Essential Gear for Successful Salmon Trolling in BC | Pacific Net & Twine Guide

Mackenzie Moore
Essential Gear for Successful Salmon Trolling in BC | Pacific Net & Twine Guide

Essential Gear for Successful Salmon Trolling in BC

 

One weak link can lose a big salmon. A cheap swivel. A rusty reel. A worn line. That's all it takes.

Saltwater destroys cheap gear really fast. What works in lakes breaks in three ocean trips. And it always fails at the worst possible time…like when a 35-pound salmon is ripping or when you're finally catching fish. When it really matters.

This is your complete salmon trolling gear guide. We’ll cover every important piece you need: rods that handle big fish, the perfect reel  and tackle that doesn't break. Based on three generations of BC fishing and a whole lotta PNT expertise…let's get into it!

13 Essential Gear for Salmon Trolling

Here is the key gear you'll need in your boat before leaving the dock for salmon trolling: 

1. Rods

You need a 10.5-foot medium-heavy mooching rod with slow action that provides backbone for deep pulls while maintaining sensitivity at depths of 200 feet or more.

The classic BC salmon trolling rod runs 10.5 feet for a reason. This length gives you the leverage to work gear deep and the reach to clear lines when multiple rods are fishing. Medium-heavy power handles big fish without feeling like a broomstick, while slow action protects light leaders during sudden strikes.

Shorter 8-9-foot rods would work if boat space is tight, but you sacrifice leverage when a big Spring decides to dive under the boat. The extra foot and a half matters when you're trying to turn a fish away from your boat or downrigger cables.

Our Top Pick: Trolling & mooching rods: Full selection from entry-level to premium options.

You should look for models with quality guides (Fuji or similar) and comfortable cork, carbon or EVA grips. Two-piece rods travel easier and are the standard, but one-piece rods provide better sensitivity.

2. Reels

BC waters demand single-action "mooching" reels with smooth, sealed drag systems and corrosion-resistant construction that can handle 300+ yards of line and years of saltwater abuse.

Single-action reels aren't just traditional on the BC coast—they're superior for playing fish. The direct connection lets you feel every head shake, and the smooth drag systems provide precise control when a big Chinook makes its run. These "knuckle busters" might spin the handle during initial runs, but experienced anglers love the feedback and control.

Islander TR-3 Reel

Our Top Picks:

  • Islander TR-3 Reels: The gold standard for BC salmon trolling. These reels last for decades with basic maintenance.

  • Salty Outdoors Reels: Victoria-made quality at accessible prices. Excellent drag systems and durability.

  • Amundsen TMX5: Large arbor spool designed to reduce line memory and increase line speed. Spindle is machined out of 316 stainless steel for corrosion resistance and durability.

  • Daiwa M-One: This classic Mooching reel design features the smooth power and control of Daiwa’s UTD Carbon drag.

3. Mainline

You can use 30-40 pound monofilament for most trolling applications, or braided line with a mono topshot for deep water and Winter Spring fishing. A good 30-pound mono remains the gold standard.

Your mainline choice impacts everything from hook-setting power to how your gear behaves at depth. Monofilament between 30-40 pounds provides stretch that cushions sudden strikes and forgives mistakes during the fight. That elasticity saves you when a 25-pounder slams your hoochie at full trolling speed.

Our Top Picks:

Quality options from trusted brands

  • Berkley Pro-Spec

  • Daiwa J-Braid 8 Strand: For anglers who prefer zero-stretch sensitivity

  • 30lb test for general trolling; bump to 40lb for commercial applications or big fish areas

Braided lines offer zero stretch and a thinner diameter, allowing your gear to get deeper with less weight. The trade-off? You need careful drag management because there's no forgiveness in the line.

However, spool capacity matters too. Your reel should hold a minimum of 300 yards, with 400 yards or more ideal for deepwater applications. Nothing worse than getting into a big fish only to realize you're running out of backing.

4. Fluorocarbon Leaders

It's best to run 30-50-pound fluorocarbon leaders in 6-8-foot lengths to maximise presentation invisibility while maintaining strength for powerful salmon runs.

Fluorocarbons’ near-invisible properties give you a massive advantage in BC's gin-clear waters. Salmon in heavily fished areas, such as Vancouver Harbour or the Gulf Islands, have seen every lure pattern. That extra stealth from fluorocarbon often makes the difference between strikes and follows.

