[Tam Greenock]

Ok guys, l havent done any Salmon fishing for over 25 years.

What would you recommend that l buy, rod and reel wise, to get me started on The Don.

Thanks
Tam

(Sorry Tam, split this from the Don march topic as you may get further feedback in a new topic. Hamish  )

[Ben Dixon]

Ok guys, l havent done any Salmon fishing for over 25 years.

What would you recommend that l buy, rod and reel wise, to get me started on The Don.

Thanks
Tam

Hi Tam,

Buy any rod that takes your fancy between 13 & 14' rated either 8/9 or 9/10 and a reel that balances the rod.  Having the right lines on the Don makes a huge difference, go for a short head.  I like Rio's AFS shooting heads, these are available as a kit with running line, a floating head and some polyleaders and the heads in different sink rates are available individually.  The floating, sink one & sink 3 heads should see you right in any conditions, a Skagit line can be really useful when the river is very big and or very cold.  If you need any more info, drop me a PM

Cheers

Ben

[Graham Ritchie]

I would go for the 14ft #9-10. This will allow you to fish larger flies/sinking lines during the spring or when the river is in spate. For more delicate low water work you can always use your trout rods.

[Hamish Young]

I'd agree with all the above, a range of polyleaders is a must IMHO.

I have the Rio AFS set up and am smitten with it, super-easy to use and on the Don that's a good attribute as the banks and wading can be 'character building' in places  so a quick loading outfit is handy.
Plenty of good rods out there new and used, I wouldn't go above 14ft for the Don.

As has been suggested already, come lower water conditions, a single hander is all you really need - but make sure you've got those polyleaders for that outfit too 

Hamish