Best Salmon Rod and Reel Combo

Heading out looking for salmon then you are going to want the best gear to target this hard fighting fish. Pairing a rod and reel can be tricky and at times it’s best to let the experts do this for us. I have found 9 of the Best Salmon Rod and Reel Combo on the market today.

We have given each combo a review and what I believe makes them the best. It’s worth pointing out there are many forms of salmon fishing. So we have included different combos to best meet each angler’s different style of fishing.

Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Fenwick Eagle Fishing Rod Combo

Treat yourself to an outstanding rod and reel combo that is perfect for angling for salmon and other large trophy style fish. Pflueger has crafted an amazing, top quality, combo that combines all of the best modern features into one stellar package. This combo is built to last from durable components and puts together Pflueger’s excellent experience and design knowledge to form a pair that is going to immediately enhance your fishing sessions.

The Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Fenwick Eagle Fishing Rod Combo come in a variety of different sizes and configurations to fit your precise and unique needs as an angler. There are over 25 different combinations in terms of rod length, spool size, single piece versus dual piece, and much more. That is the kind of customization and options you get when you take the experience of Pflueger reels and put that with a Fenwick Eagle rod. This ensures, no matter what your preferences are, you will be able to find a combination that perfectly fits your needs.

The reel is a powerful Pflueger spinning reel that features a ten sealed bearing system for ultimate power and smoothness during use. It has a sealed and lubricated drag system and is ready to take braided line so you can gear up to catch the biggest fish right away. The rod itself is made from IM8 graphite and features durable stainless steel guides and comfortable, classic, cork handles. The whole thing looks great and feels great in your hands.

When you take Pfluegers proven spinning reel and add it to Fenwick’s reliable rod you get a combination that can only be described as excellent.

Penn BTLII4000701M Battle II 4000 Spinning Reel Combo

Do you ever wish that your favorite reels would appear with an equally good rod that is perfect for you? Wish no more. Introducing the Penn BTLII4000701M Battle II 4000 Spinning Reel Combo. The geniuses over at Penn Fishing have crafted the perfect rod to go with their supremely popular and highly performing Battle II Spinning Reel. The Battle II is a contemporary classic, now get it in a combo kit that you are sure to adore.

The Battle II is a highly regarded reel made for tackling large game fish such as salmon, steelhead, and more. The reel has all reinforced and strengthened components that ensure long lasting performance and durability. Now they’ve added a lightweight, flexible medium power rod to the mix for the perfect pairing. The rod is made from durable and light graphite and includes classic, comfortable cork handles. If you’ve ever been disappointed with the quality of generic rod and reel combos out there in the past, do yourself a favor and upgrade with the Penn BTLII4000701M Battle II 4000 Spinning Reel Combo.

Okuma ROX Spinning Combo (Medium)

The Okuma ROX Spinning Combo is a combo that is specifically made for catching salmon and steelhead. These are highly desirable fish that require a certain kind of rod in order to be caught consistently and that is exactly what Okuma delivers here. A single purchase combo that gets you fishing for salmon right away.

The salmon version of this reliable combination comes reinforced in all the right areas. With an anodized spool that is ready for braided line, Dura-flow stainless steel guides, and a rigid aluminum handle, this rod and reel are designed to withstand the extra forces that large salmon are going to put on them. Most combos are hastily thrown together to appeal to the bass fisherman out there, don’t get one of those when you know you are fishing for salmon and steelhead. Get a combo made for you, made with strength and durability in mind. Get the Okuma ROX Spinning Combo.

KastKing Centron Spinning Reel – Fishing Rod Combos

Get yourself a fantastic salmon focused rod and reel combo on a budget. The KastKing Centron Spinning Reel – Fishing Rod Combo is simply a phenomenal deal that offers a ton of value for the price. There aren’t too many salmon focused rod and reel combos out there on the market and they can run you quite a bit of money. The KastKing Centron Spinning Reel – Fishing Rod Combo is super affordable and offers everything you need to get started fishing right away in one single purchase.

