Salmon Fishing Rods {WHAT TO LOOK FOR} Fishing Rod Specs, Action, Power Explained

If you are new to Salmon Fishing and looking to buy your first salmon rod, i know it can get overwhelming. Between light action, medium action, medium fast action, different lengths, lure weight, line weight capabilities, etc there is simply so much to learn.
In this video i am going to explain the specs on a fishing rod and break it down so you will better understand what to look for when it comes to selecting a salmon rod.
Salmon rods & Fishing rods in general, all come in different lengths, power, and action, and the type of rod you choose can make the difference between catching salmon/steelhead or coming up empty handed.
** LINKS AT BOTTOM** Recommendations For Getting Started
There are 3 main power categories for fishing rods.
Light Power
Medium Power
Heavy Power
there are numerous manufacturers who also make variations of these categories, ie. Light/Medium, Extra Heavy
There are also 3 main action categories.
Slow Action
Moderate Action
Fast Action
again, there are also variations of these categories, which we will also cover.
The lengths or rods used for bank fishing for salmon ranges from 8'6" to 10'6" depending on the type of salmon fishing that you are doing (casting spinners, floating egg under a bobber, twitching jigs etc.)
Most all salmon rods have specs on them which can be found on the lower section of the rod, just above the handle. Typically you will find the manufacturers number, the rods length, a line weight, as well as a lure weight. Most rods will also tell you whether it is a light, medium or heavy rod, or a variation as mentioned earlier.
A light rod is easier to bend and when force is applied to the rod, the bend will typically all the way down to the lower section of the rod.
A medium rod has a bit more of a backbone and when force is applied to the rod the bend normally takes place within the upper 1/3 of the rod
A Heavy rod is much more stiff and when force is applied to the rod the bend is at the tip of the rod.
Not all rods will say whether it is a fast action, moderate action or slow..
the action refers to how fast the tip will return to its position after force is applied to the rod.
A light rod being easier to bend, as well as the bend extending further down the rod, means that it is going to take longer to return to its original position, therefore, a light action rod can be considered a slow action rod. Slow action rods are typically for targeting smaller species of fish.
A medium rod having a bit more backbone and the bend taking place just in that upper third of the rod means that it will return to it's original position quicker than a light power, slow action rod would. These would be considered moderate/medium action. A medium to medium/fast is typical for medium size species like coho salmon, chinook salmon, and steelhead.
A heavy rod is a stout rod and is much harder to bend than the others. Being a stiff rod means that the rod has more reflex and will quickly return to it's original position, this is what makes it a fast action rod. Heavy rods or extra heavy rods are typically salmon rods for trolling.
Now of course there are still a couple variations but with this info you will now know what they mean.
I also cover questions like...
what is the best size salmon rod for casting spinners/lures? What does line weight mean on a fishing rod, what does lure weight mean? etc.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO FOR THE REST.......
Check out the Angling Addicts PNW website for more Steelhead & Salmon Fishing Tips, Content, Salmon and Steelhead Spinners and MORE at www.anglingaddictspnw.com
*ITEMS SEEN IN TUTORIAL*
Salmon Fishing Rod / Salmon Fishing Pole
Okuma Celilo 9'6" Medium Light Rod - amzn.to/2ZjRstf
Okuma Cascade Pro 9'8" Medium Rod -
Lamiglas X11 9'6" Spinner, Float, Drift Rod (ALL AROUND ROD) - amzn.to/3io8azr
Lamiglas Redline 9'4" (bait casting rod) - amzn.to/3haWIFV
Braided Line For Salmon Fishing (either or)
PowerPro 30lb High-vis or
PowerPro 30lb Green - amzn.to/33dsA7A

[@Ngcarson1337]

Hey Bud, thanks for the concise info and making it understandable and under 10min. Cheers from another PNW outdoorsman, in training.

[@Threeredheadstudios]

very useful! I'm looking to get into salmon/steelhead fishing for the first time since high school and it's daunting. Your videos are great

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Threeredheadstudios thank you, i enjoy doing vids that I know help people in some form or fashion. Every little bit of info helps. Good luck out there. Learn what you can online and then get out on the water. Your time spent fishing is where you can learn the most

[@PKJae]

Hi Nick, thanks a bunch; your vids are always enjoyable definitely help me in gearing up and with technique. All the best!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

PK75 - thank you. I’m glad to know some of these videos are helping out. Every little bit of info helps. Good luck out there 🎣

[@bullishbeartrader6121]

Yessss, thank you I know now what rod I need for when I move to Oregon soon....can't wait to get my first Salmon..

