I'm de-comissioning my Penn 209 to a halibut reel, and plan on purchasing a Canadian set-up for salmon fishing. I need suggestions for a new knucklebuster and new rod that will run around $100-$150. We use downriggers 100% of the time, so high mod graphite is out (sorry G. Loomis). Ted's only had a couple of rod choices- I liked the Berkley (around $70) along with the shumano reel ($59). Any suggestions regarding brands or models? I use 30-40# test, flasher/dodger rig with hoochies, herring or spoons, and the kings run between 25-50 pounds.

Try www.sportfishigbc.com or www.anglingbc.com

Contrary (i think thats how you spell it) to popular belief Gloomis does make a class of rod for that will work in the downrigger. The GL2's are made of 50% Fibergalss and my 5 1265c's and bc's (The SAR1265BC is what you want, they have the Canadian moocher handle made for the Knuckle buster.)have never had a failure in the 5 years I've owned them. I have never had a problem and I crank em down hard in the riggers. I run up to 7 rods at a time in Rivers inlet and four are usally cranked in the riggers. The Kings there are huge and powerful and Ive never had rod failure even when there getting ripped out of the clips and burried in the drink.

But the rods are 200.00 and the Shimano 1000 and 2000 plus are the moocher reels you want to look at. We call em Cheese Wheels. There about 65 to 70 a piece. Ive tried alot of rods and none equal the 1265 c's and bc's in or out of the riggers. There awesome in Tillamook bay also.

I fish springs every year in Nootka Sound. I favor the Shimano 2000 reels, loaded with 25# Maxima. Just use a little heavier leader, 30#. I also like a longer rod 10'6", and prefer it to be a glass rod. I have snapped a Loomis in the boat, it's a sad time when that happens. This is usually followed by some potty mouth. Glass rods are better suited for the abuse that ensuses during those doubleheaders in heavy boat traffic.I think Fenwick makes a half decent rod in the price range you stated, so did Diawa. I also prefer a cork handle, foam just doesn't cut it. You'll be happy you switched, nothing funnier than seeing your partners get knuckle dusted when they grab your rod.