Salmon fishing reels come in a large range, yet many fisherman get a little confused when the time comes to select a new reel. For this article, im focusing on Salmon fishing for king salmon, in the sea and uprivers as they run.

The type of reel you need depends on where your fishing for salmon. Like any fishing, it helps to have a  range of gear!

For upriver fishing, where your casting spoons and zeddies into pools, the biggest requirement is something that you can cast comfortably all day. In these environments, its unusual for the fish to take huge amounts of line, so around 250-350m of line or braid, will do. I have used a Shimano calcutta for years, and its given good service. Other good shimanos include the ternos series, the calcuttas and caymens. Its easy to cast and control. Similar, the Abu 6500 series in star drag configurations, are ideal.

For those who dont like to cast overhead or drum reels, the fixed spool spinning reels are still OK. The cast easier, and dont tangle. However, the line control is not as good, and you may need to 'thumb brake' a running salmon, which is really hard with a spinning reel!

For surf fishing, at the river mouth, you might need something with a bit more casting range and a larger spool incase that big fish runs for the open sea. Something like a Daiwa high speed SL30SH, a Penn 965 or 975 or an Abu Garcia 7500 is beaut. With 300-450m of 20lb braid capacity and smooth, strong drags, you will get years of good service.

If you fishing out of a boat, say in Alaska or in jet boats off Canterbury in New Zealand, you can use a reel similar to a river reel. A strong drag is needed for when the fish runs deep or jumps and gets excited, so the rule of thumb is generally that the larger spool size, the larger the drag. Larger drags disipate heat better and run smoother, with lower lock up points. 

Always try and spend as much as you can, because you only buy quyality tackle once. Keep it well serviced and wash the salt and sand out, and you may well be passing that reel down to your grandkids one day!