Need to outfit the new boat. Salmon trolling rod/reel, Walleye rod/reel combos?

[mmullins]

Not to particular on brand just wanting an idea of action and weight. Going to be doing mostly Harbors and Puget sound trolling for Kings and Coho's. We also have a trip planed for Potholes in June for Walleye, which i have never fished for in my life. Going to be going to the sports mans show and want to know what to keep an eye out for.

[MtnMuley]

It all depends on your budget. For some $500 combos are the norm. Others, $150 combos are pushing their limits. I'd highly recommend looking for some used quality gear in good shape for good prices.

[hiway_99]

What's your budget on rods and reels?  How much fishing do you plan on doing on a year.  Okuma sst rods and okuma cold water reels are a good starting point for salmon.   I have shimano tekota reels and gloomis roods.  With a few rainshadow and lamiglass rods mixed in.

[mmullins]

I don't have a set budget. As for the rods I am leaning toward okuma SSTs. Like I said I am not brand  specific, but I like quality on a budget. I don't see myself going with  G-Loomis or Lamiglass unless I get a screaming deal. I am on a mind set the reel fights the fish more than the rod any way.
Set ups I was looking at for salmon trolling is SST, with Okuma cold water linecounter. Just don't know what length or action to go with.
As for walleye fishing i don't have anything in mind nor now what to look for.

[MtnMuley]

I would definitely say the rod fights the fish more than the reel. I'm not a big ocean fisherman for salmon, but those combos look like they'll be fine. As for walleye, what kind of fishing do you plan on doing more: casting (jigging, blade running, cranking) or trolling (bottom bouncing harneses, pulling divers)?

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

I like the SST series rods. Have several light spinning and one kokanee. I use the kokanee for dragging bottom bouncers for walleye. I like the soft rod so when they start eating my nightcrawler they don't feel the rod as much if it were a stiffer rod. I wouldn't hesitate to pick up the SST for salmon trolling. Seen them on sale at BI Mart for rod reel combos $100.00.

[aaronoto]

My pick would be a an 8'6 or 9' Shimano Convergence rod paired with a Shimano Tekota reel.  Or.... get a 10'6 Convergence with a Shimano Moocher Plus GT, it's not a setup for everyone, but it sure is fun to fight a fish on!   It also happens to be relatively cheap.

[mmullins]

I would definitely say the rod fights the fish more than the reel. I'm not a big ocean fisherman for salmon, but those combos look like they'll be fine. As for walleye, what kind of fishing do you plan on doing more: casting (jigging, blade running, cranking) or trolling (bottom bouncing harneses, pulling divers)?

I have a couple Lamiglass Kokanee rods that would probably double up for trolling the walleye. I was thinking something for jigging, crank baits, also something that could double up as a bass rod set up.

[WSU]

I would get a long herring rod for the bays. I have 10'6'' rods and it is nice when fishing multiple rods.  They need to be fairly soft for fishing herring but have enough backbone to troll a pound of lead.

[MtnMuley]

Those koke rods would work great for bottom bouncing. As for a spinning setup for the rest, I'd look at 6'6 - 7' medium action rods. Pfluger President reels are hard to beat as well. Bass Pro often has their Extreme Series combos with President reels at good prices this time of year. That combo is very hard to beat unless you plan on spending $500+

[Buzz2401]

Keep away from the Lami-snaps.  Those okuma rods are a good deal, also the buzz ramsey rods aren't to bad.   I personally really like the Shimano Clarus line.  As far as reels the okumas work a step up would be some of the mid grade Penn's, I use shimano Tekotas. There are a Few Made in USA options out there but they are very spendy.

[bowhunterwa87]

I fish for salmon steelhead walleye channel cats bass pretty much everything with my 6'6" whuppin stick and shimano ci4 reel. Have owned alot of different rod reel combos and i love this setup. Virtually industructable!

[Blackjaw]

You don't really need anything special for walleye. Although if you are pulling cranks line counters are nice (but not necessary). Also lead core line can help get the cranks to the right depth.