Salmon river setup.

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Jack68125
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2018/08/16 00:29:34 (permalink)

Salmon river setup.

The run is just around the corner and this will be my 2nd year salmon fishing, 1st time on the Salmon River. Last year I knew basically nothing and used a surf rod lol. I was wondering if any centerpin anglers know if an okuma aventa centerpin combo, the rod is what I’m worried about, will work... I’m worried the rod is too light and will resort to using a surf rod if I must lol. I would rather land some on the centerpin if it is heavy enough. Thanks for any feedback!
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    pafisher
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    Re: Salmon river setup. 2018/08/16 10:42:30 (permalink)
    I have used 6 wt flyrod and 8 wt fly and switch rods,not familiar with centerpin.More important is the reel,must have a good drag system.I would forget the surf rod,no fun with that!
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    Jack68125
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    Re: Salmon river setup. 2018/08/16 10:55:19 (permalink)
    I agree with the surf rod and my hand is the drag so I can baby it if I need to! Thank you. At least I have knowledge on how light the 6 wt is compared to the aventa.
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    r3g3
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    Re: Salmon river setup. 2018/08/16 11:00:42 (permalink)
    Lots of us (40 years ago-before DSR) made our first trip to Sr and we all brought our salt water rods--big fish right?
    When we got there the shops sold us pre-made 2 foot long  leaders with a #1 hook and a swivel. Also told to use those little green or red rubber eggs-to be legal and have something on the hook.
    Everyone said - they don't bite and ya gotta snag them.
    Then came the Martin reels with a nice drag and the 10 wt Ugly Stick. A common rig on the river then. Same leaders and "bait".
    OH- those leaders used  about a 40 lb test mono and if ya wanted to you could buy those weighted trebble hooks and snag fish mid river just like snagging bait fish in Salt water.
    Took a number of years- after the first indoctrination - to learn and go to real fly equipment.
    Congrats jack - you are years ahead of what it was for me.
    A nice 8 wt rod about 10 feet with a reel that has an EXCELLENT drag will do you well to start. Decent flies are easily purchased up there in all the patterns that work although egg imitations are a good starting place.
    Also don't be afraid to use pre tied real egg sacs either- they can be killer.
    Be sure and use a heavy wire hook in a size no larger than #8 ( imho) as thin wire hooks will quickly straighten with these fish- they can be bulldozers in the current.
    Pickup some pink flies too as the Co Ho love pink- if they are around its a hoot as they fight great and on some days bite readily.
    Jack- have used a 5 wt and a 6 wt but if there is any water or you are in a swift  current  they can be VERY hard to use with a 20 lb plus King fighting hard. Commonplace to have to bust fish off because the rig is light- its ok to use them and they can be fun but be good to yourself and start with an 8 or 10 during the learning curve.
    Personally have settled on an 11.5 ft switch in #8  as it is so versatile.
    In steel season I use a 5 wt.
    ( disclaimer- 20 fisherfolks will give 20 different opinions lol)( look for the middle ground)
    post edited by r3g3 - 2018/08/16 12:53:42
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    pafisher
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    Re: Salmon river setup. 2018/08/16 13:58:16 (permalink)
    I agree the 6wt is a little too light for the salmon,and I have been using a 11.5' 8wt switch the last couple years for salmon.The lamson reel is a great reel for the price.
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    troutbum21
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    Re: Salmon river setup. 2018/08/16 14:53:57 (permalink)
    I don't know what kind of budget you are working with but find an anti-reverse fly reel in the 6-8 wt range.  Yes the knuckle busters work but they hurt like hell when a hot fish decides to make a run back to the lake.  Lol  
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    r3g3
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    Re: Salmon river setup. 2018/08/16 17:43:18 (permalink)
    Also using the Lamson.
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    chartist1
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    Re: Salmon river setup. 2018/08/16 19:20:00 (permalink)
    I would leave the center pin at home.  Don't expect to get a 50 foot drift on the SR during salmon season.  I think an 8 wt in a 10 foot length is best for those that just want to invest in one rod for all things.  
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    Lucky13
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    Re: Salmon river setup. 2018/08/21 12:31:26 (permalink)
    chartist1
    I would leave the center pin at home.  Don't expect to get a 50 foot drift on the SR during salmon season.  I think an 8 wt in a 10 foot length is best for those that just want to invest in one rod for all things.  


    Good advise there!
     
    2bob and I have been discussing hero drifting the Jefferson Street hole and the Town Pool some Saturday in  September just for grins ands giggles! Likely from the Route ii bridge!  Have to find a caveman suit, though!
    #9
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