Top 10 Best Fishing Rods for Buoy 10

Bouy 10 is a ship marker out towards the mouth of the Columbia River near Astoria, Oregon. Anglers considering top-notch salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest are recommended to visit the Bouy 10 fishery. Guides and fishers refer to Buoy 10 as the enormous region that extends from the mouth of the Columbia River up the beach in both directions for roughly 3-5 miles. Most sport anglers on fishing trips on the West Coast head to this ship marker to hunt for the plentiful Chinook salmon and coho salmon. This ship marker is one of the most well-liked and productive salmon fisheries in Oregon and the Lower 48.

Like other fisheries, Bout 10 experiences some boom and bust cycles for salmon fishing. There are times both the coho salmon and Chinook salmon runs are amazing; meanwhile, there are years when only one specie is in tremendous supply. Before salmon stocks have consistently increased early in August, the Buoy 10 fishing can start slowly. When fishing in Bouy 10, anglers must consider the best rods they can use. This article will serve as a guide to the top ten best fishing rods for Buoy 10.

1. Berkley Air Rods

A popular rod series for Buoy 10 fishery is the Berkley Air rods. The best rod actions to utilize are the 7'9" HB and 8' XHB, 9' and 10'6" XH, and 9'6" and 10'6" HH models. The 7'9" and 8'XHB are more accessible to stow than longer rods. They are perfect for fishing straight behind the boat. Meanwhile, the 9' to 10'6" length rods are handy when aiming to extend lines out for a wider trolling swath. The HB and HH can handle fish that weigh up to 12 ounces, while the XHB and XH can take fish weighing 16 ounces. Anglers trying to hook a 20-ounce fish can use the 9'XH model.

2. Douglas LRS Spinning and Casting Rod Series

The LRS Series rod was designed as the workhorse addendum to anglers' arsenal. These outdoor rods offer anglers exquisite looks, high-end features, superior strength-to-weight balances, and thoroughly arranged technique-specific moves. LRS rods feature tactical perceptiveness and the durability that sport anglers expect from their equipment, primarily if they target massive salmon in the buoy. 

3. Okuma SST Series Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rods 9'0

Okuma SST Series Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rod is the ultimate rod to use when aiming to hook salmon, steelhead, and trout. The SST fishing rod has it all. It is perfect, whether you are a bank fisher or a hardcore salmon sport angler targeting big Chinook out at Buoy 10. The Okuma SST Series is tested and guarantees a good angling experience.

4. Douglas XMatrix Spinning and Casting Rod

XMatrix Spinning and Casting Rod Series are premium rod series. These rods are highlighted with exquisite movements and are designed to cover an impressive range of specific techniques and castings. High-end components are found inside and outside of XMatrix Rods. XMatric rods are made from a proprietary carbon matrix arrangement, Fuji alconite guides, high-density EVA grips, and graphite inserts; the perfect equipment to bring when Bouy 10 fishing.

5. Shimano Scimitar Spinning Rods

The Shimano Scimitar Spinning Rods are rigid but keen enough to pick up the most modest bites. These rods are well-balanced with a 1500 or 2500 series reel and can make accurate casts. The Scimitar series is designed for freshwater, salmon, or light inshore drift fishing. They also feature Aluminum Oxide guides for increased casting length and durability.

6. Gary Loomis Salmon Mooching Fishing Rod SAMR1084C

The G. Loomis Salmon Mooching Fishing Rod SAMR 1084C is a standard mooching rod designed to fish hook salmons. Anglers who prefer drift fishing can use it in the buoy for casting or plunking. This rod can handle even the largest of the salmon species. 

7. Okuma Classic Pro GLT Salmon Trolling Rod

The Okuma Classic Pro GLT 2-Piece Salmon Trolling Rod is one of the best trolling rods. The rod flex at the tip is good and keeps a steady tension on the fish when bringing it in. The Okuma Classic is flexible enough to load when attached to the downrigger properly. It also has plenty of backbone to fight massive salmon species.

8. Gary Loomis IMX Salmon Trolling Casting Rod IMX 1174-2C SATR

G. Loomis IMX Salmon Trolling Casting Rod IMX 1174-2C SATR is a rod with a unique combination of flexibility and strength. The rod's flexibility allows the salmon to mouth the bait before they eat without feeling too much resistance and resilience to set the hook and catch the fish. This rod is perfect for trolling, motor-mooching, or drifting with the tide.

9. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod

Ugly Stik's lengths and actions are created specifically for salmon and steelhead fishing. The Elite series features 35% more graphite for lighter weight while maintaining its toughness. It features premium cork handles, Ugly Tuff guides for durability, and the Ugly Stik Clear Tip structure. Its grips provide a comfortable and sure hold, even in damp conditions.

10. Bass Pro Shops Fish Eagle Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rod

The e Bass Pro Shops Fish Eagle Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rod features a rugged RT3 graphite blank that delivers exceptional flexibility—precisely what anglers need for targeting trophy fish. It also has a carbon cross-wrap lower section that adds greater power to the rod core. The rod has a premium cork handle with rubberized-cork trim, and a reverse-taper foregrip provides cozy handling while fishing.