zeus1gdsm Posted December 26, 2016 Share Posted December 26, 2016 So I had a salmon rig in my amazon list. And the wife sent it to my in-laws. And they got it for me for Christmas.The rod is a Fenwick hmx 10'6 light action.And the reel is an Okuma avenger 40.When I put the items on my list I was looking at the avenger 30 or 20.Now that the 40 is in my hand it looks huge.Reel here.: https://www.amazon.com/Okuma-Avenger-ABF-Graphite-Feeder/dp/B001VAT44QPurpose of the rig is for salmon and steel head..... I'm sure the huge reel will be good for salmon. But is it a bit too heavy for steelhead? With two spools I can set one for steelies and another for salmon.And will the rod be okay for salmon? All fishing will be from shore on salmon river.I was extremely grateful and definitely owe the in-laws some more projects.. A 100$ rod is well out of my normal price range. And the items were in a "maybe someday" list.Been telling the wife I wanted to get into the river this year while waiting for spring turkey season. And then again for the run in the fall.Merry Christmas all!Sent from my D6708 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stubborn1VT Posted December 26, 2016 Share Posted December 26, 2016 That reel might be a bit big for steelhead, or at least feel big. I would think it's perfect for salmon. I think you're correct in thinking of two different spools. I would run lighter line for steelhead. The rod is top notch, as long as you're used to one that's 10'+. You can get by with all manner of gear, but IMO it's a good river set-up for what you're doing. Merry Christmas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeus1gdsm Posted December 26, 2016 Author Share Posted December 26, 2016 That reel might be a bit big for steelhead, or at least feel big. I would think it's perfect for salmon. I think you're correct in thinking of two different spools. I would run lighter line for steelhead. The rod is top notch, as long as you're used to one that's 10'+. You can get by with all manner of gear, but IMO it's a good river set-up for what you're doing. Merry Christmas!Awesome thanks! I appreciate the input. I picked up a 10' medium light action rod and threw my president on it. A month or so ago. But the reel only holds about 175yards of 8lb test.... I was going to use this for both, but with the new rig I may be able to just dedicate one to salmon and another for steelhead...Which rod should I use for steelhead? 10' med light or the Fenwick?Sent from my D6708 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stubborn1VT Posted December 26, 2016 Share Posted December 26, 2016 I'm no expert, but I would use the Fenwick for steelies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeus1gdsm Posted December 26, 2016 Author Share Posted December 26, 2016 I'm no expert, but I would use the Fenwick for steelies.That's what I was thinking as well.... I appreciate than input... Any experience is better than my 0 experience.... Not finding too much specific info onlineSent from my D6708 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salmon_Run Posted December 26, 2016 Share Posted December 26, 2016 (edited) I would utilize the Fenwick and lighter reel for steelies and the heavier setup for salmon in the fall. You can use an amazingly light weight rod if your reel drag is set correctly and have a good quality line and knots. Good luck joining the chosen frozen steelie crew!! I use hand tied flies and as spring gets closer and the water warms egg sacs and pink worm imitations. The drop backs like meat and take larger presentations as they migrate back to the lake. PM me if you need any help getting setup.. Dan Edited December 26, 2016 by Salmon_Run picture Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeus1gdsm Posted December 26, 2016 Author Share Posted December 26, 2016 I would utilize the Fenwick and lighter reel for steelies and the heavier setup for salmon in the fall. You can use an amazingly light weight rod if your reel drag is set correctly and have a good quality line and knots. Good luck joining the chosen frozen steelie crew!! I use hand tied flies and as spring gets closer and the water warms egg sacs and pink worm imitations. The drop backs like meat and take larger presentations as they migrate back to the lake. PM me if you need any help getting setup.. Dan Thanks I appreciate it!Sent from my D6708 using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeus1gdsm Posted December 26, 2016 Author Share Posted December 26, 2016 I was thinking the same. Info online points to heavier rod/reel for salmon and a longer lighter rod with medium reel for steelsSent from my D6708 using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salmon_Run Posted December 26, 2016 Share Posted December 26, 2016 PM if you need help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATbuckhunter Posted January 21, 2017 Share Posted January 21, 2017 Ive been salmon fishing for 6 years and honestly I've only been spooled a a couple times out of the hundreds of salmon I have hooked. For salmon my set up was a 10' med action cabelas fish eagle 2 and my reel was a Shimano Sahara 3000. I used 12lb line and I doubt i got even 125 yards on that reel. That reel took a beating and it still works with zero maintenance. I bought a back up rod and real in the same config and never felt under-gunned and I fish the rapids above the town pool where you have to be on your game or else its game over. This year i converted to fly fishing and had a much easier time fishing compared to spinning. For steelhead your rod is amazing, but the reel is a little big for my liking. For steelhead, I would go with a highly visible 15 or 20 lb braid with a mono or floro leader and for salmon id run pure mono as you'll pretty much only be bottom bouncing for salmon. Im more then happy to help out in anyway, so don't be afraid to shoot me a pm as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeus1gdsm Posted January 22, 2017 Author Share Posted January 22, 2017 Picked up a Okuma avenger 3000. Put it on the steelie rod. And the 4000 on the shorter stiffer rod for salmonSent from my D6708 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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