Rod and reel recommendations.

Looking for kayak rod recommendations for norcal saltwater. Salmon (trolling), halibut trolling and ling jigging are all targets, but especially salmon trolling. Is there one rod that does it all? If you use different rods, why? Probably looking to spend $150 or less (per rod).

Also looking for low profile lightweight bait casting reels for same targets.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Looking for kayak rod recommendations for norcal saltwater. Salmon (trolling), halibut trolling and ling jigging are all targets, but especially salmon trolling. Is there one rod that does it all? If you use different rods, why? Probably looking to spend $150 or less (per rod).

Also looking for low profile lightweight bait casting reels for same targets.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Try doing a search on the site here - the topic has been examined many times. Lots of opinions, some overlapping and agreed upon.

For an an all around rod I think the Shimano Trevala is hard to beat. I have used them on party boats for salmon, and in my kayak for halibut, and all rockfish.

Ugly stick gx2. Seriously. It can do all the above, plus mooch, sabiki, and anything else in our waters, it’s 2 piece for easy stowing, it’s short for easy netting, and when you lose it or break it, it only sets you back $40. Pretty hard to beat. To be totally transparent, I use mine just as a sabiki rod now but all the above is true.

For an an all around rod I think the Shimano Trevala is hard to beat. I have used them on party boats for salmon, and in my kayak for halibut, and all rockfish.

Yep, get the 7' flavor it's really strong, light and flexible.

Probably not the ultimate for any one fish but can do it all!

Ugly stick gx2. Seriously. It can do all the above, plus mooch, sabiki, and anything else in our waters, it’s 2 piece for easy stowing, it’s short for easy netting, and when you lose it or break it, it only sets you back $40. Pretty hard to beat. To be totally transparent, I use mine just as a sabiki rod now but all the above is true.

I second the ugly stik - they are pretty solid rods for the price. Sensitive enough tip, plenty of backbone for all the gamefish around here, and easy to find in different lengths/power ratings. Many local tackle shops carry these too, so you can feel it before you buy. I have two ugly stik tiger rods, both medium, one 6.5 and one 7'. I have the Piscifun Alijoz on the 7' and an Abu Ambassador on the 6.5. Each setup was under $200 per, and I am confident fishing for anything the inshore/delta has. Maybe not ideal for salmon, but the ideal salmon rod probably won't be that great for halibut or rockfish either. 

For an an all around rod I think the Shimano Trevala is hard to beat. I have used them on party boats for salmon, and in my kayak for halibut, and all rockfish.

Yep, get the 7' flavor it's really strong, light and flexible.

Probably not the ultimate for any one fish but can do it all!

I have caught all 3 of your desired targets on this rod. If I was reduced to one rod for the rest of my life it would be this one. You’ll want the medium light (ML). We’ve got a medium heavy and a medium in the house as well and they are quite a bit stiffer

Everyone usually says ugly stick or trevala. I broke both my trevalas great rods but the guides don’t hold up and for the ugly stick way to bulky and clunky.

Currently happy with my phenix abyss rods 806, 807