The type of rod and reel you’re going to use really does depend on how you are fishing for salmon. The river and stream anglers will be using fly fishing gear to present their flies or spinning gear as they cast lures or fish with spawn sac or dough baits. Some anglers use their baitcasters when casting for salmon in the rivers and in the harbors. The trolling with usually have fairly longer rods that are stronger to deal with all the trolling tackle, a moving boat and possibly some very big fish. Let the situation dictate what you end up using, but don’t make the mistake of going too light. You will almost always lose a fish that you could have caught if you didn’t go so light. It happens all the time.