8 Best Salmon Fishing Rods: Key Features, Reviews and Buying Guide
Wish to shop for the best fishing rod for trout and salmon? If yes, you are at the right place. See, we understand there are tons of fishing rods available in the market, and most of them come with a label of them being the best salmon rod for the money. So, now, amongst the diverse and overwhelming variety of choices, how do you pick the best salmon rod that best caters to your needs? Well, look no further. We have done all the groundwork and will help you find the best rod to meet all your expectations. So, let us get started and look at some of the best salmon fishing rods. We are sure that with our review, making a choice will be easier for you.
Quick Navigation
- Best Salmon Fishing Rods
- Factors Of Consideration Before Buying For Best Salmon Rod For The Money
- Shopping Guide For The Best Salmon Fishing Rod
- Conclusion
Best Salmon Fishing Rods
| Product | Price | Rating | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
OKUMA Celilo Graphite Salmon Steelhead Spinning Rods |
$50.44 |
4.5 |
Buy Now |
Ugly Stik Elite Rod |
$49.95 – $88.89 |
4.6 |
Buy Now |
Lamiglas X-11 |
$107 |
4.2 |
Buy Now |
TICA HLHB |
$96.32 – $225.21 |
4.4 |
Buy Now |
St Croix Triumph |
$130 |
4.1 |
Buy Now |
Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod 4 Piece 9ft |
$39.99 – $59.99 |
4.5 |
Buy Now |
OKUMA SST |
$74.69 |
4.4 |
Buy Now |
KastKing Krome |
$149 |
4.7 |
Buy Now |
Now, let us take a look at these eight best fishing rods for salmon one by one.
1. OKUMA Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rods
A lot of anglers use the Okuma Celilo rod. They have mostly had positive things to say about this best fishing pole for salmon. The primary reason for the top popularity of this rod is that it is super-lightweight. Moreover, it is sensitive to the lightest of the bites. Since it is lightweight, many users have found it a bit hard to balance with a proper reel.
This best river salmon rod has earned a top spot on our list for a myriad of reasons. Firstly, the weight of this rod is perfect for sensitivity. This makes it one of the best salmon spinning rods that you can travel with. Secondly, the quality of the materials that are used in rod construction is top-notch. Moreover, the lengths offer good casting ability.
These are the best salmon spinning rods and make an excellent choice for anglers who like to travel frequently, hike, or backpack to their top-liked salmon fishing spots. Its lightweight design makes it easy for you to throw in a rod holder and travel all the way up to the mountain. This also acts as the perfect spinning rod for beginners as it is not very expensive.
However, though very good, this best fishing pole for salmon still has some flaws, which could be improved. A few users complained about the reel seat’s design. Some commented that the design is awkward and does get in the way. An improvement in this aspect can make this the best fishing pole for salmon. It is because when the seat is improved, fishers can use it all day long without any hassle. The rod’s foam handle also requires a bit of an improvement. However, that we believe is more on the angler’s personal preference.
On the whole, the Okuma Celilo line of rods does rightfully earn the top spot in our list, and it is indeed one of the best salmon spinning rods. Its quality engineering assures ease of usage, durability, and phenomenal casting ability, which cannot be beaten when combating salmon. Of course, there are a few minor complaints from the users, which can be worked on, but this one can be a good investment and give you a good value for money.
|
$50.44 |
4.5 |
Buy Now |
Key features
- Made with high-grade materials
- Tested for quality and reliability
- Used by professionals globally
- Sensitive graphite blank construction
- 8’6” medium action
- 8-17 pounds line rating
- Quality grade fore
- Rear cork grips
- Stainless steel hooded reel seats
- Aluminium oxide guide inserts
Pros
|
Cons
|
2. Ugly Stik Elite Rod
Ugly Stik is one of the best salmon fishing rods. It is a name associated with a good reputation for anglers in the world of fishing, and this Elite rod is no exception. This best salmon rod provides you with thirty-five percent more graphite. This can be seen in the performance and the feel of the rod. The rod feels a lot stronger and more durable than the other models, and the powerfulness of the rod is obvious from the first time you handle the rod. More so, the overall experience that you get with this rod will make everyone happy.