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Bullish BearTrader - awesome! Glad to know it helped. I’ve been asked about this a lot lately. With so many rods out there it’s nice having a little direction. Good luck when you do make it here. Let me know when you get on your first salmon.

[@taylorjordan1362]

Great information from someone that knows how it goes! Hope all is wel, and you are safe with the fires!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Taylor Jordan - thank you, I’m sure there are plenty of subscribers that already know this info but there are definitely plenty that don’t considering the amount of questions I get about rods. Still keeping an eye on the fires. Hopefully they can get things under control. Hope all is well with you as well.

[@NWHomesteader]

Thank you! Nice to know what all that means now. Also a nice distraction from my evacuated life right now. Hope you are safe!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

NWHomesteader - I’m glad to know it helps. I have been asked about this quite a bit lately. It may not be the most popular video but I’m content with knowing that this little bit of info will go a long way with those that are still trying to get things figured out. And it does make a nice distraction from all the craziness going on right now. Good luck and be safe out there

[@davidmays3333]

Thanks for the great help Nick!!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

David M - anytime! I’ve been getting asked about this topic a lot. Figured a tutorial was due. Glad to know it helps

[@AndreaMace]

Awesome video dude love it super helpful!👍🤙

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Andrea Mace - Thanks! I’ve been getting asked about this quite a bit lately. figured a video would help. There are so many fishing rods out there!

[@nickschreiber2502]

I really appreciate the videos you take time to do, Thank you

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

N4shark - Thank You, I like knowing that these vids will help others as well. Not everyone knows this and every piece of info adds up. Thanks for watching

[@housethegrate6093]

Thanks for all the info and another good video.

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

housethegrate - anytime! I’ve been asked about this so much lately, I figured a quick tutorial would clear things up. Good luck out there 🎣

[@ChainsawMiller]

Hey Nick, I hit you up on your website about a 6 pack of spinners. Been looking forward to fishing them. Waiting for invoice. Thanks man can't wait

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Chainsaw Miller - Awesome, they will be in the mail tomorrow! Sending my top 6 🎣 Good luck and thanks for the order!

[@BigDapper]

Great info. Need all the help I can get!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Big Dapper1822 - Thank You, every little bit helps!

[@olivershemtov6523]

Nice vid man very useful

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Oliver Shemtov - thank you, glad to know it helps. Not everyone knows this info

[@joelswain2020]

Thank you I've tryed asking a few friends and they couldn't explain it lol know I know👍

[@alikseylondura7355]

Thank you buddy for the info

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Aliksey Londura - anytime! I hope it helps.

[@michaelholthaus3152]

I usually use a 9’6 medium heavy for my salmon fishing. I have my favorite rod type but looking to upgrade to a higher dollar brand. I do plunk on the Skagit during Sockeye, Pink, and Coho seasons.

[@yair7227]

Would I be able to use this same rod to catch smallmouths or other small fishes?? What would you prefer??

[@ShawnRealty]

Thanks! I hope you are safe where you are, bro.

[@darrin990]

Lets Go Fishing!! :) Heading up to the Sandy in early Oct. to do some truck camping in oxbow (i hope if the fires don't stop everything.)

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Darrin - I live fairly close to oxbow but have always wanted to camp there and fish. Let me know when you plan on fishing in October and we will see if we can link up

[@ladyspnwladiesfishtoo7847]

Thanks Nick!! Great info! Just went out and picked up a Ugle Stick Elite for salmon/ steelhead hope it does the trick lol. Have you heard if the coho has hit Astoria yet? Love your videos. Stay safe.

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Teresa Wise - Thank you, glad to know it helped. I have always been a fan of ugly Stik rods. They are durable rods. I haven’t been down to Astoria in a couple weeks. It was pretty dead then but I was doing pretty decent this time last year. I think now would be the time. I’m going to try and get out there this next week

[@ladyspnwladiesfishtoo7847]

@@AnglingAddictsPNW keep us posted 😊

[@FishingTheOdds]

Well done video, put some sound panels on your surrounding walls to get that nice deadened sound! rather than the echo. well explained rod video

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Fishing The Odds - Thanks bro. Some sound panels would be nice! Cracking one of the garage doors or the back door usually helps a bit but between the heat, flies, and my 3 a$$hole chickens, I had to keep everything closed up lol. I probably should have just used my mic 🤦‍♂️

[@electricbaitspnw224]

btw great video

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Oregon Outdoors - Thanks!

[@MrFerrer10]

Could you do a similar video on halibut trolling ?