Our Top Picks:

The leader length varies depending on the technique and water clarity. Standard trolling leaders run 6-8 feet, giving salmon plenty of room to strike without seeing your mainline. In super clear water or when fish are picky, some anglers stretch to 10-12 feet. However, dirtier water allows you to get away with 4-6-foot leaders.

Pre-Tied Leader Options:

Keep in mind that pre-tied leaders can save you a significant amount of rigging time and ensure consistent presentations. Commercial trollers pre-rig dozens of lines before trips to maximize fishing time, rather than fiddling with knots.

5. Downriggers

Manual or electric downriggers with 200+ feet of cable capacity, 10-20 pound weights, and quality release clips are non-negotiable for effective salmon trolling in BC waters.

Downriggers have improved West Coast salmon fishing by letting you fish specific depths without heavy inline weights. Salmon feed anywhere from 30 feet to 250+ feet, depending on season, baitfish depth, and water temperature. Downriggers help to put your gear exactly where you need it.

Electric vs. Manual:

  • Electric downriggers (like the Scotty HP series) can save your arms on full-day trips and provide precise adjustments when working depth changes. Push a button, boom, you're fishing 10 feet deeper.

  • Manual downriggers cost less and never fail in rough seas. Commercial trollers swear by them because there's nothing to break down when you're 50 miles offshore.

Our Top Picks:

In our experience, braided line outlasts standard wire and resists kinking more effectively. Make sure to mark your cable every 25 feet as a backup for depth and have spare counters.

In addition, quality release clips make the difference between landed fish and lost opportunities. Scotty and Cannon clips can adjust to different release tensions, letting you fine-tune for light-biting Coho versus aggressive Chinook. Set them tight enough to avoid false releases from wave action, but not so tight that they damage your line or fail to release when fish strike.

6. Spoons

Ensure you stock enough 3.5-5 inch spoons in proven colours, including chrome, chartreuse, glow green, and purple patterns, for consistent production across all BC salmon species.

Spoons remain the most versatile salmon lures on the West Coast. The flash and wobble imitate wounded baitfish that salmon can't resist. A well-stocked spoon box covers different light conditions, depths, and salmon moods.

Our Top Picks:

Follow this colour Selection Strategy for your spoon lures: 

  • Chrome patterns excel on bright days and in clear water

  • Glow finishes produce in deeper water (100+ feet) or low-light conditions

  • Chartreuse  works when herring or needlefish are present

  • Purple/pink combinations trigger aggressive strikes from Coho

It's advisable to run spoons at 2.5-3 knots for proper action. If it's too slow and they don't wobble, too fast and they spin. Simply watch successful boats and match their speed until you dial it in. Type of flasher can also affect speed of troll.

7. Hoochies and Flashers

You can pair soft plastic hoochies with rotating flashers in 8-11 inch sizes to create vibration, flash, and swimming action that triggers strikes from suspended salmon.

Hoochies (soft plastic squid lures) paired with rotating flashers create presentations that salmon find irresistible. The flasher's rotation sends vibrations and light flashes that attract fish from a distance, while the hoochie's swimming action triggers the strike. This combination accounts for massive numbers of BC salmon annually.

Our Top Picks:

  1. Hoochies: Use different colour patterns

  • Green Onion Glow: The most consistent producer across all BC waters

  • Purple Haze: Deadly on Chinook, especially in deeper water

  • Army Truck: Green and chartreuse combo that Coho loves

  • White/Chartreuse: Excellent in clear water and bright conditions


  1. Flashers: Rotating and fixed-blade options

  • 8-inch flashers for Coho and smaller Chinook

  • 10-11-inch flashers for big Chinook in deep water

  • Chrome flashers for bright days; glow or UV for depth and low light

8. Bait

Fresh or frozen herring and anchovies remain the gold standard salmon bait, fished as cut-plugs, whole baits behind dodgers, or in teaser heads behind flashers.

Natural bait still outproduces lures in many situations. But the scent trail, realistic appearance, and natural action trigger strikes from even the most finicky salmon. Fresh bait beats frozen every time, although quality frozen herring is a suitable alternative when fresh bait is unavailable.