This best salmon rod is designed keeping in view the beginners, and that is very evident from its construction. It is indeed effortless to set up and use. The low price of this rod only makes it more accessible to different fishing fans. Thus, anyone who wishes to venture into the fishing world can start with this one.
The only problem we faced with this best river salmon rod is that its parts do not fit together perfectly. This becomes more obvious if the rod is put under strain or pressure because that is when it happens to rattle.
On the whole, this is the best salmon rod and is indeed the perfect offering for beginners. It is an affordable way for anyone to venture into the world of salmon fishing. Of course, there are a few issues here and there, but this one is indeed a great pick given its affordable price.
|
$49.95 – $88.89 |
4.6 |
Buy Now |
Key Features
- Available in 4’6″ to 7’6″ sizes
- Ugly Stik Clear Tip design assures increased strength right where you need it
- Ugly Tuff one piece stainless steel guides assure maximum durability
- Ugly Tech Construction with added graphite means lighter weight and increased sensitivity
- Durable blank construction with a combination of fiberglass and graphite
- Ugly Tuff guides
- Cork handles help ensure comfort
Pros
|
Cons
|
3. Lamiglas X-11
When it comes to the best salmon fishing rods, this one is indeed a reliable pick. It will offer you a myriad of benefits. This best salmon rod’s sensitivity and durability are indeed perfect for designing a rod, which is worth every penny of the modest price tag. It is the best salmon rod with a super lightweight finish. This makes it super compact and portable. You can easily store it and take it anytime and anywhere whenever the urge to fish strikes. This one is also the best pick for combating a salmon fish.
It is the best salmon rod that is known for its stunning finish, and that is precisely what makes it stand out from the crowd. This is indeed one of the top factors and one significant reason for the inclusion of this rod in our top salmon rod list. Further, the inclusion of a one-year warranty on this best fishing pole for salmon also adds to its likability. You can thus make a purchase with full confidence and enjoy the peace of mind you deserve.
There is only one minor problem with this best salmon rod. It is very small and tends to crack easily. This can make the rod very hard to use. Consequently, you may end up having to discard the whole thing. This may seem like a total waste of resources and money.
It Is indeed the perfect example of the best river salmon rod. It would indeed be an excellent investment for anyone getting started and looking to get some practice to better their confidence and skills.
|
$107 |
4.2 |
Buy Now |
Key features
- Lamiglas X-11 drift casting rod LX 86MC
- Two-piece medium action graphite casting rod
- Pacific Bay Deep Press guides
- Rich glossy merlot finish
- Cork grips, trigger reel seat
- Available in 7’9” to 10’6” sizes
- One-year warranty
- Very high-quality construction
- Specialized for steelhead and salmon fishing
- Stainless-steel guides
Pros
|
Cons
|
4.TICA HLHB
Next in our best salmon fishing rods list is the HLHB model from TICA. This rod is indeed an excellent value addition to your fishing collection. With this best fishing pole for salmon, you can be assured of superb performance combined with durability and longevity, which is a rare sight at this level. Given the different powers, sizes, and actions available, you can be assured of finding something that is a great pick and will always make your day out at fishing a big success.
We feel that it is one of the best salmon fishing rods because it is indeed very comfortable. It is a good pick for someone who has the requisite fishing experience and skill. The TICA rod is very lightweight. This makes it fairly easy for you to handle. However, it has the sturdiness and the durability that can inspire confidence, which you need to get your job done.
The only problem that we have with this rod is that it has a minimal shelf life. We have seen that the rod happened to snap or break only after a few uses with many users. It can be quite frustrating and may feel quite like a waste of money.
