To mark the release of my new how-to book, Plug Fishing for River Salmon, here’s a list of some of the essential gear that I talk about in the book:
Shimano Tekota 300LC
- Shimano Tekota 300LC
– $179.99
I’ve been running these babies for years…and they are absolutely bulletproof! Even had one blow out of the boat and bounce down the freeway. Aside from a few scratches, I still used it every day.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 LC
- Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 LC
– $99.95-$134.99
A good classic, durable reel with a price tag that’s a little more affordable than the Tekota’s. The line counter is really handy – especially for flat-lining.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 C3
- Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3
– $109.95
For the price, it’s hard to find a more reliable reel.
Yakima Bait MagLip 4.5
- Yakima Bait MagLip 4.5
– prices vary
My all-time favorite flatlining plug for kings. MagLips dive deep, run true and are extremely fishy!
Luhr-Jensen K15 Kwikfish
- Luhr-Jensen Kwikfish K15
– $8.99
One of the greatest salmon plugs of all time!
Luhr-Jensen K16 Kwikfish
- Luhr-Jensen Kwikfish K16
The K16 is a beast and flat-out catches kings.
Lamiglas XCC 801 GH
- Lamiglas XCC 801 GH
– $210.58
A super flat-line rod for kings on smaller rivers. Works great for steelies, too!
Lamiglas XCC 802 GH
- Lamiglas XCC 802 GH
– $232.98
When you need a little more beef while flat-lining, the 802 is deadly.
Luhr Jensen Jet Diver
- Luhr Jensen Jet Diver, Clear, 4-Inch
– $10.99
Jet Divers are great tools for getting plugs (bait too) down deep.
Danielson Slinky Weights
- Danielson Slinky Weights
– $4.99
A long-time favorite of drift anglers, Slinkies also are extremely useful when you are flat-lining plugs in deep spots.
Other essentials:
- Yakima Bait HawgNose Flatfish
– There isn’t a big lure out there that can handle big kings in fast water like the Hawgnose.
- GLoomis HSR 1021C
– I ran these in Alaska for years on the Nushagak River, where we caught so many kings it was ridiculous. Never had a breakage issue.
- PLine Spectrex Braided Fishing Line, 50-Pound Test
– Pretty much the only main line I use these days for salmon.
- Atlas Mikes Miracle Thread
– Hands-down the best thread for sardine wrapping plugs.
- Duo Lock Snap
– A must have for attaching plugs to your leader.
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