KastKing has been making highly regarded fishing gear for a long time and their expertise really shines through this lightweight and affordable rod. It is made from super high grade Toray IM6 graphite blanks which keeps the weight to a minimum while keeping the rod free from corrosion. It features modern, comfortable EVA grips and a unique and useful Fighting Butt. The base is designed to enhance leverage and comfort during those long fish fights you can get with a particularly feisty salmon.

Attached to this is the widely praised Centron Spinning Reel which offers a tremendous value. The Centron Spinning Reel, also made by KastKing, is a sleek modern reel that is made from the highest grade materials and looks amazing. It has a graphite body, anti-twist guides, solid spooling, and more. The whole thing is designed to be paired together in a perfect combination made for salmon angling.

PENN Squall Level Wind Reel & Rod Fishing Combo

If you are looking for an all in one package perfect for doing some serious level wind trolling or salmon fishing without the hassle, you don’t have to look much farther than this. The PENN Squall Level Wind Reel & Rod Fishing Combo is a very high quality rod and reel combo with an eye for larger game fish. The pairing of a beefy trolling reel along with a sturdy rod and reinforced components gives you a powerful and versatile tool from which to fish. Landing salmon and steelhead will be easier than ever, all with a single hassle-free purchase.

Everything about this rod and reel is made for strong fish and salty environments. The powerful trolling reel has a solid bronze central gear. Not only is the bronze super strong, much stronger than similar aluminum gears, but it is also completely marine grade. That means your reel will be protected from the harmful effects of prolonged saltwater exposure.

The rod is made from super light and extra sensitive tubular glass blanks. This is a unique kind of construction that you do not see much in the industry and the difference is noticeable. It gives you the extra bit of feeling you will appreciate while trolling and the whole thing is much lighter than you would expect for a rod of this size.

Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite Salmon/Steelhead Spin

Not to be outdone, the fabulous makers at Shakespeare and Ugly Stik set out to create their own rod and reel combo that is focused specifically on salmon and steelhead fishing. The result was the strong, efficient, and poplar Ugly Stik Elite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Combo. As these two kinds of fish rise in popularity, so too do the options for reliable combination kits. Ugly Stik has been a household name in the fishing gear industry for decades and their latest take on a salmon rod is nothing short of spectacular. It pairs the famous Ugly Stik rod with the always reliable Shakespeare spinning reel to give you a rod and reel combo that will work for salmon, steelhead, and a lot more.

All of the industry defining upgrades and features you have come to expect from Ugly Stik are present here. The Tuff Guides, made from light but durable stainless steel ensure that you won’t get any insert popouts during the big fish fights. The rod features the classic Ugly Stik cork handles for a lightweight comfortable feel. Ugly Stik added 30% more graphite to this rod which decreases the weight and increases the strength over their supremely popular GX2 rod. The result is a classic look and feel, made for hauling in salmon and steelhead, that any angler is going to love.

Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Combo

If you thought that Ugly Stik was only a freshwater rod or that their focus was primarily on bass, think again. Ugly Stik has been making rods and reels of all kinds for decades. Their new Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Combo is a fantastic combination that shows their versatility and experience as a manufacturer. The Ugly Stik Bigwater Trolling Combo is a sturdy and worthwhile set that delivers everything you have come to expect out of Ugly Stik and out of a modern trolling reel.

It comes with all of the patented and beloved Ugly Stik upgrades. That includes the clear tip, enhanced reinforced tip that adds strength and movement to one of the most important parts of the rod. This boosts sensitivity while keeping the tensile strength of the tip. This is very important when you are battling bigger, heavier saltwater fish. It also comes with Tuff Guide technology, their stainless steel guides that won’t pop, warp or break. Add in the heavy duty trolling reel and modern EVA grips and you have a combination that will get the job done.

This rod is made with a unique blend of fiberglass and graphite giving you a light but the super durable rod that is built to battle the biggest fish, including salmon and steelhead. If you’re tired of burning through generic rod and reel combinations, get yourself one made by the experts for anglers like you.

