Having trouble finding a good rod for salmon trolling. 90% of the time I fish alone. Although I prefer it, he typical 10'6" rod doesn't work for me. It's almost impossible to play and fish and net it by myself, with a rod that length.

I'm using a tekota 500LC reel.

I've been using a 9' med-heavy fast action (st croix wild river) rod which is the right length but not the right action.

I'm thinking a 9' medium-heavy or heavy rod with moderate action is the ticket. But as far as I can tell, there's only one of those made:
http://www.stcroixrods.com/products/freshwater/avid-series-casting
The St. Croix Avid AVC90HM2

And it's $$$$$

I've learned my lesson about buying expensive rods...I'm way to clumsy for them :P

I'd spring for something under, say, $175. I'm thinking Fenwick would have something but I can't find it.

my goto trolling rod for salmon is a 8.5' fenwick 8-20lb line class rod. it was sold as a steelhead/salmon rod. if I'm not trolling the fly rod for silvers this is what I use.

its light duty for salmon... but can handle most anything up to 20 lbs.

I have always felt that in Puget Sound the odds of exceeding a 20 lb salmon are so low that I may as well gear down. so far it has never bit me... but it has lead to some really exciting times...

Our downrigger rods are inexpensive Shimano TDR rods. About $40.

I have 2 of the Lamiglass, 8'-6" Certified Pro fiberglass rods. You won't break the bank or the rod from downrigger use.

when you go to the fenwick fishing site select casting, freshwater, salmon and steelhead. that will get you to the newer versions of the rod I use...

keep in mind the slower the action/taper the more of the rod will work on the fish...it gives you the big C bend as opposed to just the upper section of the rod bending. the c might look funky on the downrigger but it is more forgiving on the fishermen. then again it will add to the overall distance away from the boat when fighting the fish.

i fight most fish with the rod horizontal rather than vertical and that allows them to get closer to the boat also. but that is not a hard and fast rule...

Shimano Convergence, 10'6" CVCM106M2B. Try to get one with a cool Canadian style handle... should be around $80.

Thanks guys!

Okuma makes a short downrigger rod. I use them out on Lake Coeur D'Alene for the Chinook. I am in the same spot as you, often alone and with those rods I can net a fish.

There are chinook in Lake Coeur D'Alene??

Lamiglas 9' classic glass.

+10 for Shimano Convergence. Not only are they a great rod in terms of action, but they come with a lifetime warranty! And at around $70-80 you're looking at a great set up. Also, if you're not in a huge rush, you can wait for the OE/Sportco Christmas sale when they put their stuff for 20% off.

I have seen them paired with level wind reels quite often (mostly Canadians do it, but it's not uncommon). I have also seen mooching reels paired with conventional rods as well so I am sure you'll get people saying you can do it without any problems. It's all personal preference. My suggestion would be, take a look at how you hold your rod when you fight a fish currently. Then go to your local sporting good shop and see which rod you're most comfortable with. This'll tell you if you like the Canadian style rods vs conventional style.

IF, you're like me (and most people here) you'll pull the trigger on a rod before Christmas time. In that case, I would go with either the Shimano TDR or the Daiwa Wilderness downrigger rods. Super cheap! And, because it's downrigger fishing, you're going to abuse the hell out of your rods. If it's your first time with downrigger fishing, it's better to tip wrap/break a $15 rod vs a $200 rod.

That's just my two cents.

+1 on the Lamiglas CG90DR hard to beat for the money.

I don't see why an expensive rod is necessary for downrigger fishing. In fact I often use cheap garage sale rods for that purpose.

Now, mooching or jigging is a different story.

Like I said, I got my Shimano rods for $60 each when they were on sale. I also use Daiwa rods with my conventional reels. Nothing really expensive. I just paid a little extra for the peace of mind the lifetime warranty gave me. I actually had to use the warranty and Shimano was great! No hassle! I sent it in on a Monday and by the next Monday I had a new rod at my doorstep.

baitman, yes, there are chinook in Coeur d'Alene lake. That's one of the reasons I miss my cousin that passed away a couple years ago. Living in Post Falls, owning a boat and being good fishing company were some of his best qualities.

Lami Classic Glass

lamiglas 1348, they call it the "herring rod". great trolling stick, though i also use mine for bobber fishing kings.

Another vote for the Lami Classic Glass. Sure, you can spend a lot more money but for what purpose on a rod that will spend most of its time on the rod holder? Good action, moderate price and tough - just what you need in the boat especially fishing alone.

Tested tough in my boat with clumsy me.....

Sounds like a winner!

Daiwa DXS is what I use , long and limber with plenty of backbone , I use the 10' but they make a shorter model too