This rod can be a phenomenal pick for new anglers and those who intend to practice and hone their skills. Further, it can also be one of the best salmon fishing rods for someone who needs a spare rod at an affordable price tag.
|
$96.32 – $225.21 |
4.4 |
Buy Now |
Key Features
- Both spinning and casting options available
- Made with top-grade modulus flexible graphite material
- Sensitive and light blank with perfect action and good strength
- Top-quality graphite trigger and TICA graphite APS reel seat for spinning and casting models
- Comfortable and durable cork handle
- FUJI Hardloy ring guides
- Constructed of high modulus flexible graphite material
Pros
|
Cons
|
5. St Croix Triumph
Do you know what the best thing about this rod is? It is 100% handmade. Yes, St. Croix Triumph is a handcrafted rod. This makes it one of the best salmon fishing rods. It is made and manufactured in Fresnillo, Mexico. This rod has a two-piece construction, and that makes it very effortless to transport and travel with. Let us read further to find out why it has been included in our best salmon fishing rods list.
This travel spinning rod is straightforward to pack, and you can break it into pieces anytime you head out on a trip. We love this best river salmon rod because it is supremely lightweight and offers excellent sensitivity.
The best salmon rod is made of top-notch quality SCII graphite, which assures extreme durability. This means that this rod can last you a long time. The durability of the rod is also owing to its double-coated premium quality material. It is a rod, an outstanding example of sensitivity, strength, and great hook-setting power.
The hard aluminum-oxide guides are indeed regarded as the best in the segment. This rod is precise in casting, and that assures phenomenal performance in saltwater. Please know that most of the St. Croix rods are a bit on the pricier side than the other rods. However, you can be assured that they will always offer you good value for money. Since every segment is perfect, you do not need quite to make a change.
Though it has a cork handle, it is not bad. Believe us when we say this, we have seen some really poor quality cork handles, which suck big time. Some are so bad that it will make you extremely uncomfortable when they are wet. Once there is a stain, it is almost impossible to remove it. But that is not the case with this best fishing pole for salmon. I
On the whole, it is a win-win situation for people who can afford these steelhead or salmon rods. The five-year warranty that you get with this rod only makes it one of the best salmon fishing rods. Be assured; this rod will never make you regret your decision for even a day of owning it.
|
$130 |
4.1 |
Buy Now |
Key features
- Premium SCII Graphite Construction
- Ideal for anglers who appreciate top-notch performance at reasonable price
- Mid-modulus graphite fiber with a higher strain rate than common fibers, which is the hugely popular material that is sensitive, durable, and lightweight
- 2 piece spinning rod
- Hard aluminum-oxide guides with black frames
- Fuji DPS reel seat with frosted silver hood
- Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
- 5 years warranty
- Good quality Cork handle
Pros
|
Cons
|
6. Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod 4 Piece 9ft
Many buyers who have used this best fishing pole for salmon have said great things about this rod’s balance. Its lightweight construction is quite appreciable. People have always been very satiated with the smooth casting ability of this rod. However, an improvement in durability could be made.
There are more than a few reasons why we like this best river salmon rod. It has made to our list of the best salmon fishing rods owing to its top-notch quality, which comes at a fairly reasonable price. Fly fishing can be a bit inaccessible to some people. However, the price associated with the technique and this rod is indeed a pocket-friendly. Thus, it can be a good pick even for those on a budget.
It is a fly fishing rod. So, this makes it the excellent pick for hunting big fishes like salmon. On the whole, if you are an angler on a budget, this is one of the best salmon fishing rods.
Still, we do recommend some improvement on the durability, especially with the rod tip. It may be because of the four-piece construction of the rod. However, it may also be caused by the actual material, which makes up the blanks. Nonetheless, this rod could undoubtedly benefit from the structural enhancements to the rod tip.
Moreover, its reasonable price tag only makes it one of our top picks. Hence, for anglers who are new to the fishing world and need something to try out or need one backup rod for the contingencies, this can be one of the best salmon fishing rods for you.
|
$39.99 – $59.99 |
4.5 |
Buy Now |
Key features
- Professional-grade rod
- 4wt-8’6″ Slow Action for sunfish, small trout and small streams; 5wt/6wt-9′ Medium Action for general trout, larger streams and rivers, a universal size for beginners; 7wt-9′ Medium Action for bass, carp, light steelhead, salmon and saltwater; 9wt-9′ Fast Action for winter steelhead, salmon and saltwater.