Shakespeare Medium Power Tidewater Trolling Combo

Shakespeare, the masterminds behind the beloved Ugly Stik line of quality fishing gear, is back with yet another creation. The Shakespeare Medium Power Tidewater Trolling Combo is a solid take on a powerful saltwater fishing rod and reel combo. Made with all of the love, care, and decades of experience that Shakespeare brings to the table, this is a purchase that you just can’t pass up.

If you are looking to get into larger, saltwater, or inshore fishing then this is a great place to start. This combo includes a solid trolling reel that is made from corrosion resistant materials and high strength interior parts that you need to really haul some good ones in. The rod, made with Ugly Stik mentality in mind, is both durable and powerful and is a great base for this high performance trolling reel. Together you get everything that you need to start saltwater fishing right.

Okuma Great Lakes Trolling Rod / Reel Combo

Get yourself a durable and lasing saltwater rod and reel combination from Okuma. Their years of experience and dedication to excellence gives them the tools they need to craft the perfect pairing of rod and reel. The Okuma Great Lakes Trolling Rod & Reel Combo is the perfect saltwater combination kit that gives you everything you need to start catching large saltwater trophy fish right away. No more messing around with combos that may or may not work and no more aimlessly wandering through the department stores looking at endless rods trying to find the best one.

The Okuma Great Lakes Trolling Rod / Reel Combo is made from a unique and effective E-glass blank which increases durability and decreases weight. You will notice the difference immediately as soon as the rod touches your hand. It has double footed aluminum oxide guides which will stay strong and stay straight even in the harshest and saltiest fishing conditions. That is also reflected in the stainless steel reel seat which holds the beefy saltwater trolling reel in place. Everything is designed to be lightweight and to beat the salt giving you everything you need to spend hours out on the water trolling for the fish you love.

Best Salmon Rod and Reel Combo

When fishing for salmon, steelhead, and other similarly sized fish, you need to get a rod and reel combo that is up for the task. Your standard, run of the mill bass fishing outfit, is not going to be able to hold up to the continued strain that these larger game fish put on your equipment. Anyone who has hooked a fish that is too big for their setup knows what I’m talking about. Luckily, there are combinations out there that are built for handling large fish such as these and they take out the hassle of building your own kit yourself.

In narrowing down the best combination for salmon, there were a few things I took into consideration. First, is the reel durable enough to handle prolong and continued battles with large fish? Second, is the rod light enough to give me the movement I need to tire out these monsters, or am I going to end up with a cracked or snapped shaft? Neither of those things is fun to deal with when you are out on the water. Lastly, is it comfortable? You can have a powerful and effective game fishing rod but if it is uncomfortable or is a chore to use, then you won’t want to take it out for long sessions out on the river or saltwater.

Taking these key points into consideration, there was one combination kit I found that nailed all three of these and added more value. That rod and reel combo was the Penn BTLII4000701M Battle II 4000 Spinning Reel Combo.

Penn BTLII4000701M Battle II 4000 Spinning Reel Combo

PENN BTLII4000701M Battle II 4000 Spinning Reel Combo, Inshore, 7 Feet, Medium Power

• Fishing rod and spinning fishing reel combo ideal for conquering big saltwater gamefish. The gear ratio is 6.2:1
• Full metal body, side plate, and rotor and heavy-duty aluminum bail wire offer exceptional durability
• HT-100 carbon fiber drag system provides powerful drag without sacrificing smoothness. Line Retrieve: 37
• Fluid cranking with 5 sealed stainless steel ball bearings and instant anti-reverse bearing. Max drag pounds: 15
• Superline spool requires no backing, is braid ready, and has line capacity rings marked at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity

$194.67

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The first thing that drew me to this combination was the inclusion of the Battle II Spinning Reel. Perhaps I am partial, but I love the Battle II. It is a sleek, durable, and highly designed reel that performs great under pressure lasts forever, and has landed some great fish in its day. If you start with a great reel, the kit can only go up from there. As the name suggests, the Battle II is built for battle. It sets out to fight the biggest fish you can land, and it revels in it.