[@4prendiz]

I bought a 9' okuma fishing rod from 15 to 30 lbs. I put a 30 lbs. braided line on it with a 20 leader would that work well?

[@WhosinParis]

Do you think I could use a Lews Baitcaster 7’2 Medium Heavy with like 25lb braid?

[@jessejames1395]

Can you please tell me who makes that 9ft 2-6 oz lure rated rod I’m wanting to use something like this for my surf rod, jetty rod and some plunking, you know a multi purpose rod

[@electricbaitspnw224]

This weekend i were up at barview and i caught a 3-4 pond black sea bass this fish actually dontt fight that hard but still a fun fight i have a picture of it btw are you still active on fishbrain

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Oregon Outdoors - I haven’t been on Fishbrain in forever! I will have to check it out. Black bass are definitely fun, not the hardest fighters but use a light/medium rod or light rod and it makes it a little more interesting.

[@bk7661]

What rod do you recommend for twitching for coho??

[@jimmascaro2456]

This guy sells spinners you need to check out. I bought a half dozen. Theyre really nice.

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Jim Mascaro - Thanks Jim. Sounds like the spinners have been killing it again this season!! Thanks for the support 🙏👍

[@coltoncasto7268]

I just bought that same Okuma Cascade pro but mine is 10’6” medium action , you think I could use if for jetty fishing here in Oregon?

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

I think that will work just fine. In a lot of my earlier jetty videos I am using my salmon and steelhead rods, now is use an 8’6” ugly stik elite (heavy action) and a 12’ okuma rockaway. A medium action would make it a bit harder to pull fish up a cliff but would work for the jetty. Good rod choice for multiple species

[@oregonuplands8687]

Hey nick I've got my steelhead setup down but I am a little more of a noob when it comes to chinook I hookup with fish but more often then not I get broke off. Would it be ok to use a 40 lb mono as a leader on my spinner setup?

[@grant0410]

I use 20-30lb clear mono but if your getting broke off especially for fall chinook who aren’t as line shy as springers. Then 40lb would be fine.

[@jeffh699]

Good to see new videos, hope all is well we will have to get out soon! Also, I would like a few chop killers if you have the time to make a few! Thx. Shoot me a text!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

jeffh699 - hey bro! So far so good. Hope things are going well for you. Ya man I’m almost ready to get back out there. I’m pretty stoked to fish with you guys again. I will send you a text but I have a ton made up already. Getting some to you will be no problem :)

[@Fintuition]

I bought a lamiglas 9'4" 15-30lb rating and feel like I should go to a 8-17lb rating for throwing my spinners and spoons. Feels a little difficult to throw size 5 spinners still. Any advice? I fish from banks and wade the waters. Rarely ever go on a boat trolling for salmon.

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Does the 9’4 feel too stiff or too short? I think an 8-17lb may be a hair lighter and sensitive, making it easier to feel the action in your blade. May get a better cast as well. I just bumped down to a lighter rating with my lamiglas and I love it! Well loved it, a chum broke my new lamiglas x11

[@grant0410]

I know I’m late but how do you like that lamiglass redline? I’ve been looking for a new steelhead and salmon rod (will be buying multiple for mostly float fishing and spinners) I haven’t been able to decide between the redline and the Okuma guide select classic and input would be greatly appreciated.

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Grant 04 - for the most part I have been pretty happy with it. It’s missing one of the eyelet inserts now which is disappointing considering it seems to be a problem I have with most of my lamiglas rods. I broke my x11 last week when I had a chum on. My replacement is going to be an okuma.. the okuma guide select classic would be a better rod in my opinion.

[@grant0410]

@@AnglingAddictsPNWoops, my bad I meant the guide select pro but thanks for the advice anyways I think I’ll go with that one then in a 9’9” 6-12 and a 8-17 or something of that nature for the kings.

[@deimantaskriauza5260]

How lamiglas redline would work with casting woblers ?

[@fredthegamerschrarder7716]

Very helpful video and why is there a random bot with heart and kissing emojis in the comments 😂??

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Fredthegamer SCHRARDER - Thanks man, glad to know it helps. It’s not info that EVERYONE knows. Lmfao oh man these bots. I have to keep checking for them. Anytime a new vid comes out I see like two or three within the first hour 🤦‍♂️

[@brandonlight7682]

whats a good spinning rod rating for throwing size 6 flies for kings and possible floating skein in a 60-80 foot Michigan river? I was thinking around 9'6", moderate to moderate fast action, anywhere from a light to medium heavy not sure? My buddy told me to use my moderate fast light steelie rod but not looking to break my good rod or get whopped on. Thank you

[@brandonlight7682]

Was looking at a g1000 6-15 med moderate but don't wanna have them spiting hooks all the time if its to stiff

[@adamnoga-styron7882]

What is the warranty on the Cascade pros?