- Super performance
- IM7 Graphite for durability, accuracy and performance
- Machined aluminum reel seat with double lock rings for sturdy reel attachment
- Ceramic stripping guides inserts and chrome guides for smooth gliding fly lines
- Precise Accuracy and fly placement for instant pulling power
- Very travel friendly
- Can be paired with a durable PVC rod tube that offers good protection for the rod and portability
- Ingenious design
Pros
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Cons
|
7. OKUMA SST
Another best salmon rod from a hugely popular brand Okuma is the Okuma SST. It is a tremendously popular rod that is known for its supreme engineering. This can be a suitable pick for beginners owing to their durable construction. It is made from superior-quality graphite, which makes this rod last you for many years. Further, its durable finish only makes it better. Another noteworthy thing about this rod is that you get a one year warranty from the manufacturer. So, you have the peace of mind you deserve to make this one a confident purchase.
The rod’s frame is incredibly sturdy, which does inspire confidence in Okuma and its products. Another selling point of this rod is its comfortable grip. This gives you complete control of the rod without putting undue strain on your hands. This is hugely important if you are planning to fish for longer durations.
However, there is still something that we do not quite like about this rod, and that is, it does not offer the desired sensitivity as you may find in other competitive models at a more or less similar price tag. This could mean that you may miss out on some experience and potential caches.
On the whole, this one is a good pick if you are a beginner at salmon fishing. However, it goes without saying that this one does offer phenomenal quality at a very affordable price. This makes it the best salmon rod for the money.
|
$74.69 |
4.4 |
Buy Now |
Key Features
- Sensitive IM-8 graphite blank construction
- Durable stainless-steel guide frames
- Used by professionals globally
- Tested for reliability and quality
- Zirconium guide inserts to reduce friction from the braided lines
- Quality comfort grips
- Made with top-quality materials
- All SST rods are backed by a 1-year warranty
- Premium fore and rear grips on all models
Pros
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Cons
|
8. KastKing Krome
If you need the best fishing pole for salmon, you can also consider the KastKing Krome salmon/Steelhead Fishing Rod. This rod will give you phenomenal durability and performance and a reasonably affordable price. You will find this rod very useful, especially for kayaking. One big reason why we have included this one in our list of the best salmon fishing rods is because of its high rating and excellent reviews. It is easy to store and easy to transport rod.
Known for its top-notch construction, this one is indeed awesome. It is made from high carbon material. The 45 million modulus blanks and Nano Silica resins assure supreme sensitivity, performance, and strength to the rod. We reinforced the butt section through the reel seat with the true Kevlar fabric. This is necessary as it goes a long way in improving the hook setting power. It also assures additional strength and durability.
There is a good variation available with the rod. You can get the length variations from 7’6” to 10’. However, we recommend that you opt for the best fishing pole for salmon, which is around 8 to 10 feet long. You can also find the casting rod and spinning rod option. You can make your choice according to your requirements.
Further, several weight and line options are also available. You can find it all on their Amazon page. We recommend the anglers 9’6” long, fast action, and the medium heavy rod. It is because this rod is the ideal combination of versatility, sensitivity, and strength. Always bear in mind the best salmon fishing rods will be lightweight as that can prevent arm fatigue. So, that means that you can fish as long as you want without feeling any pain.
|
$149 |
4.7 |
Buy Now |
Key features
- Ultra-premium quality rod
- A myriad of style options available
- Fuji guides and reel seats
- Carbon fiber handle
- Toray IM8 High Carbon Blanks construction
- Size varies from 7’6″ to 10′
- 2 piece spinning rod
- Various action available from medium-heavy to heavy
- Excellent strength, performance and sensitivity.
- Easily handles big fish like salmon
- Alconite rings for both spinning fishing rod and casting fishing rod models
- Guides are tough and can handle every mono, fluorocarbon or braided lines with ease
- Technique specific action designed by experts with years of experience
Pros
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Cons
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Factors Of Consideration Before Shopping For Salmon Rods
Now, you already have with you our list of the best salmon fishing rods. However, our responsibility is to walk you through some crucial aspects that will help you select the best fishing pole for salmon from our list. So, before you make a choice, think of the following:
Your Fishing Technique
Before shopping for the best fishing pole for salmon, you are quite aware of the fishing style you will practice. Fly fishing, casting, spinning, etc., all have specific rods, which work best for them. For instance, if your fishing style is spinning, you should opt for the best salmon spinning rods. It makes no sense to shop for a casting rod if you are going to engage in spinning technique.
