The Outdoor Line Forum

Looking for a mooching rod and reel set-up recommendation for trolling for salmon in Puget Sound and San Juans. I will still fish with my Saltist Levelwind Line Counter reels and Lamiglas and Fetha Styx trolling rods, but wanted to try something new for one of the downriggers.

First question is the reel. I already have heavy duty traditional fly 12 wt reels for the salt including a Lampson Speedster and Sage 8012 Pro Reel. Wanted to run braid with a top shot mono leader. Do I really need to buy a new Diawa M-ONE UTD, Shimano Moocher Plus, Islander MR3, Abel Moocher or Okuma Raw II 463 reel or will my existing fly reels work? If not, is it due to the drag system or some other reason?

For the rod, any recommendations would be great. Someone mentioned the Lamiglas 1308-T, but is that rod deigned for downrigger trolling and I am not sure if the finger grip would work well with a mooching reel.

Thanks!

-Troy

Hey Troy,
I think you hit the nail on the head!

It depends on the drag system and I'm fairly certain that the gear you mentioned is equal to the task.
As you know, part of the fun of running a knuckle-buster is augmenting the drag on a hot running fish by feathering or "palming" the reel.

If your reel has enough drag to hold a deep bend in your rod while downrigger trolling then you're good to go!

You are the best Nelly! I will give it a try and let you know if it works out.

-Troy