I've been out of stream fishing for salmon and steehead for a number of years. I'm looking for sage advice on good spinning combos for both species. I'd like to stay around $75-$125.

I will be fishing the Lewis River (North and East Forks), possibly the Elochoman and other coastal rivers. Most fishing will be from the bank.

Thanks for any advice!

Love my Fin Nor Finite 402 for my spinning rod.Paid about $40 bucks for it. Just dont know if you can get the same model anymore.Have had it for 3 seasons and couldnt begin to count how many silvers and steelies I landed with it.In the hundreds though.Seriously!!!
It looks like a shimano sahara or symetry. both good reels but $20-$30 more.
Some friends of mine have talked me into trying an Okuma (ouch) Avenger 30. They are on sale at Bobs for $29 never thought I would go to one,but have seen them land literally hundreds of silvers on them with no problems.So what the heck
I have a buddy that builds real nice spinning rods for around $125,maybe a bit more for St Croix.
I have at least six rods he built so I must be pretty happy with them.
If thats too much for your wallet ask Chuck or Brad at Bobs. They will point you in the right direction on a cheaper pole.
I think any of the reels I mentioned would be great,just partial to the Fin-nor.We'll see about the Ouchkuma!!! From what I've seen though they are a good reel. Just dont get the 20.It doesnt have enough line capacity.
If you have any questions let me know and I'll try to help out.
If interested in a custom rod or just want to check one out,that can be arranged too.

You can spend a lot more on reels. I just dont see the sense in it.
The same guy that builds the poles builds Hurleys jigs.Great salmon and steelhead jigs.

Even though criticized on the penn reels thread for my love of the reel I would say get a peen 4300 SS. Read that thread to learn more about it if you wish.

Your fellow fisherman,
Pautzke