Northwest Fishing Reports

I went out on the water with some family friends and I decided to take my casting rod to add a third pole to the mix to add some entertainment. Unfortunately one of my friends decided to dunk said pole in the water. As a result I am now in the market for a new Salmon/Steelhead pole and reel. My late rod was a Shimano Scimitar with a 3500 reel of some sort that I found lying around. I was pretty happy with it, but I am curious if there are better poles on the market at that budget. I have seen a lot of people suggesting Ugly Stik Elites. I have an Ultralight Elite. I used it once, and quite liked it. The build quality is superb for the cost, it looks gorgeous, and plays well. My main complaint was that the rod tip seemed to fall off a lot with just a Jakes Lures spinner. but I suspect I got some sand inside the rod tip that made it a poor fit. I have not yet started reel shopping.

I value versatility a lot. Ideally I want a rod that I can not only take with me for shore salmon fishing, but also use on a boat when trolling for pinks or resident Coho, Jigging for Lingcod, and bottom fishing for flounder. But ultimately, the Salmon/Steelhead experience is what matters most.

I appreciate all advice and suggestions

I like my Okuma SST Salmon rod. I use it for most everything, just swap reels for various types of fishing. If I recall it was reasonably priced, then just choose your reel of choice.

4n6fisher wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 04, 2020 10:54 am

I like my Okuma SST Salmon rod. I use it for most everything, just swap reels for various types of fishing. If I recall it was reasonably priced, then just choose your reel of choice.

I picked one up and love it. Lightweight, quality feel, and well balanced for the price. Unfortunately the splurge meant that I don't have enough left in the budget for an appropriate 2500 salmon reel. Would I be fine with a 4000 Sedona? If not can I get by with a 2500 Sienna FE with braid?

I cannot be much help with reels (most of mine are either hand me downs or an Abu Garcia that I would not recommend), but keep an eye on Ebay, Craigslist or Offerup, you might be able to get a nice used one reasonably priced.

4n6fisher wrote: ↑

Fri Sep 11, 2020 4:06 pm

I cannot be much help with reels (most of mine are either hand me downs or an Abu Garcia that I would not recommend), but keep an eye on Ebay, Craigslist or Offerup, you might be able to get a nice used one reasonably priced.

I got a 4000 Sedona and quite like it, but I think the guys at johns spooled the cheapest possible mono onto it. Horrible line memory.

Can I safely cast 1 oz lures on the 6-12lb 9’6 model? I broke a rod once and don’t want to repeat the experience.

Shimano Sahara 2500 is my go to for reels, I have like 6 lol use them for bass and salmon. Get an ugly stick for budget purposes probably. I do enjoy my okuma SST but have broken like 3... mostly being an idiot snagged up on stuff... my new favorite rod is a lamiglass X11 8ft 6inch 8 to 12 lb. but you might need to save up for one.. good luck

I have the SST and like it a lot. The Sedona 4000 might be a bit heavy for that rod--depending how much you value balance. I have an OKUMA RTX 35 and it feels nice. Shopping tip: If you are an Amazon shopper be sure to check out "used" from the Amazon Warehouse. They aren't really used, but returned products. I saved $35 on the RTX and only the box was damaged.

kodacachers wrote: ↑

Mon Sep 14, 2020 2:08 pm

I have the SST and like it a lot. The Sedona 4000 might be a bit heavy for that rod--depending how much you value balance. I have an OKUMA RTX 35 and it feels nice. Shopping tip: If you are an Amazon shopper be sure to check out "used" from the Amazon Warehouse. They aren't really used, but returned products. I saved $35 on the RTX and only the box was damaged.

I am looking for a spare reel after missing out on a fishing trip tomorrow due to dropping my reel in sand today, and I am curious on your opinion of Shimano Sahara vs Fierce III vs a Okuma Ceymar

Sorry I don't have experience with those, but reviews on the Ceymar were pretty good and Shimano makes great reels in general

All the reels you mentioned are fine...but on the low end of quality. They will do the job though. I like 3000 series spinning reels for Coho fishing (really a 2500 with a slightly larger spool capacity).

BentRod wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 02, 2020 10:29 am

All the reels you mentioned are fine...but on the low end of quality. They will do the job though. I like 3000 series spinning reels for Coho fishing (really a 2500 with a slightly larger spool capacity).

Considering right now the Sedona was the best reel I ever used and all I have to compare my Sedona to are a Sienna 2500 FB, and an off brand Pica 4500 reel that is at least 75% plastic, I am not sure I will notice the difference :P . I appreciate the advice

Speedbird 48 wrote: ↑

Wed Sep 02, 2020 11:55 pm

...My main complaint was that the rod tip seemed to fall off a lot with just a Jakes Lures spinner. but I suspect I got some sand inside the rod tip that made it a poor fit. ...

Rubbing some candle wax on the male end of the rod will solve that loose fit