Rod recommendations for salmon trolling? (approx $100 range)

What's up NCKA?

Since I recently broke a rod when my Outback completed an un-manned El Rollo, I'm in the market for a new stick (or maybe 2)... The rod that broke was my go-to for rockfish/lings/haibut. Basically it was my 1-3 oz swimbait rod, because that's pretty much all I ever use. It was a St. Croix Tidemaster inshore rod which set me back about $190, and I was really happy with it.

Rather than replacing it with another medium/high-dollar rig specific for tossing swimbaits, I'm pondering spending about $100 on a salmon-specific rod and about $100 on a replacement bottom fish stick. A friend of mine who is experienced with salmon fishing (used to be a deckhand in the SF area) recommended the Seeker American Series 270-7 for salmon trolling (7', med action, E-Glass). He said it would be a great rod for dragging 1-2 lb balls on a sinker release.

Anyone have any insight about the Seeker 270-7? Or have another rod you would recommend in it's place?

I'm thinking I could pick up the Seeker 270-7 for salmon, and some kind of Trevala for the bottomfish (maybe the 7' ML?). Both will be paired with Shimano Cardiff 401's, which I already have. I usually run 20-lb mono for everything, but may throw some 20-30 lb braid on the trolling rig. I have a couple extra spools so swapping out is no problem.

I welcome any thoughts or opinions about these or other similar rods.

Thanks in advance!

~Alex

Tiger Ugly Stick!

Tiger Stick

+2 if you if you're looking for under $100.

Thanks for the replies.

You guys may be on to something here with the Ugly Stick Tiger. I'm not terribly concerned about the sensitivity of this rod, since it'll likely be in the rod holder the majority of the times it (hopefully) gets bit. I just want something with the backbone to troll heavy lead on a release, but bendy enough to handle a thrashing salmon on a barbless hook. With the limited amount of time I'll actually be able to target salmon each season, I might be better off spending a little less.

Which Tiger stick would you recommend for dragging 1-2 lb balls? And would it also suffice for mooching, if that's the ticket? Obviously it can't be the best for both, but I'll take what I can get.

Thanks again,

-Alex

Personally i would go with a Calstar 270-7 but if i were to get something under $100 it would be a ugly stik bwc 2201 7' Medium. i've drifted 20+ ounce lead with it in the sf bay and it's a damn work horse.

Thanks for the replies.

Which Tiger stick would you recommend for dragging 1-2 lb balls? And would it also suffice for mooching, if that's the ticket? Obviously it can't be the best for both, but I'll take what I can get.

Thanks again,

-Alex

No problem with dragging 1-2 lb weight and mooching.

Trevala MH & the Ugly Stik.

Salty- Is the Trevala MH a 6'6"? That might take some getting used to. I usually like a long rod for lobbing 2-3 oz swimbaits when I'm chasing halibut.

my favorite salmon rod is my shimano scimitar 8'6 M - $30.

Yes. 6'6" for bottomfishing lings & rf.

For salmon - it might be a reach at 2 lb weights but the Shimano TDR-80H2B works well as a beefy salmon stick for downrigger or mooching type applications. I have the TDR-1804 (older version of above rod) and it works super for big kings and butts. 8 footer with a rather sensitive tip and strong backbone.

Good luck!

I found a Sabre 270 at big 5 half price for $39.95 recently.  Held it up to my Ugly stick and they look strikingly similar.

Hmmm... So many choices, so little time...

I guess what it comes down to is that I need to see how they feel in my hands with my reel and the amount of weight I use...

Looks like a trip to the tackle shop is in order. I'd love to support my local shop (Bay Tackle), but they close at 6 during the week (before I'm home from work), and they're closed on Sundays. That leaves Saturday, when I'd rather actually be out fishing...

What other shops in the area would you recommend for trying out rods?

Tiger Stick

+2 if you if you're looking for under $100.

for the price +3

+4