So, like many of you said would happen.  I got a guide last year and mainly used the fly rod, so I am looking to buy one now.  I found two from LL Bean that looked reasonable.  Both in 9wt, one was around $140, and the other around $220.  It is the rod, reel, backing, line, and taper?  Is 9wt good enough for up there?  Anything special I need as in fancier line?  What about pre-looped line and leaders?  Also, what is the fly/bait of choice for the kings?  I know last year we used different flies and some colored bubble looking things.  I'm sure there are much better combos than I'm looking at and some worse, but I will only be using it once a year, and LL Bean has a very good warrantee.  Any thoughts?
 
 

I would go with an 8 weight.  Nine is a bit heavy for steelhead, so the 8 weight will have plenty of applications.  Ten foot long.  Weight forward floating fly line and I'd go one or even two line weights heavier than the rod as it helps load those longer rods.  16 pound leader with a spool of 16lb fluorocarbon tippet.

Like Chartist said keep in mind the weight and action of the rod if you plan on using it for Steel.   I have a Cortland Pro cast 8 weight  ($100 and lifetime warranty) that has a slower action that is good for steel, but on the border for Salmon.  I just bought an Cortand graphite 8/9 weight ($55)  with a faster action that will work better for salmon, my buddy has one and has abused it on Salmon .  Both are 9 footers.   I can't tell you alot about line but a weight forward floating line is a must.  I size one size up and  I had good luck with Cortlands Salmon and steel taper last year.   As far as flies the sky is the limit on selection, but I have heard for salmon Estaz flies in various colors do well and you just have to find what color they like.   The bubbles you used were probably beads.  Salmon will bite eggs to destroy them.   For only one time a year choose according to budget.  The drag is the most important part of the reel.   I had excellent luck with Cortland Sterling 8/9 for a mid level  ($169) and OKuma SLV 7/8  ($75) for entry.  I just got a Cortland Procast  9/10 on clearance for $30 loaded and will try it out.   Taper is leader I am guessing you can get the pre made ones in 14 to 16 lbs.  When they break off at the end you can get some Flouro tippet in 14 to 16  and tie it on with a swivel.
I

Thank you for the input.  So, I'm looking mainly for Kings, if I get something else that is a bonus.  If the set-up is "too much," what's the negative?  Is it not a challenge to pull the fish in?  Also, the line that the reel comes with says its rated up to 30lbs.  It says wf floating line.  It does not have a specific lb.  Most of what I have seen online for leaders are the three packs of 9' leaders.  I'm guessing you can also get a spool of whatever you want.  The recommended leader for the Kings is 16lbs.?  Are the pre-looped ones more convenient, but more expensive?

Also, is the difference between tippet and leader, leader is a pre-cut section of material, where as the tippet is just a spool of the material?  Also, a lot of them are measured either with a 2X, 3X, etc., or weights, or both.  What is this?

Dont forget a lot of decent strong backing on the reel. These fish can run fast. hard and much longer than your fly line.
 good luck-its GREAT

http://www.flyfishusa.com/tackle-tips/leaders/about-leaders.html
http://www.flyfishusa.com/leaders/x-designation.html
http://www.flyfishusa.com/leaders/maxima.html#Formulas
dtrobe, these three threads may help clear things up for you.
 

Thanks for the links.  I went today and bought a Quest 9' 9Wt rod and reel combo from LL Bean.  They spooled it with 30lb. backing, WF 9wt line, then he put a small piece of leader on with a loop, then a 16# 9' leader.  I bought extra leaders, a package of "Thingamabobbers"  I did not get any flies.  So, with this set up, where do I put a swivel, or don't I?  What kind and size of flies should I get?  I know the type of fly is up for debate, but is there a common size?  I know last year with the guide, we were using pretty small hooks and flies.  I know the rule for weight is no more than four feet from the hook?  Also, where would the bobber thing or strike indicator go?  Thanks.
 
 

I am guessing the small leader with a loop is for a loop to loop connection. That is how  I do mine.    http://killroys.com/knots/loop-to-loop-connection/
If your leaders do not have a loop use a surgeons loop, quick and easy.
http://www.animatedknots.com/surgeonsloop/index.php?Categ=fishing&LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com
This is an excellent site for knots.
 
 
If it is a tapered leader do not use a swivel.   It is heavier test 25 to 30lb at the butt  (looped )  end and 16lb at the other.  Just tie you fly to the end. After you break off a few times  your leader will be smaller and smaller.   Then tie a tiny swivel and a section of 16lb tippet.   I usually tie on a 24 to 30 or so inch tippet (I would go no shorter) .   I like my leader a little longer than 9 feet.   so If I broke of a foot of the 9 foot leader I would tie on 24 to 30 inches of tippet after the swivel.  Weight goes on tag end at the swivel.  I usually take a 3 inch piece of junk line (small lb test)  tie it in a circle and loop it to the swivel.  That way if the weight gets caught in a rock the small test will break off and you will save you leader and fly
 
Don't really use   indicators that much, but it all goes on water depth.   Need the fly where the fish are.   Mend the line with or without the indy.  Do not want the line pulling the bobber or fly
I do not have really good luck with salmon, but I would use anything from a 6 to a 10 for them.   Estaz, comets , popsicles, eggs,  beads, wolly boogers , egg sucking leach, even nymphs  ect ect ect.  All goes on color and size.  What they like one day, not so much the next.
 
Maybe some others will chime on their favorites and such.

Thanks for the info.  Yes, he set up a loop to loop connection.  It is also tapered leader.  Can I use the same tippet material I had for my spin real?(Seagar)  So, is the only use of the indicator for what it sounds like, to show you if something is biting?  What do you mean by "mend the line?"