Traveling
This is surely not the first thing you may come to your mind when shopping for the best fishing rod for trout and salmon, but it is still vital and should not be omitted. By traveling, we mean the portability of your fishing rod. It is essential for people who are avid backpackers or hikers. What does this mean? This means that the rod is detachable and can be broken down into a smaller size. You can also consider shopping for a telescopic rod.
Your Budget
If you cannot afford a top-notch best fishing rod for trout and salmon at the moment, we would recommend you to wait and save a bit before going ahead with the cheaper options. The good salmon fishing rods are indeed worth an investment. Moreover, please bear in mind if you invest in the best salmon spinning rods, they will be durable, and last you long. On the other hand, if you shop for cheaper options, they may not be very break-resistant.
Shopping Guide for the Best Salmon Fishing Rod
It would help if you considered a few aspects when you go ahead and make your pick from the many good salmon fishing rods in the market. Some such elements that need your attention are:
Length
Ideally, most good salmon fishing rods or steelhead rods are not longer than 10 feet. It is primarily because if your rod is longer, it can be cumbersome to handle it.
See, the golden rule of thumb is to get a rod, which is slightly longer (not more than 1 foot) in length as compared to your height. We say so because if the rod is too long, it may be quite a task for you to handle. The length makes the rod more versatile. If the length is right, you will be able to use it on both the land and the boat. Think of a situation where you are using an 11 feet longer rod on a boat. We do not think it would be very convenient. So, give due consideration to the length before shopping for the best fishing rod for trout and salmon.
The Reel
An important aspect that you need to consider when shopping for the best fishing rod for trout and salmon is picking the reel. It has a direct impact on the rest of the equipment that you pick. Primarily there are two kinds of reels that you can shop for.
Baitcasting reels
The baitcasting reels are the best salmon rod for the money for pro anglers, that is, someone who has been engaging in fishing for quite a while. These reels require physical manipulation of the spool, a skill that may be a bit too advanced for most beginners. To reflect on this, they are often much more expensive, and need a more heavier lure to work effectively. On the plus side, they offer an incredible drag and have a remarkable line capacity.
Spin cast or spinning reels
If you are new to the activity, we recommend you shop from one of the best salmon spinning rods. The thing with the best salmon spinning rods is that they need relatively lesser interaction on the angler’s part. Moreover, these reels offer a better line capacity and assure better accuracy. Furthermore, the best salmon spinning rods ensure that the whole rod runs more effectively and smoothly. Do you know what’s better? These best salmon spinning rods are also very cheap. This makes it perfect for beginners who do not want to splurge too much much in the beginning.
Please note that you will require a baitcasting rod if you shop for a baitcasting reel. On the other hand, if you have a spin cast reel, you will have to shop for the best salmon spinning rods.
Application
Knowing how you are going to fish is also vital when you are making a pick from the many available good salmon fishing rods in the market. The rods meant for inland fishing, and the boat rods have a bit of a difference in terms of line poundage and length.
Having said that, you may also shop for the best salmon rod, which is probably in between. This can help you meet both your purposes.
Strength
Lastly, we are confident that you are aware that every angler is after a big-sized salmon. Moreover, in general, too, both steelhead and salmon are relatively strong and large predatory fishes.
So, ideally, the best salmon rod for the money would be the one that can handle the feel of the smaller fish bite and the fight of a much larger fish. The steelhead and salmon both tend to have relatively tougher jaws. Thus, it is vital to shop for the best salmon rod that is slightly stiffer. It will be able to set the hooks more easily.
Conclusion
Salmon is not easy to catch without good fishing rods. Of course, we understand it is a daunting task to find the best fishing pole for salmon. However, when you have the rod with you, the entire thing becomes very simple and straightforward. Please bear in mind; you can only better your skills with patience and persistence. So, naturally, the more you fish, the better you will get at it. Thank you for reading our article. We hope we did give you some useful insight into selecting the best rod from the market of many good salmon fishing rods.