St. Croix Legend Trek Rods 
MSRP: $460-$530
St. Croix’s new Legend Trek spinning and casting rods are built with the globetrotting angler in mind, with eight 3-piece spinning- and casting rods ranging from 7- to 7 ½ feet in length that each pack down to 32 inches or less—short enough to fit into the bottom of most duffle bags or to carry on jets or floatplanes. Legend Trek rods are stronger, lighter and more sensitive than rods built with standard tapers and resins, and each rod is further strengthened with Advanced Reinforcing Technology throughout the blank.
Temple Fork Outfitters Esox Fly Rods
MSRP: $319.95
In order to chase big fish, you need a rod that can handle bushy, air resistant flies. Enter the Esox fly rods, which are built with the hardcore angler in mind. The Esox series utilizes TFO’s proprietary TiCr blank coating, which helps protect the rod from the occasional collision with a weighted fly or gunnel, while the exaggerated fighting butt aides anglers in picking up and casting large flies and heavy lines. The rods are available in two line-weights, built to handle 300-400 and 400-500 grain lines.
LamiglasRedline HS Series Rods
MSRP: $240
Offering five spinning and five casting models, these handmade rods are versatile enough to cover several different techniques but are actually dialed to perfection for Northwest-specific techniques: Hover Salmon, Drift, Troll, Drift/Troll, Float, Float/Troll and Drift/Float. In manufacturing the line, Lamiglas utilized a completely new production technique and graphite interlace system that hasn’t been technically possible until now, and several different types of graphite materials and resins were combined to perfect the desired actions.
Wright & McGill by Eagle Claw WMHD90C2 Salmon Rod 
MSRP: $69.99
Designed specifically for drift-fishing applications, this heavy-action rod features a two-piece IM7 blank, Fuji reel seat and hard alloy guides, as well as full cork handles. With a line rating of 15- to 50 pounds and a lure rating of 1- to 5 ounces, we figure this is just the tool to fill the drift-fishing slot in your rod lineup, whether drifting for kings on the Kenai, Deshka or Nush this summer.
St. Croix Legend X LXF9011.4 Fly Rod
MSRP: $520
First introduced in 2014, Legend X fly rods are designed specifically for casting oversized flies when fishing large species, and the new 11-weight model released this year has us thinking big kings. Built on blanks rolled with a multi-dynamic blend of four carbon fiber materials, the rod delivers exceptional power and enhanced strength for fighting big fish.
Okuma Cold Water 350 Low-Profile Line Counter 
MSRP: $159.99
Introduced specifically for salmon fishermen, the Cold Water 350 Low-Profile Line Counter brings together three core features to create the ultimate reel. First is a compact ergonomic body that fits the hand with exceptional comfort while housing a high-capacity 350-size spool. Second is a powerful drag system with 25 pounds of max-drag output. And third is a precision line-counter for exact trolling presentations. Casting, jigging, trolling, back-bouncing, float fishing—the Cold Water 350 Low-Profile Line counter is one reel that can do it all.
Daiwa Ballistic EX Spinning Reels
MSRP: $199.95-$209.95
Benefiting from advanced design concepts and technology, Daiwa’s new Ballistic spinning reels are now magsealed, which enables the reels to perform in either fresh- or saltwater conditions. Ballistic reels have a Zaion body and side cover to make them lightweight and corrosion-proof, while also offering a sealed drag, Air Rotor, Digigear drive and other advanced features—all at a price that won’t put you into bankruptcy.
3-TAND TF-Series Fly Reels
MSRP: $179.95-$209.95
The 2- to 7-weight TF-Series reels from industry upstart 3-TAND are waterproof, lightweight fly reels that feature hard-working yet smooth double NanoCF Drag discs. By treating carbon fiber with a unique process, 3-TAND has developed fly reels to take Alaska fishing, while the waterproof housing protects the mechanics of the reel for long-lasting and consistent use. Match this with the ergonomic structure of the lightweight and durable frame, the interchangeable spools, hidden counterweights and a mid-range price.