Our Top Picks:

Here are some best practices for bait rigging gears:

  • Cut-plug herring: Cut at specific angles to create spinning action

  • Whole herring: Behind the dodgers for natural swimming action

  • Anchovies in teaser heads: Trolled behind flashers, extremely productive

Pro Tips for Bait Fishing:

  • Fresh herring produces better results, but can be hard to source

  • Brine your frozen herring overnight to firm up the flesh

  • Check bait every 20-30 minutes while trolling—damaged bait won't spin properly

  • Carry multiple herring trays to keep bait organised and protected

Cut-plug herring creates a spinning action that salmon find irresistible. The key is cutting at the right angle (typically 30-45 degrees) to achieve proper rotation. Too steep and it spins too fast; too shallow and it doesn't spin at all.

9. Terminal Tackle

Quality ball-bearing swivels in 100-200lb test, barbless hooks in sizes 4/0 to 6/0, and various weights ensure your presentations work properly and comply with BC regulations.

Terminal tackle seems like small potatoes until a cheap swivel binds under load or a hook straightens on a big fish. Quality components in these critical connections are what you need to land great fish.

Our Top Picks:

  1. Swivels:

  • Corkscrew Swivels - 1/0 to 4/0: Ball-bearing construction prevents line twist

  • 100-200-pound test handles torque from rotating flashers

  • Sampo and Spro brands outlast cheap alternatives

  1. Hooks:

  1. Spreader Bars:

  1. Weights:

  • Coated Cannonballs: 10-15lb for most trolling

  • 2-8 oz inline weights for specific presentations

Critical Reminder:  Barbless hooks are mandatory for fishing for Salmon in most BC waters. They actually increase landing percentages by penetrating cleanly without barbs deflecting off hard mouth parts. Always check current DFO regulations for your fishing area.

10. Electronics

Modern fish finders use CHIRP sonar, GPS chartplotters, and water temperature gauges to transform guesswork into precision fishing by marking bait, fish, and productive depths.

A quality fish finder is the single biggest technological advantage you can add to your salmon trolling setup. It allows you to see baitfish concentrations, mark suspended salmon, and identify productive structure turns.

Our Top Picks:

Here are some key features you should look out for in your fishing electronics:

  • CHIRP sonar separates individual baitfish from the background

  • Down-imaging shows the bottom structure and suspended fish

  • GPS chartplotters mark productive spots and track trolling patterns

  • The water temperature gauge identifies thermal breaks where salmon concentrate

Salmons prefer specific temperature ranges—typically 48-54°F for Chinook, 52-58°F for Coho. Temperature breaks, where different water masses meet and often hold feeding fish.

You can mark your productive spots with waypoints. Additionally, recording the locations where you've caught fish builds a database that pays dividends season after season. Note the depth, temperature, and tide stage when fish were biting.

11. Landing Gear

You've done everything right—perfect presentation, proper depth, clean hookset, controlled fight. Then you lose a 27-pound Chinook at the net because your hoop is too small or your mesh is tangled. Don't let inadequate landing gear steal your fish of a lifetime.

Large landing nets with 24-30 inch hoops and rubber or soft mesh bags will protect your fish and ensure successful catch retention without losing trophy salmon at boatside.

Our Top Picks:

  • Salmon Landing Nets: 24-30 inch hoop models

  • Rubber or soft mesh protects fish slime and scales for catch-and-release

  • Telescoping handles reach over gunwales safely

Net selection tips for anglers:

  • 30-inch hoops handle even a large Chinook without cramping

  • Knotless mesh prevents hook tangles and fin damage

  • Telescoping handles (6-8 feet extended) give you reach without a permanently long handle in the way

Some commercial trollers and guides prefer gaffs for big fish, but nets work better for catch-and-release fishing and comply with most sport fishing regulations.

12. Safety Equipment

PFDs for all passengers, marine VHF radio, flares, emergency gear, and proper navigation tools aren't optional—they might save your life in harsh weather conditions.

BC's coastal waters can be unforgiving. Fog banks roll in within minutes. Afternoon westerlies kick up 6-foot seas in areas that were glassy at dawn. Equipment failures happen. Weather forecasts can be wrong. Safety gear is what gets you home when things go sideways.

Essential Safety Items:

  • PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices): One properly-fitted PFD for every person aboard, worn or immediately accessible

  • Marine VHF Radio: Your lifeline when cell service disappears (which is most of BC's coast)

  • Flares: Current, Coast Guard-approved, stored in waterproof containers

  • Sound Signalling Device: Air horn or whistle for fog or emergencies

  • Navigation Lights: Proper running lights for dawn/dusk fishing

  • First Aid Kit: Comprehensive kit with supplies for cuts, hooks, and emergencies

  • Emergency Provisions: Extra food, water, warm clothing, waterproof matches

13. Fish Handling and Storage

You've invested time, money, and effort to catch these beautiful fish. Don't ruin that effort by poor handling that degrades meat quality. Proper care from the moment of landing ensures your salmon tastes as good as they should.

