I've never had a problem with the middle rod getting fish. Your problem may be, and please don't take this the wrong way, that you stink. As in, smell bad. I think chinook are the pickiest salmon as regards smell. At least farther up the columbia, being clean really makes a difference. If your gear smells bad, you may not get fish. Try washing your hands and terminal gear in Lemon Joy or other dish detergent before you handle the bait and fiddle with your gear. Particularly if you smoke or chew. A squirt of WD-40 may help matters also.

Another thought, are you achieving the same depth as them? Are you using heavier line or a different planer? Are your 'pulls' as long as theirs? Are they sneaking a few extra pulls on you when your back is turned (not that I know anyone who would do this...)? Are you using cut plug when they are using whole? Do yours spin the same way? That's just a few variables that could make the difference.

You might buy a six pack for one of them if he'll bait you for a day, and see if it makes a difference.