Northwest Fishing Reports

Looking for a couple of rigs for pulling plugs in the local rivers, Salmon and steelhead.....Suggestions for reasonably priced gear would be great. My budget is pretty lean.

For pulling plugs, there is no need for any fancy rods. You don't need the sensitivity of a graphite rod, the fish is going to set the hook for you and there will be no doubt once it is on. In fact, most folks still grab the rod too soon once the fish grabs the lure. For salmon/steelhead a good rod is the Lamiglass Classic glass series which is a copy of the old Fenwick FS series rods. They run $80.00 a pop at Sportco or Outdoor Emporium. If I was to pick just one, I'd opt for the 8'6" version as it works great as a downrigger rod as well. If you just want a straight plug puller and you won't be fishing big rivers, go with the 8'2". As for reels, all you are looking for is a good drag and adequate line capacity, not casting ability. The Daiwa Millionaire fits the bill and has a clicker to boot for about $60.

If you need to reduce the price further, check out the local pawn shops and e-bay for used gear. Abu Garcia reels and old glass rods are almost always available for a good price.

I use a low budget downrigger rod i got for $20 at OE and a real cheap shimano baitcaster.. nothing special or expensive.. works..

Kb1961,

The Diawa Millionaire reel, that G-man said retails for $60.00. It retails from my garage to U for $20.00. If U want it.
North Seattle. Btw... I've got the Lamiglas "Classic glass" rod he was talking about as well, but you can't have it, sorry. I just want to say its a great downrigger rod. Just wanted to X2 on that recommendation .

I run berkley air for my plug rods. About 80$, great plug pulling rods, stiff enough but light and virtually indestructable. I use the c4 abu garcia reels with them. Great combos

The Quadfather wrote:Kb1961,

The Diawa Millionaire reel, that G-man said retails for $60.00. It retails from my garage to U for $20.00. If U want it.
North Seattle. Btw... I've got the Lamiglas "Classic glass" rod he was talking about as well, but you can't have it, sorry. I just want to say its a great downrigger rod. Just wanted to X2 on that recommendation .

Thanks Quadfather Id take ya up on that deal if it wasn't N. Seattle. Id spend 50 or 60 in fuel getting there..

kbf1961 wrote:

The Quadfather wrote:Kb1961,

The Diawa Millionaire reel, that G-man said retails for $60.00. It retails from my garage to U for $20.00. If U want it.
North Seattle. Btw... I've got the Lamiglas "Classic glass" rod he was talking about as well, but you can't have it, sorry. I just want to say its a great downrigger rod. Just wanted to X2 on that recommendation .

Thanks Quadfather Id take ya up on that deal if it wasn't N. Seattle. Id spend 50 or 60 in fuel getting there..

Mail is cheaper and works just as good. You send Quad the money and he'll send you the reel. I've done "business" with Quad and can vouch for his honesty.