I have a 7" Shakespeare Alpha pole with a spinner reel that can hold 12lbs/280yds- 14lbs/215yds or 17lbs/195 yds. Could I used this rod for Salmon fishing? I'm really not trying to go out and buy another rod right now if I could just use this one. And it's medium action.
I think you have the right stuff.
A lot of people won't use anything but bait casters but I do use spinning out here.
charlykilo wrote:
I think you have the right stuff.
A lot of people won't use anything but bait casters but I do use spinning out here.
Thanks. I think I will give it a try this weekend.
You can use a smaller rod for salmon but I think eventually you will want to get a rod built for fishing salmon. The longer the rod the farther you can cast and you need a stronger rod for bigger fish. I have seen a couple of salmon rods broken by big fish. One guy in particular was very experienced at catching lots of salmon broke his $600 Lamiglas rod.
How big do the salmon generally run where you're at? I usually fish with pretty light spinning gear when I go for salmon, and I generally do alright with the ones that run around 15 pounds or so. Occasionally I've hooked into one of the big mamas, and I cut my line rather than let it spool me. I'm fishing from shore and there's no way I'll stop one of the bigger ones.
I am in West Michigan and so far I've seen a variety of size people have caught. One was as long and this man was tall.
Greatlakezgirl wrote:
I am in West Michigan and so far I've seen a variety of size people have caught. One was as long and this man was tall.
One like that will present you with a problem with that medium rod and a spinning reel. I think you'll be alright with what you have. Unless you encounter something that big. Just be aware - they're out there.
I was raised in Northern Indiana around South Bend. My wife's from Michigan City. You ever get to New Buffalo for Redamack's? If not, do yourself a favor and go get one of their burgers. In the top 10 burgers in the world. At the very least.
johnlmac wrote:
You can use a smaller rod for salmon but I think eventually you will want to get a rod built for fishing salmon. The longer the rod the farther you can cast and you need a stronger rod for bigger fish. I have seen a couple of salmon rods broken by big fish. One guy in particular was very experienced at catching lots of salmon broke his $600 Lamiglas rod.
Oh yeah. I’ve broke so many lamiglas rods on salmon I won’t waste money on them any more. I’ve got a Berkeley IM 8 that was 1/3 the money and three times the rod. 10’6” medium heavy and you’re right. It’ll cast a country mile without a lot of effort. Cheap Abu 6500 baitcaster on it that never fails. 👍
I would never spend that much on a rod ether.
johnlmac wrote:
I would never spend that much on a rod ether.
Lamiglas is the only brand I've ever broken while fishing. Others I've broken by just acting stupid and getting it caught in a door or stepping on it. Not the rod's fault.
Spiritof27 wrote:
Lamiglas is the only brand I've ever broken while fishing. Others I've broken by just acting stupid and getting it caught in a door or stepping on it. Not the rod's fault.
I had a friend that broke Okuma's on fish. I have only broken my rods by other means like the car doors, several ugly sticks.
I fish at Scottville Michigan on river use 6'6" medium, curious 200 20lb test. Works all day long. Use storm deep Jr's and reef ripper Jr's. There running on the big size this year.
Put 20lb on forward baits unless you fish eggs. Went to Scottville to Henrey's a fellow mount a 38 lb and some oz's out of the PM at Scottville on eggs.
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