[@ladyspnwladiesfishtoo7847]

Hi Nick, when you bank fish in Astoria do you add any weight to your flying C or blue fox? Thank you

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

Teresa Wise - I’m sorry, I meant to answer your question when you asked it a few days ago. I personally don’t add any weight to my spinners. Fishing the Astoria area is the main reason for me making heavier spinners. The flying c’s are heavy enough but a bluefox may need an inline weight or something. I see plenty of people using an inline weight, but again, I’d just go with a heavier spinner. Especially for fishing that area. You want to get out far and down to the strikezone quicker.

[@ladyspnwladiesfishtoo7847]

@@AnglingAddictsPNW Thank you so much. I'll be ordering some lures from you shortly 👍

[@sergeybeast]

Already on top of it bro need fishing report. Got 3 poles ready with all the blue spinners and jigz Lol I’m assuming you can’t fish also due to the crazy fires!

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

sergeybeast - glad you mentioned the reports... I may start doing them again but they won’t be regular KZbin uploads. They will be on the website instead. Lol I’m so ready to get back out there. It’s about to be my favorite fishing season 😁🎣 Ya still keeping an eye on the fires.

[@sergeybeast]

So after trial and error on the Nestucca and siletz River I noticed some anglers are running smaller rods like for trout with 8lb line with small presentations due to the stress on the water like people swimming everywhere and low water with high heat. What is your opinion on that?

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

sergeybeast- makes perfect sense for summertime fishing. The water is normally low and clear plus there is usually a lot of water traffic, whether it’s floaters, swimmers, etc. summertime fishing definitely calls for the smallest presentation and lightest gear possible. That’s only one of the reasons I don’t target salmon or steelhead during these months and go fish for other species instead. That will all change as soon as we start seeing cooler temps and some fresh rain raise the rivers a bit...

[@sergeybeast]

Angling Addicts PNW word up. Can’t wait for showers to hit!

[@phillipodegaard9882]

Nice pixies

[@cesardavidhernandez4479]

What’s the best rod that I can use for salmon and steelhead 😅I’m still a little bit confused it’s my first time

[@mikezluv4muzik]

It depends on what type of salmon fishing you are doing (plunking, trolling, float, drift). Then where you are fishing (ocean, rivers, large streams). And what size of fish you are most likely to encounter. Then you looks at the rod to see what it's rated for. Also in my opinion a fast action is probably the go to.

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

@mikezluv4muzik agreed

[@yair7227]

CAn I use a 6 footer medium Heavy rod to catch salmon and smallmouths? I want to use a rod to catch small and bigger fishes!!?

[@lemon-iu7bo]

What line rating is the rod and is it spinning or baitcaster.

[@charliecurtis8852]

Why is the line rating 6-10 pounds when they know people will be using 15-30 pound line catching a 15-60 pound fish? And how do you know when looking at those small numbers that a salmon won’t break the rod?? What kind of gear is a salmon more likely to break? Like a 3-8 pound line test rod??

[@ChaBoiNeil]

Just because the fish weighs 30lbs doesn't mean you can't catch it with 10lbs line. If you use 10lbs line and apply 4-5lbs of drag the rod won't break cause the fish can't put anymore than 5ish pounds of pressure on the rod. It may just take longer to tire the fish out.

[@charliecurtis8852]

@@ChaBoiNeil ohhhh dang thanks man never thought about the drag🤯

[@lemonade9196]

@@ChaBoiNeilso will I be ok for kings on 4lb line or should I go up to 6-8 lb test

[@heroryan7859]

Lost a salmon today

[@Comrade_Akimov]

Wrong. Action is not light to heavy. it's slow - moderate - fast - xfast. Light to heavy is worded for consumers, who cannot comprehend lure and line test numbers.

[@eagle17nz]

Hi there. I really like your attention to detail and information. But, with all your re-starts I was starting to get dizzy and sick. I had to stop watching your video. Do you do the restarts on purpose? If so, please consider not doing so many and slowing down your speed of delivery! I tried scrolling down and just listening, but you speak so fast I found it difficult to relate the information. Do you breathe much when you are speaking that fast?

[@AnglingAddictsPNW]

i'm assuming when you say "restarts" you are talking about me editing dead space to keep the tempo of the video going? The video is all one shot. The one thing i've realized about making youtube videos is that you can't please everyone, so i don't try.