Rio Elite Integrated Skagit Max Launch

RIO Elite Integrated Skagit Max Launch is a series of integrated, full-floating Skagit style shooting heads designed for modern two-handed fishing with large flies and heavy sink tips. The short, powerful head and aggressive front taper load your rod deeply, making it easy to punch out long casts, even in wind or when you are tight to the bank with limited back‑cast room.

Thanks to the integrated design, the shooting head and running line are one piece, so there are no loop-to-loop connections bumping through the rod rings. This gives a smoother casting stroke, better line control and less tangling compared to traditional separate shooting head systems. The extended rear taper stabilises the head in the air and transfers energy more efficiently, resulting in cleaner loops and more consistent turnover of bulky tube flies, intruders and fast sinking tips.

The built-in running line is RIO’s Elite Metered Shooting Line, which changes colour every 10 feet. This colour coding helps you judge and repeat your casting distance, making it easier to cover lies accurately and maintain consistent performance between sessions. The Elite Skagit Max Launch is tuned to work perfectly with RIO’s Classic, MDC, MOW and Level T Tips, so you can quickly adjust to different water heights, current speeds and seasons by simply changing tips rather than your whole setup.

Constructed on RIO’s ultra-low stretch ConnectCore Plus, the line offers excellent sensitivity for feeling subtle takes, setting the hook firmly and staying in direct contact with the fish during the fight. The SlickCast coating provides an extremely slick and durable surface that shoots easily through the guides, reduces friction and extends the line’s lifespan, even under hard, season-long use.

Whether you are targeting salmon, sea trout or steelhead with heavy flies and tungsten tips, RIO Elite Integrated Skagit Max Launch delivers reliable turnover, effortless casting and precise control in a user-friendly, integrated package.

• Integrated Skagit shooting head and running line – no loop joins through the rod rings
• Short, powerful head that deeply loads the rod for long, effortless casts
• Designed to cast large flies and heavy, fast-sinking tips with ease
• Extended rear taper for stable flight and smooth energy transfer
• Pairs perfectly with RIO Classic, MDC, MOW and Level T Tips
• Elite Metered Shooting Line with colour changes every 10 ft for distance control
• ConnectCore Plus for low stretch, improved sensitivity and solid hook sets
• SlickCast coating for extra shootability and high durability in all conditions
• Factory-welded loops on both ends for quick and easy rigging
• Ideal for tight banks, heavy winds and challenging casting situations