what size rod reel

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fishenfool46
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2008/08/07 06:30:00 (permalink)

what size rod reel

i have a question my buddy just retired to homer alaska.I heard that the keni  river has runs of 60 pound king salmon would an 8 weight 9ft 6" rod and reel be enough to handle them i plan on going up nexted year if the cash flow permits. an info would be greatly appreciated. paul

I didn't say these are the ten suggestions
signed God
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    formerguide
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    RE: what size rod reel 2008/08/07 09:09:09 (permalink)
    Fishen...

    A 9 1/2' 8wt is really too small for big Kings on the Kenai. A 40 or 50lb King is a substantial fish, and while you might be able to land one on an 8wt, you cannot do so either quickly or efficiently, and quite honestly, that is fair neither to the fish or to other anglers. Just as importantly, to effectively fly fish for Kings, you need to be ON THE BOTTOM. This necessitates either using a lot of weight, or, a fast sinking line like a T-400 or something similiar. The standard Kenai King rod is a 9' 10 or 11wt, and a lot of guys will even use 12's. I've landed some nice kings on a 9wt, but it would not be my first choice... BTW, the Kenai can be an absolute zoo, just warning you... Good luck, have fun, and please post some pics of your success!

    Dan
    post edited by formerguide - 2008/08/07 09:10:11
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    fishenfool46
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    RE: what size rod reel 2008/08/07 09:35:20 (permalink)
    thanks for the info dan

    I didn't say these are the ten suggestions
    signed God
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    Fisherboy86
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    RE: what size rod reel 2008/08/07 15:41:15 (permalink)
    Fishen,
     
    I have not fished Alaska, but can say that even on SMALL streams in NY, a semi-old king can be a tough task to handle (in an efficient manner.)
     
    I mainly use a 9' 10wt and a fresh 20-25lb king will still give me a good run down with 12lb-15lb tippet. 
     
    Like Former said, alot of guys I speak to that own shops in Alaska are selling more and more 11wt and 12wt rods. It's kind of scarey considering 10-12wts are used for tarpon!
     
     
    Best,
    Fisher
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    fishenfool46
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    RE: what size rod reel 2008/08/08 08:11:39 (permalink)
    thanks fisher for the info i guess i have to get another rod and reel lol
     but she wants me to be happy i hope lol
     

    I didn't say these are the ten suggestions
    signed God
    #5
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