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Thread: Salmon trolling rods?

  1. #1
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    Default Salmon trolling rods?

    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!

  2. #2
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    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.

  3. #3
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    subscribed...
    I'd like a salmon trolling rod that is ocean-able and river-able... are they too different?
    (not to hijack this thread...)

  4. #4
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    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.
    Bill Kiene (Boca Grande)

    567 Barber Street
    Sebastian, Florida 32958

    Fly Fishing Travel Consultant
    Certified FFF Casting Instructor

    Email: billkiene63@gmail.com
    Cell: 530/753-5267
    Web: www.billkiene.com

    Contact me for any reason........
    ______________________________________

  5. #5
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    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.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bill Kiene semi-retired View Post
    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.
    Quote Originally Posted by tcorfey View Post
    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!

  7. #7
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    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.
    Bill Kiene (Boca Grande)

    567 Barber Street
    Sebastian, Florida 32958

    Fly Fishing Travel Consultant
    Certified FFF Casting Instructor

    Email: billkiene63@gmail.com
    Cell: 530/753-5267
    Web: www.billkiene.com

    Contact me for any reason........
    ______________________________________

  8. #8
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    East Bay
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    Trolling the Sac or Rio Vista I use the Okuma Guide Select 10’6” rods.

    I use the 360 flashers with cut plugs or 3.5 spinners. I rig them with 10-16 oz weights depending on current speed and depth. So my rods are long enough for an 8’ leader setup and heavy enough to handle the weight and flasher drag. They are awesome rods for the price. Just as important is having a line counter reel to keep track of your rig depth. I use a Lexa 300 line counter.

    Saying that, I’ve now committed to catching salmon in the Rio Vista/Walnut Grove area solely on the fly. Been wanting to do it since last year and reading Anglers Coast was the push to just focus on it. BUT I’ll have a jigging rod just in case. ha ha ha. Gotta fill the freezer.
    Last edited by Rossflyguy; 09-05-2019 at 07:03 AM.

  9. #9
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  10. #10
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    Jan 2005
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    A friend who has trolled over on our West coast of CA for about 30 years uses electric down riggers.


    His favorite rod is the Lamiglas CG 90 DR

    https://www.lamiglas.com/products/cg...nt=58876083083




    His favorite reel is the Shimano Triton 2000 Charter Special

    http://fish.shimano.com/content/fish...R_SPECIAL.html
    Bill Kiene (Boca Grande)

    567 Barber Street
    Sebastian, Florida 32958

    Fly Fishing Travel Consultant
    Certified FFF Casting Instructor

    Email: billkiene63@gmail.com
    Cell: 530/753-5267
    Web: www.billkiene.com

    Contact me for any reason........
    ______________________________________

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