Despite living near Lake Michigan, quality Salmon rods are very hard to locate here. I own one of your rods (bought it at Gander Mtn a few years ago) a 10' 6'' spinning rod. I really like it although I plain lost control of one fish last year while pier fishing. It's a strong rod but hardly adequate for 20+ pound salmon, small by your standards out west.
I'm looking for 2 rods this year, first a casting rod that can be balanced with a large baitcasting reel (we need lots of line for pier fishing as getting "spooled" is quite common) and must be relatively light as I cast over 500 times in a typical nighttime outing.
Secondly, I'd like a 10' or longer rod with similar strength and weight as above. I may not be able to stop them all but would at least prefer to slow em down somewhat. Last year a guy on the same day and river I was fishing on caught the world record brown trout (41+ pounds). I'd hate to lose that one, eh?
Lastly, any advice on a quality baitcasting reel to balance with the casting rod above would be helpful. I'd prefer to keep it under 200.00 for each rod if possible.
I have about a month before I head out. Thanks for any info or experience you can offer me.