rod and reel for trolling salmon & halibut

with seasons approaching i really wanted to get some recommendations for a great trolling setup for ocean salmon and also halibut. what do you guys use? do you guys have a setup that can do it all? ive been using the shimano trevala paired with the diawa lexa 400 but would like to change it up this year and try out different options. any feedback helps!! thanks yall keep it reel and tight lines!!

keepinitreel707

I use different rods for Salmon/downrigger and Halibut. I'm not sure there's a "perfect" rod that does both. But i'm sure there's lots of great ones that come close.  For me, Lamiglas Classic glass for salmon and Phenix Abyss 806 for halibut.

As to reel, I have gone exclusively to Avet SXJs for all of my salt applications. It's a great reel, sized and priced right and I've learned it's ins/outs for maintenance which is great.

+1 on the abyss 806. I think they make an excellent rod for kayak fishing the bay and ocean. The 806 hits the sweet spot, but isn’t a 2.5# ball trolling rod IMO (haven’t tried though). I feel comfortable trolling for halis, salmon, and it’s soft and slow action enough that I could mooch w it too.

For being 8’ in length, it’s got quite a bit of flex so the fish can get pretty close to the boat, but there may be some adjusting and changing the grip on the rod at the end game. Great fore grip though on those rods so it’s quite comfortable switching up. Man, I am getting psyched for fishing season!!!

There was a recent thread on this that was very informative.  http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=95957.msg1079474#msg1079474  I'm currently using a Lamiglass X 80 Pro Bouncer, but am thinking of trying something lighter this year like an X-11.

this is another great thread on the subject http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=97680.msg1094986#msg1094986

The Phoenix Abyss looks like a solid choice, and I've been wanting to buy a Phoenix rod.  Trouble is finding them in stock though, so if you find one pounce on it.

right on!! will definitely check out the abyss thanks for all the feedback cant wait to get out and fish and meet some of you guys out there!!

There was a recent thread on this that was very informative.  http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=95957.msg1079474#msg1079474  I'm currently using a Lamiglass X 80 Pro Bouncer, but am thinking of trying something lighter this year like an X-11.

I don't know Al, I've personally seen five X-11's break in the last two years. Take the next set up and look at the Redline series. I've had one for three years now that I use for flossing and its held up great.

There was a recent thread on this that was very informative.  http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=95957.msg1079474#msg1079474  I'm currently using a Lamiglass X 80 Pro Bouncer, but am thinking of trying something lighter this year like an X-11.

I don't know Al, I've personally seen five X-11's break in the last two years. Take the next set up and look at the Redline series. I've had one for three years now that I use for flossing and its held up great.

I bought a redline 9'4" as my mom's DR rod for the boat and love the hell out of it. I'll be retiring my 1987 St. Croix DR rod and purchasing a 2nd for myself.  Ive caught a 30 lber on it and it was a freaking hoot. if they make like a  8'6 or 8' that would be great for the yak

Well truth be told I had an X-11 that I never used, I think won from a PIF or other prize event.  I went to use it for perch fishing last year, and my very first cast things went horribly wrong.  I'm not sure if the line wrapped the tip or what, but I cast a Lucky Craft 110 and the top 5 inches of the rod snapped off, my line cut, and the brand new lure went flying out into the sea.   So I hear ya, i'm not sure what to think about that, but I did buy another X-11 since I couldn't find a Pheonix Cicada, but just got a Convergence 10f to try instead. 

I would not recommend the X-11. It broke on me when I pulled too hard (my mistake, but still). I checked the Abyss at the store and found it to be too stiff. But looks solid build quality. I know they have blanks that are more flexible, but I didn’t want to build anything.

I’m currently using UglyStik Bigwater 9’ light paired with Avet SXJ 5.3 G2, and I love the rod so much that for half a year I was trying to get a spare. I looked everywhere online. Can’t find them. Ended up buying 3 (yes, 3) from Canadian Tire, and had my buddy in Toronto ship them to me. I think the rod is more rare than the fish it’s catching..

I have the Lamiglas X-11 paired with an Avet SXJ G2 5.3. I love this setup.
I've read about the Lamis breaking, but so far haven't had any issues with mine, and it's seen a lot of action.

I also have a Phenix Abyss 806 (10-25lb) with a Shimano TLD 15. Also a great setup.

I think the Avet paired with the Phenix would be ideal (my Shimano's foot is too big for the Lamiglas).

We've caught halibut, salmon, lingcod, and thresher sharks with these setups.

There was a recent thread on this that was very informative.  http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=95957.msg1079474#msg1079474  I'm currently using a Lamiglass X 80 Pro Bouncer, but am thinking of trying something lighter this year like an X-11.

X11 would be too lightI think....? 

There was a recent thread on this that was very informative.  http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=95957.msg1079474#msg1079474  I'm currently using a Lamiglass X 80 Pro Bouncer, but am thinking of trying something lighter this year like an X-11.

X11 would be too lightI think....? 

I'd have to look at their chart, maybe I just get the lighter ones for perch. LOVE the x11 super sensitive great casting. I've broke a couple but always got warranty frebie back.  One complaint is the reel seats can be loose (warranty tok care of that for me as well.) 

I’m currently using UglyStik Bigwater 9’ light paired with Avet SXJ 5.3 G2, and I love the rod so much that for half a year I was trying to get a spare. I looked everywhere online. Can’t find them. Ended up buying 3 (yes, 3) from Canadian Tire, and had my buddy in Toronto ship them to me. I think the rod is more rare than the fish it’s catching..

Was just in the Bay Point bait shop and they have a handful of UglyStik Bigwater rods - they have a few long ones, not sure if they have in 9' tho. I bought a second UglyStik Tiger in 7' for stripers and halibut. Great rods for a very reasonable price.