I have never fished for Salmon before. I will be fishing rivers in the Sacramento, CA area this summer. I also have been invited to fish this September in Alaska ( Kodiak area ). I have absolutely no idea on rod and reel selection. My uncle has advised a spinning reel with a very good drag. He suggested the Shimano Stradic 4000. I was sticker shocked at the $120.00 price tag. Any recommendation on other models or brands that are less expensive or is that what I should get? Also a few good model of rods ( size/length ) to go with the reel. My uncle suggested the G Loomis GL3. Again sticker shock! Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Jeff Cramer
jduck1

Your uncles a smart man!

For salmon, this combo is probably the best possible for the money:

Casting combo:
Berkeley Air 7 8.5' casting rod rated at 10-20lb test and an Ambassader 5500 casting reel
Cost $150

Spinning combo:
Berkeley Air 7 8.5' spinning rod (10-20lb) with a Shimano Sedona 4000 spinning reel
Cost $130

If you want GLoomis, I would honestly go with the GL2 instead of GL3 for salmon. GL2s are made of a lower modulus graphite, but more of it, so its a little more durable.

How about this combo:

GLoomis GL2 1021 8.5' 10-20lb rod with
Shimano Curado reel (real smooth): $280
Same rod with Ambassader 5500 $225
Same rod with Shimano Sedona $210

If your going to stick with it, I would learn to use a casting reel, they're just more versatile and fight the fish better. If your going to be doing a lot of casting, the Shimano Curado is hard to beat, but 15lb test is about the heaviest that you can use. You can easily use 15-20 lb test on the Ambassador but it is not as light or smooth when casting. Also, for your Alaskan trip, find out how big the fish are, they've got some bruisers up north. Berkeley and GLoomis make rods in the 12-25, 15-30lb range as well, but these will be broom sticks for Sacramento kings. Hope this helps. Good Luck!



[This message has been edited by obsessed (edited 06-13-2000).]

We need more info! What will you be fishing for?

Shimano makes outstanding spinning reels. Well worth the price. A 4000 seems a tad excessive for most of the smaller salmon (sockeye, pinks, silvesr, chums). A 4000 might be fun with a really big king! It really all depends on what pound line you're putting on your reel and what you will be fishing for (and with).

GL3's are not necessary for spinning gear. Unless you enjoy spending tons of money, a GL2 will work just fine at half the price.

When I need to use one, I use a 9' GL2 with a 2000 series Shimano. Works fine for winter/summer steelies, coho, and chummers.

Now, all I need is that 10.5-11' GL2 for some jig fishing, and I'll be set!

Parker



[This message has been edited by parker (edited 06-13-2000).]

Again I really have no idea. I do know we will be fishing rivers and I also think mostly Silvers with the chance of a king. Localy we will be fishing for the mostly Silvers and Steelheads.

I do not know how much time you have but I have all my rods custom built. The guy who builds my poles is real good. You can pick any GL or Lami out of the catalog and he will buy the blanks and build you a rod for 1/2 the price. Contact me if this sounds good.
Keep The Rivers Clean!!!!

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dank