Salmon trolling rods?

[Sheepdog8404]

I was curious what rods are preferred by anyone who does a lot of salmon trolling. It sounds like anything from 8.5-10’ and medium heavy-heavy is pretty standard. But I was just curious if there are any models in particular that stand out. Probably under 200 bucks would be nice. Mainly interested in downstream trolling with Silvertrons and Kwikfish.

Thanks for the help!

[Mr T]

I am a big fan of fiberglass for trolling rods, for shock absorption. In the ocean, I use Lamiglas Classic Glass series, they make 'em in 8-9 ft ranges and price out around $120 each.

No reason that would not work for you.

Silvertrons and Kwikfish pull quite different in the water though. I use a lighter rod for spinners.

[John Sv]

subscribed...
I'd like a salmon trolling rod that is ocean-able and river-able... are they too different?
(not to hijack this thread...)

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I think it is two rods / outfits......both conventional rods and reels


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Trolling in the ocean is one conventional rod...heavier action and heavier tip.

Down rigger or drop weight fishing.
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Mooching in the ocean can be a lighter rod.

Trolling in fresh water can be the same rod as mooching in the saltwater.

Pulling plugs in fresh water can be the same rod as the SW mooching and fresh water trolling.

____________________________

https://www.lamiglas.com/collections...c-glass-series

I think fiberglass is more durable than graphite but slower/softer and heavier.

[tcorfey]

With conventional rigs my general rod of choice is a Seeker SH804SA 8' rated 8-20lb test, I use them with a Shimano Charter Special TR 1000 Lever Drag reel and 17lb test line. This setup is very versatile and I use this to fish for Salmon, Halibut and Stripers. They work well regardless of if I am using a downrigger, a plug or for bouncing.

Regards,

Tim C.

[Mr T]

I think it is two rods / outfits......both conventional rods and reels


___________________________

Trolling in the ocean is one conventional rod...heavier action and heavier tip.

Down rigger or drop weight fishing.
___________________________

Mooching in the ocean can be a lighter rod.

Trolling in fresh water can be the same rod as mooching in the saltwater.

Pulling plugs in fresh water can be the same rod as the SW mooching and fresh water trolling.

____________________________

https://www.lamiglas.com/collections...c-glass-series

I think fiberglass is more durable than graphite but slower/softer and heavier.

With conventional rigs my general rod of choice is a Seeker SH804SA 8' rated 8-20lb test, I use them with a Shimano Charter Special TR 1000 Lever Drag reel and 17lb test line. This setup is very versatile and I use this to fish for Salmon, Halibut and Stripers. They work well regardless of if I am using a downrigger, a plug or for bouncing.

Regards,

Tim C.

All spot on comments.

For drop weight fishing I use an Ugly Stik, they make a series of 7 foot that have a very soft tip for the first third and get real strong the lower third, it shows a bite well, and still has the lifting power to muscle that 2.5 lb ball around. And lets face it its a hard life, so a tough rod here pays off.

I like a 2 speed reel for this, usually an avet MXJ 6/4

For down riggers, full flex is my favorite, as it will flex all the way to the butt- sometime you have a 150-200 foot drop to the down rigger clip. When you get bit, that's a lot of of line out there flopping around.

Again the Avet MXJ 6/4 is about right.

For mooching, Tim nailed it. Lots of guys will use the same 8.5 ft 8-20 rod they use in the river for flossing with a low profile bait caster. Because you have to use circle hooks when mooching, a slower-ish action is good there.

If you are going to go with one rod/reel for spinners and Kwikfish in the rivers, Tim's suggestion is great. I've used Seekers for tuna for years now and they are just top notch gear. The same can be said for the Charter Special - Shimano has made that reel for over 20 years now and they almost never leave a line out there that long. That says something!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

My wife and I are big Ugly Stik fans, as are many others.

Not sexy but tough and cheap, especially when you have lots of grand kids.

[Sheepdog8404]

I am a big fan of fiberglass for trolling rods, for shock absorption. In the ocean, I use Lamiglas Classic Glass series, they make 'em in 8-9 ft ranges and price out around $120 each.

No reason that would not work for you.

Silvertrons and Kwikfish pull quite different in the water though. I use a lighter rod for spinners.

Mr T,

When you say you like a lighter rod for spinners, are you referring to trolling with big silvertrons? What action are you preferring then?