Power for powerful fish

This kind of power and performance comes from the reinforced design components. The engineers at Penn Fishing know what type of toll salmon and saltwater can take on your equipment, which is why they designed everything to be as durable as possible. Everything from the central pinion, made from solid brass to the extra thick reinforced bail line, is made with power and longevity in mind.

It has a full metal body, HT-100 sealed carbon drag system, and has a super line spool that is ready for braided line. Braided line ready is a must for a rod like this, and I was disappointed at how many reels out there still are not ready for thick modern braided line. This one takes it, no problem.

No let down rod

The rod itself is good too. It is a 7’, medium power graphite rod designed specifically to go with the Battle II reel. The body is high-grade graphite that makes the whole setup nice and light without sacrificing their attention to durability and longevity that they have committed to. The guides are made from tough, black coated, stainless steel and are made to withstand the potential unpredictable pressures of a long fish fight as well as resist the corrosive power of saltwater.

Light and stylish

The whole setup is super light but packs a punch. The cork handles and grips help with this as well. Cork is a classic material that is super lightweight and feels great on your hands over long periods of time. It doesn’t rub your fingers like some of the modern, foam based grips do.

The whole thing is brilliantly designed and fantastically realized. If you are in the market for a rod and reel combo that can handle larger fish such as salmon and you want something that works great right off the shelf or right out of the box then this is the set for you. You get a proven reel in the Battle II, a light modern rod all for a competitive price that won’t break the budget.

Best Salmon Rod and Reel Combo Buying Guide

What makes a good rod and reel combo all comes down to the fish that you will be targeting? Also, you will need to think about the style of fishing you like to carry out. There is lots of choice on the market for salmon fishing. Our aim here is to give little pointers on making that buying decision a whole lot easier.

Rod type

Choosing the rod type is the first thing to contemplate when looking at a combo. There are so many different salmon poles spinning, baitcasting, trolling and fly fishing. All these option are all viable to hitting the water targeting salmon.

Now, there is not one best fit and ultimately will come down to the style of fishing you like or you will be doing. A spinning rod tends to lend its self too many more styles of fishing. They tend to be a jack of all trades this is not a negative. Wear as a fly fishing rod is built with only fly fishing in mind and you will have a hard time trolling or spinning with it.

A trolling rod is built with durability in mind as you tend to use them in ruff conditions and pack power so again ideally should only use for trolling.

Reel

Again with salmon reels you are going to want to match up your fishing style with the type of reel. Some of the most popular reels for salmon tend to be trolling and spinning style reels. What you must keep in mind is how hard the salmon fight so you are going to want something to stand up to this.

If you have never used a baitcaster for instance hooking into a salmon is not going to be a great combo. For some they are a complicated reel to use or get used to. So I would always go with a reel style you have used or know how to use.

The salmon as we have said are hard fighting fish so you are going to want to change the tension of the line with the drag adjustment. Knowing how to do this or doing it without thinking is going to be paramount to landing a slam on. Don’t forget we are going to need thick line so a spool that can carry a lot of line is also worth having.

How comfortable to use

Comfort will come down to a number of different things. First things first have you used this type of equipment before? If you have you are going to be comfortable using it for sure.

Comfort also comes in the form of grips what do you like cork, rubber or neoprene this will be a personal thing. Weight with fishing rods is something I feel people over complicate looking to save an oz. here or there. Something so small but can have such a huge impact on price is not going to give you much in terms of comfort.

Conclusion

Choosing a new rod and reel is not always easy. However, I hope my guide has really helped you find the Best Salmon Rod and Reel Combo for your needs.

Salmon are a hard fight and exiting fish to catch and pairing the right gear to these characteristics are crucial. We have included the top 9 and my own stand out combo but they are all excellent in their own right on the list.

If you need tips on the best time to fish for salmon then we have a complete guide dedicated just for this.

Sometimes a combo is just not right for you, and you just need the best salmon fishing reel. Whatever way you go, I would always recommend getting the best you can afford for this hard fight fish.

We hope that this guide helps and that the next time you hit the water with your new salmon combo that you have plenty of tight lines.