Geoduck,

Use what you have the most confidence in...
However, you won't go wrong using anything that glows. Starting at roughly 30', fish have a hard time seeing anything. The deeper they go, so does the vision. Three keys things to remember about Salmon: hearing, sight, smell. If you have all three keys, you'll catch fish! This time of year, rarely are the fish feeding, they are transiting. So you need to find baits that aggreviate or trigger a feeding instinct.

For Summer Kings, be on the water before twilight.
This is prime time. The sky will be just turning gray. I prefer the first 50' with my starting point at 35' to 40' and working deeper during this period before sunrise. At sunrise, I am on the bottom scratching (within 10'). This depends on available sun light. If it is overcast, I stay on top a little longer. When the bottom doesn't produce, I'll troll out in the deeper water about mid level or roughly 80'.

As far as baits go, my numero uno is a spoon. Specifically the Sonic Edge glo/green splatter back behind a glo/green Hot Spot flasher and 55" of leader. If this doesn't do it, I troll either a 4" green/glo hootchie with a big glo/green spin n' glo in front or a monster 6" glo/green hootchie at 48" behind the flasher. If none this works, see ya at the ramp it's Busch Ice time.

Terminal gear... that mooching rod will work just fine. 20# is about the lowest test you'll be able tun off the release. Any smaller and you'll have a hard time finding the right tension or constant tripping. Just remember not to put too much pressure on the rod when trolling. Especially if the rod is a "high end" model.

ALWAYS troll with the tide or slightly across it. Salmon always face into the current until they see your bait. Not only that, but you're covering more water than sitting in one spot wondering why you're not moving.

Lastly, Smelly Jelly. Your choice, but I like herring favor.

If you have more questions, fire away! There's plenty of Salmon out there to catch.

Downriggin'