So my uncle has recently invited me to go Salmon fishing come October-ish. However, I have ZERO clue where to start as far as terminal tackle is concerned, let alone lures and such. I guess the basics would be line and rod action. I know a lot of people fly fish for Salmon, but I doubt we'll be doing that. Something tells me I need some hardcore gear for this.....

Also, since funds are tight, I would like whatever set up I have to get to be versatile and not have to get something that perhaps is specific to Salmon fishing. Also, let's stay away from "buy brand X" because most likely I WILL NOT be able to afford the brand that you suggest. I just need to know what action rod and what to look for in a reel.

I am trying to find some websites to read about it, but again, all recommendations are to buy brand X rod and brand Y reel and don't yet indicate why.

I know NOTHING about Salmon fishing....

Heading to Lake Michigan? Will you be casting from shore? Casting from a boat? Early or late season?

From shore you'll want probably a 9' spinning setup. From the threads I've read, the shore guys use Fireline Crystal, couldn't tell you what lb test. I cast from a boat and have the ability to follow the fish. I use bass rods and as far as reels, Abu Toro and Abu C3 5500, spooled with Samauri 55lb braid. Most guys who throw spoons swear bt KO Wobbler 3/4 oz. I throw cranks. I still have some Berkeley Frenzys which have outperformed any other crank. Countdowns, Fat Free Shad, 3-4" range, gold with a black back, silver with a black back, white with a black backduring the light hours. After dark, chrome Rattletraps or firetiger countdowns or jointed Rapalas. Change out the hooks on the cranks to larger heavier trebels or single hooks. Late season use spawn, marshmallows, or corn.

These are all Lake Michigan Wisconsin fish

Look up some old Gillespies Waters and Woods shows for more info

I'm not sure if we will have access to a boat or not, but presumably we will fish from shore. He said some time in October, so whatever time of the season that would be and it will be up around Chippewa Falls in Northern WI. Why a 9' rod? If I were to buy a 9' rod, I would have no other use for it and it would be useless to me since I couldn't transport it in my car unless it was a 2 piece. Could I re-purpose some bass gear? My uncle said he just uses salmon eggs, but I'm game for lures too. Especially if it gives me an edge to outfish him lol.

The guys who shore fish Lake Michigan use the 9' rods to cast way the hell out there. Didn't know they had salmon in the Chippawa. Been to the Linenkugal Brewery though. Wish I could be more help. Did you try lake-link?

I don't know where we'll be fishing, just that he lives in Chippewa Falls. It is highly unlikely that we'll be going to any of the Great Lakes though. He just brought it up this weekend and again today so I am trying to get an idea of what sort of tackle I'll need. I presume it will be river based, but I nothing about salmon runs.

I have fished the Root River in Racine and had a king break a light action rod. If you use a stiffer action rod spool the reel with no more than 15 lb mono. A lighter action rod, 15lb flouro or maybe 20lb braid. This set up is for shock absorbtion more than anything when casting cranks or spoons. Using spawn I'd stay away from the braid strictly because of the visibility. Just use a circle hook and put on a small chunk of fresh skein if you can get it otherwise a spawn sac will do. (Skein is the eggs before they detach from the membrane) You can also use 2 or 3 corn kernals on a hook. Red Play Dough is another one I forgot to mention earlier. In water withlow or no current, mini marshmallows work. They float, so put just enough of a splitshot to keep them down.