Salmon Fishing Gear
Choosing Salmon Fishing Gear
Salmon fishing gear can be expensive, there are cheap alternatives but, like everything else if you buy cheap slamon fishing gear that is, usually, what you will get! Yes everyone would love to own the latest top-of-the-range equipment but it is hardly worth it unless you plan to fish very often or you possess endless sums of money.
When purchasing salmon fishing gear your first consideration should be an examination of how often you will be able to use it. If you are planning a holiday and plan a little sport fishing you will be better to purchase cheaper equipment. However, if you plan to take several fishing vacations and do a spot of fly fishing in between then this may be worthy of the considerable investment involved.
There are many advantages to buying the best salmon fishing gear, for me, the most important is that it will last a lifetime. I always look to the value-for-money factor but saying this you should be aware that there is plenty of cheaper gear that is very good
Equipment for Fishing Salmon
Essential salmon fishing gear is a rod, a reel, line and about 3 or four flies. The first question you should ask is whether you will be fishing large salmon fishing rivers or a small spate-river.
If you are fishing for salmon in a small spate-river you will find a short double-hander of between 11 to 13ft. However you may find that in windy weather a single hander is far more suitable as the free hand can be used to give your line a "haul" to push it into the wind. Rods that allow the use of 7-weight lines are best avoided.
You may also consider the use of one of the many travel rods that are available. In recent years there has been massive advances in technology and you will find that many of these telescopic rods handle very much like a one piece.
On the larger salmon rivers you will find the need for longer rods around 14 or 15 ft which have been rated for use with 10 or 11 weight lines. An all-rounder will be most useful but it should be capable of handling the full range of line densities, both floaters and fast sinkers. Fishing big rivers is vastly different to smaller ones. You will need to be able to perform long casts using a tough rod able to throw a decent line into a strong wind. A far more aggressive style of finshing compared to the delicate styles employed on the smaller spate-rivers.
Salmon Fishing Gear Tips
Tip 1
When purchasing a rod try to test it out first. You will be spending much time with your purchase and much depends on your own particlular style of casting. You may find thet the chosen rod ticks all the right boxes but it may just not sit with you. Most larger stores offer facilities for the testing of several rods so do not be afraid to ask if it is not obvious where it is.
Tip 2
After an initial look at the rod you should examine it more carefully to ensure that the handle is of good quality. Cork is the best material but it is becoming difficult to source good quality cork. It is therefore important to check that only minimal filler has been used.
Tip 3
Take a close look at the other parts of the rod. The reel seat should be of good quality to prevent your reel from wobbling during use. Up- or Dwon- locking real seats are best. Finally you should take a look at the rings for a high standard of workmanship. The best choice is for the rod to have big snake intermediate rings which have stood the test of time.
We will be taking a look at the salmon fishing reel and other slamon tackle in future articles.
Other articles about fishing in Scotland and fly fishing that may be of interest:
Fishing In Scotland
An in-depth look at the popular pastime of fishing in Scotland.
Fishing Seasons In Scotland
An introduction to the seasons of Scotland, the weather and the fishing season for trout and salmon.
Choosing A Fly Fishing Rod
A short article about fly fishing rods that may be beneficial to both beginners and seasoned anglers.
What Is The Best Gear For Fly Fishing?
A look at the equipment and accessories available and what should be considered for best personal safety.
Fly Fishing Waders: A Look At Breathable Waders
As technology moves forward anglers take advantage of every edge they can get I believe these waders should be considered essential.
Essential Equipment: Fly Fishing Flies
A look at the fly fishing fly, how it works, fly fishing fly patterns and much more.
A Look At Some Salmon Flies
A selection of images showing the trusty salmon fly. To view enlargements just click the thumbnails.
A Look At Some Traditional Fly Fishing Flies
A selection of some of the many traditional flies available to the modern angler.
Wild Salmon Vs. Farmed Salmon
A brief look at the unfair battle of the wild Atlantic Salmon against the corporately supported farmed salmon.
Choosing Salmon Fishing Gear
A look at some of the many things you should consider before and during the purchase of salmon fishing gear.
Salmon Fishing on the River Girvan
A look at salmon fishing on the River Girvan and the wonderful Blairquhan Estate.
Sea Fishing in Scotland
A look at the sport of sea fishing including a few very important tips
Saltwater Fishing
A collection of general saltwater fishing articles not directly relevant with Scotland but somewhat applicable.
Back to