Salmon Fishing the Thompson River?

[Sunzuki]

I do realize the season for salmon is now closed.
Did fish this season for one day and had a fun day.
The only thing lacking was the proper river casting set up.
Have more than enough rod/reel combo's around here for
trout and sturgeon, but none dedicated for this fishing.

With the boxing day sales going on and such, what would be a good
level wind reel and rod combo?
Not wishing to speed $200-$300 on a reel as the local shop figured I should.

There should be something out there above entry level that won't break the
piggy bank.

Suggestions?

[gerrygoat]

If you are casting spoons, jigs or bottom bouncing an Ambasseduer 6500 is a good choice and not too expensive if you get a C3 and fill it up with some good 20 lb mono. A rod around 10 feet give or take is nice to have in big water, you can get some really nice graphite rods these days for a reasonable price and the less expensive models typically are more durable than the high end stuff anyway. I use something just like that here but normally use a LH 7001 instead, would like to add the 6501 Record this year.

[tinhorse]

Fenwick hmx 10'6" rod with the for mentioned ambassador c3 or 4 6500 series and you'll be good to go. Combos go for as low as $149 to $229. These are decent rods with good feel and play which is important when fishing big water and trying to feel the bite. You can go more expensive with the rod with a loomis or sage or there are several others comparable to the fenwick. As for reel the ambassadors are not what they used to be but are still a decent reel. Just buy a couple spare worm gears as they seem to wear out over time. I do a lot of salmon fishing and have replaced mine twice over 5 years. $6 and easy to do. Good luck, and shop around for a good deal, should be some out there tomorrow.

[gerrygoat]

Good you mentioned about the reels, avoid the Chinese made Ambasseduers and get a Swedish made model which eliminates the cheaper reels. If it is made in Sweden it will say it on the side of the reel, if it doesn't say anything it is from China.

[bighornbob]

I fished the Thompson all fall and put 41 sox into the freezer (who needs a deer in the freezer). I bought a fenwick HMX (11footer I think ) at surplus herbs before Xmas last fall for $50 on sale. Surplus herbs also had a sale about a month after Christmas and I picked up a Swedish made ambassador 6500 for 30% off. I put a 40lb braided line on the reel.

Bhb

[Sunzuki]

What are these Ambassador reels fetching for $$?
Sounds like the flavour.

[gerrygoat]

A 6500 or 6501 (left hand) C3 should be around $140 or so. With some shopping you could get it for less.

[bighornbob]

The C3 6500 sells for about $140 at herbs. Like I said they always have a big sale in January and they have their fishing stuff 25-30% off if memory serves me right.

Bhb

[russm]

10'-6" shimano technium and a shimano Calcutta is what I use , it's not totally inexpensive but it's a rather nice combo

[Sofa King]

Good you mentioned about the reels, avoid the Chinese made Ambasseduers and get a Swedish made model which eliminates the cheaper reels. If it is made in Sweden it will say it on the side of the reel, if it doesn't say anything it is from China.

good to know.
good to know that mine's made in Sweden.
I have the abu 6600.
what's the big difference with this reel?

[Sunzuki]

Anyone order off Amazon.com with any kind of good results?
Looks to be some fair deals on their site.

[Ferenc]

Man you guys......at least have a look at some centerpins !!!

[Sunzuki]

What's a centerpin? Like a yo yo reel?
Tired of them.

[Ferenc]

What's a centerpin? Like a yo yo reel?
Tired of them.
Ha ha ha yep!!! Gotta admit they are classic

[SPEYMAN]

The limit on salmon is 4 per day and a two day possession limit. 41 salmon in the freezer is well over the possession limit. Wouldn't be advertising on an open forum.

[coach]

Can you find that in the regs, Speyman, particularly as it applies to your place of residence?

[bighornbob]

The limit on salmon is 4 per day and a two day possession limit. 41 salmon in the freezer is well over the possession limit. Wouldn't be advertising on an open forum.

Page 88 from the current fishing regs:

Possession Quota.... The number of fish of any species that an angler may have in his/her possession at any given time, EXCEPT at the place of ordinary residence.

BHB

[Sunzuki]

Hello???? :shock:

[RINO]

I have the abu 6600.
what's the big difference with this reel?

I'm thinking yours should have a thumb bar release ???? and the 6500 will have a side button release.. Personal preference... I have converted a couple of mine to the thumb bar..

[SPEYMAN]

The total possession limit for salmon is eight, of which only four may be chinook. This possession limit includes all salmon caught on either a tidal licence or a non-tidal licence, or a combination of both.

Federal may be different than Provincial.

[coach]

The total possession limit for salmon is eight, of which only four may be chinook. This possession limit includes all salmon caught on either a tidal licence or a non-tidal licence, or a combination of both.

Federal may be different than Provincial.

See post #17 above. "Except at the place of ordinary residence"