I started seriously fishing just a few years ago, and I still consider myself a novice or beginner angler. My fishing journey began on the Salmon River in NY. Up until that time, I would maybe go fishing every once in a while, but it was not until I found the joy of salmon fishing that I became addicted.
Background On Salmon River Spinning Research
One of the most painful lessons you learn about fishing on the Salmon River for salmon and steelhead is that equipment does matter. However, as a beginner, you start doing research and there is just so much information out there. One of the main issues is that most of the prevalent information comes from West Coast fishing for salmon. Although there are similarities in techniques and equipment, there are some differences. So this just adds to the confusion. Do you need a float? What is a sliding weight? What is a bead? After a few hours of research, my head started spinning – no pun intended. Then you start looking at some of the prices and you start wondering if you will ever be able to afford it. The good news is that you don’t need the best equipment what you need is the equipment that will be adequate to catch fish. Because I was a beginner, I did not want to invest too much into the equipment. There was lots of trial and error in finding the right tackle for fishing the Salmon River. As you remember from my previous post I started with a small Shakespear 7 ft trout rod. I added 20 lb test and tried to fish with it. I broke the rod my first day. After that, I tried looking for the right Salmon River fishing rig. I thought about going to one of the tackle shops but quite frankly I was intimidated. So after breaking my rod I went home and started doing research.
I did lots of research and read different reviews. I also went to Walmart, Gander, Bass Pro and larger sporting good stores where you are left alone to look. While still in my research phase I purchased an 8 Ft rod and reel combo from Walmart so I could go fishing. After fishing for 20 minutes I realized that my setup was totally wrong and I spent $45 on junk – the reel seized up on me. That is not what you want to do – what you should do is get the best that you can afford and not buy junk that does not work. After further research, I went to Amazon and started put an item tackle list together.
Tackle List For Salmon River Spin Fishing (for around $100 total)
1. A long fishing rod that is pliable or soft on the end and I researched multiple fishing rods. You will need a fishing pole that is at least 9ft – preferably 10 ft. Based on the river size anything over 10 ft is too long and hard to handle. What you need is something referred to as a noodle rod – these rods are with their length and flexibility absorbs the shock of the large salmon or steelhead. The length also helps you to reach further into the river when casting. The motion that you use to cast is much more efficient.
I purchased an Okuma Connoisseur Graphite Steelhead Rod 10 Ft. This rod is usually sold out during salmon season but if you can get it is worth it. Okuma is a great company and has a great warranty. If you can’t find it, then you can try the following options.
Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Rod 10 Ft Model Number CE-S-1002MLa.
Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Rod 9 Ft Model Number CE-S-962MLa
2. You need a reel that has a good drag. The one that every reviewer liked was the Pflueger 4740GXX Trion Spinning Reel, 195-Yard/10-Pound
There is a newer model Pflueger Trion Spinning Reel TRI40X (TRI40X)
The reel that is the best rated is the Pflueger President Spinning Reel Number 40. If I spin fished more, I would probably get the President instead of the Trion.
3. Trilene Big Game Fishing Line 12 Lbs
The rest of the equipment which is from the main line to the hook is called terminal equipment or rigging. Please read here how you can get the basic way to rig up for the salmon river or the best terminal tackle for the Salmon river.
This list should cover everything you need for spinning tackle set up for salmon and steelhead on the Salmon River NY.
I just placed an order on basspro for a wright mcgill 8’6″ medium heavy rod because I’m 5’3″ and tend to get and use slightly lighter or heavier gear due to my fishing needs and locations I fish. The reel I got was a daiwa bg 3500 and still debating between 20-30lb kastking braided line to use thinking it will cover most fishing styles as long as leader length is 2x the length of rod. Now for terminal tackle I’ve got no idea. Now with this rod and reel and line I do plan on using is bank fishing for stripers, blues as in during summer. The rod can handle upto 2oz but heard it can handle about half ounce or so more. I live on long island quite a distance away. So what u think and whole set up was about $190 plus with line close to $200 about alone minus tackle and weights and such. So what you suggest from there on tackle, leader, weights and such?