Salmon fishing in October

I need some advice from those who have been fishing the Salmon River for sometime now.
I will be returning to fish the Salmon River for the first time in 15 years or more.  When I was making the 6 hour trek to Pulaski on a yearly basis, we were treating our trip similar to that of a hunting trip.  Now that I have hopefully matured alittle, I am searching for the correct rod and reel set up for this year.
I am not a fly fisherman and probably only get the opportunity to fish maybe 6 or 7 times a year locally, mostly stocked trout and smallmouth bass.  So I am by no means a avid fisherman, rather an outdoorsman who fishes alittle.
My biggest concern is that my old salmon gear is more like a big stick with rope and large hook. 15 yrs ago we were snaggin'.  What I am looking for is the set up that will allow me some success and not be the guy who wishes he had the guy's next to him equipment.
I hope this makes sense and truly hope that some one has some good advice....thanks

i tend to like the 8'6" rods
gives you a bit more flexibility for other species such as cats,stripers even bass in a pinch
to me this is a good bargain

 http://www.fishusa.com/Okuma-AvengerConnoisseur-Salmon-Combo_p.html?i=SS10AU5GGVP69NNF2SJ0D6R4JDSHFAM9

agreed about fly fishing with Salmo:
if you could i would suggest trying a fly rod on kings and early>late steelies
the fishing is usually close and fish will strike flies well
folks tend to over cast when using spinning gear