Noob needs rod/reel advice

I can get some good deals on some Okuma products, so I'm partial to their stuff.

I'm thinking I can get one rod/reel for rockfish, lingcod and halibut, and another rod/reel for salmon. Does that make sense? Or should the salmon setup do double duty for halibut?

For rockfish & lingcod, I was thinking an Okuma Komodo SS reel -- not sure what size is appropriate, either 364 or 471. For the rod, I was thinking either Okuma Cedros "a" Casting Rod, 6'6", MH, or Trevala TVC66MH.  Would this work well for halibut?

For salmon, what should I look for in a reel? Size/capacity/speed? I read that 2 speed is good for keeping tension on the line, but the only 2 speed Okuma I can get is the Solterra SLX-20II -- it seems to be medium and low speed - 3.8:1 and 1.7:1. Would a single speed faster reel be better? I can get the Solterra SLX high speed open top reel at 6.2:1 Should I consider their other models?

As for a salmon rod, I will probably use a laketroller downrigger, if that makes a difference. The only Okuma SST rod I can get is too short (5'6"). There is a Guide Select pro casting rod option -- either 9'9" ML, or 8'2" MH. And a Guide Select with options from 9' to 12'3", and MH, H or XH action. Supposedly these are designed for PNW salmon. (What makes them different from our salmon?)

Thanks for any tips!

Cliffs Notes: okuma 364 with 30-50 braid. Trevala good, okuma also good.

There is nothing wrong with getting multiple combos, but it can get expensive quickly. For salmon and using a downrigger as you mentioned you will usually use a longer, softer rod than would normally be used for the other species.

For your halibut and rockfish stuff I am a big fan of the Komodo SS in the 364 size. Depending on the braided line diameter you will get a bit over 200 yards of 40-50 lb test. I have 215 yards of .32 diameter braid on mine. The 471 size is wider than the 364 and if you’re looking at it for more line capacity I would just go to a round reel. Halibut and RF just go down to the bottom, they don’t really run away from the kayak so you don’t need a ton of line.

For a rod for halibut and RF both of those rods would work well. It really depends on which one you like more. Personally I like the handle in the trevala over the handle on the okuma.

For a salmon reel (and specifically downrigger fish from a kayak) I would use the same reel and line. Put a topshot of 25 feet of mono on it. Run the gear back 20 feet, clip in and drop down. Realistically in the kayak you won’t be trolling deep, maybe 75 feet max. That leaves you 600 something feet of line to deal with the salmon. That is plenty of line to deal with salmon. You can pull divers and mooch with that reel too. As far as keeping tension on the fish that is where the longer, softer rod comes in to play. Set your drag right, keep your rod at 45 degree angle, don’t pump, and just grind grind grind on the reel handle.

For a salmon downrigger rod if you are set on Okuma maybe the GSP-C-902H rated 15-40lb. It’s basically a lamiglas CG 90 DR 15-30 lb. it used to be called a classic glass rod but was prettied up and is now called a battleglass rod. Both are downrigger specific. I’ve also caught halibut and others using that rod with live bait, so it can pull double duty.  I love my lamiglas, but don’t see any reason why the okuma wouldn’t be just as good. My second favorite salmon downrigger rod is actually a 7 foot light trevala. It loads on the downrigger really well. A little harder to keep the fish pinned because it’s shorter and a little faster, but makes a great multi species rod and might be a good option as well. The shorter length makes it easier to use on the kayak.

John, thank you for the detailed reply -- really great info!

I've decided to go with the 364 size Komodo SS, and the trevala. I hadn't considered the handles until your reply -- the Okuma I can get has a split grip which I think would give less options for how to hold it, plus I read reports of split grips not working well with rod holders.

Good to know I can use the same reel for salmon. I can't get that exact Okuma  rod you mentioned, and the lamiglas is actually cheaper, so I may go with that. I have a couple months to decide...

If I did want to get a second reel specifically for Salmon trolling, what would you suggest?

Spinning reels have easily swapped out spools for different line -- is that the case with non-spinning gear?

Thanks again for all the tips!

i love my sst 8-17 lb rod but i use it for steelhead drifting and trolling light lures, I have one of those like 20-50 lb sst and its really nice its just 9 foot and hard to manage on the yak. I just end up using my tiger rod for everything...

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Spinning reels have easily swapped out spools for different line -- is that the case with non-spinning gear?

Penn Jigmasters/Surfmasters have quick change spools. They are not level winds but very effective for salmon and halibut. Used on ebay around  20 to 40 bucks. Made in USA ones best.

If I did want to get a second reel specifically for Salmon trolling, what would you suggest?

Spinning reels have easily swapped out spools for different line -- is that the case with non-spinning gear?

Thanks again for all the tips!

I don’t have a good suggestion since I’ve been using okumas. I could be tempted by a shimano tekota a400 line counter though but have no experience with them. I have a friend who swears by them though.

Swapping spools takes only a few moments to do. Loosen the thumb screw, twist the side plate, and slide the spool out. A quick search for “okuma kids-364 spool assembly” showed them on eBay for $30. You can probably get it from okuma as well. Just make sure that you are getting the complete assembly (bearings and everything) and not just a bare spool.

So I ended up going with a Trevala TVC70ML -- it seems well loved in the community for being a great all-species rod. I also don't think I'll need the extra stiffness of the MH rod, and the extra length should help for salmon, and keeping line clear of amas and getting around the bow of my somewhat long Hobie AI.

It was really hard to find -- dozens of stores were out of stock, and I only found one that claimed to have it by searching Bing. I thought it was more likely to be an inventory error, but it actually showed up today. Got it from fishermans-marine.com -- only $8 shipping, no rod fees.

Glad you got yourself a new rod. Now you just have to go get it slimy by catching some fish!

So I ended up going with a Trevala TVC70ML -- it seems well loved in the community for being a great all-species rod. I also don't think I'll need the extra stiffness of the MH rod, and the extra length should help for salmon, and keeping line clear of amas and getting around the bow of my somewhat long Hobie AI.

It was really hard to find -- dozens of stores were out of stock, and I only found one that claimed to have it by searching Bing. I thought it was more likely to be an inventory error, but it actually showed up today. Got it from fishermans-marine.com -- only $8 shipping, no rod fees.

Vintage!  They stopped making them...enjoy...

If you get good deals from Okuma I would try their product first.
I have been very happy with Okuma Metaloid 5N 2-Speed reel and Okuma Hawaiian Custom Slow Jigging Rod – Conventional – 250grams for rockfish and halibut.  Planning to purchase a 160.0 Grams rod when it goes on sale.

I don't think they sell any more Metaloid reels and got a newer model with a different name.  Enjoy using lever drag much more than star drag reels.
Also, Okuma provides outstanding services.

Good luck.

Paul