Quality coolers, ice, sharp knives, and proper fish handling techniques will help preserve the premium quality that makes BC salmon world-renowned from hook to table.

Our Top Picks:

  • YETI Tundra Coolers: Superior ice retention keeps fish fresh for 24+ hours

  • Quality fillet knives with flexible blades

  • Fish bags or plastic for organising catch

Let's take a look at the proper fish handling steps:

  • Immediate Dispatch: A Quick bonk to the head humanely kills fish and stops stress-induced lactic acid buildup

  • Bleeding: Cut the gills immediately and let the fish bleed out in water or over the side. This removes blood that can create off-flavours

  • Cleaning: Gut fish as soon as practical, especially in warm weather. Digestive enzymes can degrade the quality

  • Icing: Layer fish with ice in your cooler. Salt-ice slurry (add salt to ice water) drops temperature faster

  • Draining: Use cooler drain plugs so your fish doesn't sit in freshwater melt

Salmon Trolling Gear Maintenance Tips

Ensure you rinse all equipment with fresh water after every saltwater trip, regularly lubricate reel bearings and drag systems, inspect lines for abrasion, and store gear in dry conditions.

Saltwater destroys fishing gear faster than anything else. The crystalline white residue you see after a day on the chuck? Pure corrosion waiting to seize your reel, rust your hooks, and degrade your line. Simple maintenance extends gear life from seasons to decades.

Islander and Salty Outdoors reels need minimal maintenance, but that small investment prevents mid-season failures. A $5 tube of reel grease and 20 minutes of work saves you from a very expensive reel replacement.

Gear Up and Get Salmon Trolling

The difference between a full cooler and wasted fuel comes down to having the right gear and knowing how to use it. From proven North Pacific pre-tied leaders that save rigging time to Islander reels that BC anglers have trusted for years, quality equipment pays for itself in fish caught and memories made.

Whether you're outfitting a commercial troller or gearing up for weekend trips, Pacific Net & Twine stocks everything you need for successful salmon trolling. Ready to gear up? Browse our complete salmon trolling collection online or visit our physical stores.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Trolling Gear

What's the difference between trolling and mooching for salmon?

Trolling means pulling lures behind a moving boat at 2-3 knots using downriggers to control depth. You cover water to find feeding salmon. Mooching uses drifting or slow motor-mooching with cut-plug herring and sliding weights over known holding areas. Trolling is mobile and exploratory; mooching is stationary and targeted.

How much does a complete salmon trolling setup cost?

Quality beginner setups (rod, reel, downrigger, terminal tackle) start around $800-1,200. Mid-range runs $1,500-2,500. 

High-end setups cost over $3,000, but they're built tough enough for professional fishermen and guides. You can start with cheaper gear and upgrade as your skills develop, but avoid bottom-barrel gear that fails under saltwater stress and when confronted with big fish.

Do I need a different gear for Chinook versus Coho salmon?

The same basic setup catches both. Some anglers run lighter leaders (20-30 lb) and smaller lures for Coho versus Chinook gear (30-50 lb leaders, larger presentations). Coho feed higher (60-120 feet) and strike aggressively. Chinook require deeper presentations (80-200+ feet) and subtler action. A standard 10.5-foot rod, a quality reel, and a 30-40 lb mainline effectively handle both situations.

When should I replace the fishing line on my trolling reels?

Replace mono mainline annually with heavy use (30+ days per season), or every couple seasons for occasional fishing. UV exposure and stress can weaken mono, even when it appears fine. Replace fluorocarbon leaders way more frequently—after landing several big fish, any abrasion, or discolouration. Always replace lines showing nicks, fraying, or weak spots. The line is cheap compared to the cost of lost trophy fish.

What's the most important piece of salmon trolling gear to invest in first?

Downriggers. Precise depth control makes the difference between fishing where salmon feed and where you hope they might be. After installing downriggers, invest in a reliable fish finder to locate bait and mark fish. Then focus on proven terminal tackle and fresh bait. Expensive rods and reels won't help if you're fishing the wrong depth with poor presentations.