10 Best Salmon Trolling Rod 2025 in the United States

The Shakespeare Ugly Stik 9’ Elite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rod is specially designed for targeting salmon and steelhead, making it a strong contender in its category. With a rod length of 9 feet, it offers substantial reach, which is beneficial for trolling. The medium-heavy power and medium-fast action make this rod versatile and capable of handling a wide range of conditions, providing a good balance between sensitivity and strength.

The rod’s construction includes 35% more graphite than the previous Ugly Stik GX2 model, making it lighter without sacrificing toughness. The blend of graphite and fiberglass ensures durability, and the rod is backed by a 7-year warranty, highlighting the manufacturer’s confidence in its longevity. The Ugly Stik Clear Tip design enhances strength and sensitivity, which is a noted advantage for detecting strikes while trolling.

The rod features eight durable one-piece stainless steel guides that resist corrosion and eliminate insert pop-outs, ensuring smooth line flow and durability under rough conditions. The conventional reel seat with cushioned stainless steel hoods and the premium type-F cork handle provide comfort and a secure grip. For users specifically interested in trolling, the medium-heavy power might be less ideal compared to heavier options that offer more control over larger fish. Additionally, while the rod’s lightness is a strength, some anglers might prefer a more robust feel. If ease of transport is a priority, the two-piece design is beneficial, although it may slightly compromise the rod’s strength compared to a one-piece model. The Ugly Stik 9’ Elite combines durability, sensitivity, and comfort, making it a suitable choice for those targeting salmon and steelhead, especially in diverse fishing conditions.

The Lamiglas G1000 Pro Salmon & Steelhead Spinning Rods are designed with both style and performance in mind, making them a solid choice for salmon trolling enthusiasts. The rod measures 8 feet 6 inches, which provides a good balance of length for casting and trolling. It’s a one-piece rod, which typically offers better sensitivity and strength compared to multi-piece rods. The medium power rating means it’s versatile enough to handle different sizes of salmon, while the fast action helps in quick and responsive hook sets.

The rod is made from a blend of materials, ensuring durability and performance. The cork handle is comfortable for extended use and provides a good grip even when wet. With a line weight capacity of 6-15lb and a lure weight of up to 5 pounds, it covers a broad range of trolling scenarios. However, at a weight of 2 pounds, it may be heavier than some other options, which could lead to fatigue over long sessions.

The Lamiglas G1000 Pro offers a blend of good build quality and performance, making it a good option for salmon trolling. Consider personal preferences before purchasing.

The Shimano Tallus Trolling Standup Saltwater Fishing Rod (Model: TLCSTMH2SCBLA) is a solid choice for those engaging in salmon trolling. With a length of 5'6", this rod is compact yet effective. Its Medium Heavy power combined with Fast action makes it suitable for catching larger fish like Bluefish, Cero Mackeral, and Snapper. The rod is built with Shimano’s TC4 material, offering a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, which is essential for handling the tough conditions of saltwater trolling.

The aluminum reel seat and gimbal provide durability and secure fastening for your reel, while the AFTCO Roller Stripper and Tip Guides, along with Fuji O Guides, ensure smooth line management, essential for reducing friction and wear on your fishing line. The handle, made from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, offers a comfortable grip, allowing for longer fishing sessions without discomfort.

One downside is the rod's singular piece construction, which may make it less convenient for transport and storage. Additionally, being on the higher end of the price scale, it might not be the best option for casual anglers. Nevertheless, its robust construction and specialized features make it a worthwhile investment for serious anglers who demand high performance and durability from their gear.