zero | $10.00 |
| SGS-IS10 | 10' | Intermediate Sink | 1.2" per sec | $10.00 |
| SGS-SS10 | 10' | Slow Sink | 2.3" per sec | $10.00 |
| SGS-FS10 | 10' | Fast Sink | 4.2" per sec | $10.00 |
| SGS-EFS10 | 10' | Extra Fast Sink | 6.5" per sec | $10.00 |