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 Ugly Stik Bigwater Conventional Fishing Rod is designed for users who enjoy casting and need a durable and reliable rod for salmon trolling. This 7-foot, medium-heavy rod has a tension level of 30-50 pounds and is crafted from plastic, which may not be as robust as some high-end materials but still provides a good balance of durability and flexibility. The rod's fast action makes it responsive, which is an asset when trying to catch larger fish like salmon.

The Ugly Tech Construction and Ugly Stik Clear Tip enhance sensitivity and strength, allowing for better control and feedback when a fish bites. The rod features Ugly Tuff Guides, which are known for their durability and ability to withstand rough conditions. The Fuji Reel Seat adds to the rod's quality and ensures a secure fit for the reel, which is crucial during intense fishing sessions. The durable rubber gimbal, available on select models, can be a useful feature for stability and comfort over long periods of use.

The handle is made from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, providing a comfortable grip, but some users might prefer other materials for a more premium feel. At 0.5 kilograms, the rod is lightweight, making it easy to handle and maneuver. However, being a one-piece rod, it might be less convenient to transport compared to multi-piece rods. This rod is a good choice for unisex-adult users looking for a reliable and well-balanced salmon trolling rod. Despite some limitations in material and transport convenience, it offers solid performance and durability for its price range.

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.