I am also new at the trolling for Salmon sport. I purchased a Crestliner, Comander 1850 last spring, and I have it set up with everything for trolling. I went out with a friend that charters out of Sandy Creek (Lake Ontario) so I could learn what he uses and what to do. He advised me to get Shimano/ Tekota 600LC reels and Ugly Stick 8'6" med. action rods. I now have 8.