Here on Vancouver Island we need top quality fishing reels to handle the rugged West Coast conditions and take on big B.C. salmon. Our fishing style and tackle are often different from what is used in different parts of the world. So if you are a new fisherman needing to gear up, or an experienced fisherman looking to improve your equipment, here are the top five salmon trolling reels for Vancouver Island.
Shimano 4000GT
This is the tried and true workhorse for salmon fishermen on the west coast. It has been around for decades with few modifications. This plastic reel might not be the smoothest or have the best drag but it just keeps working. While not ideal for deep water trolling it's a great place for the budget minded fisherman to start building their gear inventory.
Trophy XL QR
This reel is a step up on basic budget reels. It is machined aluminum with an excellent cork drag plate. It is smooth and fishes well at all depths. Available in many bright colours that hold up very well to heavy use. This reel does require regular maintenance to keep the cork drag in good condition. A couple drops of oil is all it takes, but this must be done every ten trips or so. Replacement parts are generally available, but installing them is up to the owner of the reel. This reel is great for people looking for an improvement on the old style plastic reels, without the cost associated with most other machined high end reels.
Amundson Trend X5
This reel has only been around for a few years but it is rapidly becoming a favorite with guides and fishermen alike. It is the reel recommended for people planning on running their gear hard. It requires very little maintenance other than the standard fresh water rinse and end of season cleaning and greasing. It seems to rarely have any issues and can handle big fish and deep water. Amundson has been very good about taking care of the few reels that have had problems. Based in B.C., they quickly fix any problems and they are building a positive reputation among fishermen.
Nautilus CCFX2
This reel is a true work of art. If you are looking for the best, this is the reel for you. It is incredibly light and well machined, with the smoothest drag system available. Despite this lightness, the drag is very strong and can handle the largest salmon. It must be spooled with backing, braid, and a topshot of monofilament. This seems complicated, but the spooling instructions are included with each reel, and the reel has helpful markings on it to easily show how much of each line is needed. If you are looking for a reel that stands out from the crowd, and have the budget for the finest salmon trolling reel around, then you should consider the Nautilus.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 7000
The previous four reels are traditional west coast single action "knuckle duster" style reels. The Ambassadeur is a level wind style reel that is more popular on the Great Lakes and with Washington state fishermen. This reel is very functional and is more efficient than a single action reel. It's faster on the retrieve and there are no spinning handles to smack your knuckles when the fish runs. This means if you have beginners or kids on board, you can hand them an easy-to-use reel that can still handle any fish in the sea. The only reason this style reel hasn't become more common on Vancouver Island is tradition, and that many fishermen enjoy the challenge of single action reels. But if you want a very good reel that can do it all, then look no further than the Ambassadeur.
