Finding a quick combo to fish for king salmon isn't like picking up an inexpensive fly rod to use on a short trout fishing trip. The size and power of the fish require a better rod and a reel with a powerful drag system. Usually lower priced gear compromises performance when targeting fish of this size. Here, the reel does more than hold line, and the rod will certainly be tested to its limit.
I recently went into Cabela’s and watched a man walk up to the fly shop attendant and ask him if a rod and reel in a box was a good outfit for his trip to Alaska where he was going to fish for salmon. The attendant was polite, however; I wanted to tell the customer he was about to go "hunt bears with a pellet gun" if he purchased that setup, or anything within $150 of it. You don't need to break the bank, but if it is truly a once in a lifetime trip, spend a little extra to get the gear to ensure the memories match the expectations.
I'd recommend a 8-10 weight for salmon up in the Betsie area. If you go heavier, it will help you turn the salmon in tight quarters. A 9 or 10 weight would be usable for pike / musky on future trips and would justify the purchase of a heavier rod. If fishing for steelhead and salmon, an 8 weight would be a versatile outfit and could be used for pike and bass.
I'd recommend talking to Schmidt Outfitters in Wellston, Michigan. The shop is anywhere from 35 mintues to an hour south of where you will be fishing. I visited a few other shops in the Traverse City area, but the customer service and hospitality didn't come close to Schmidt Outfitters. They also have rooms you can rent if you are looking for a place to stay & fish with a guide service.
As far as specific reel recommendations, I would recommend anything in the Lamson Guru, Velocity, or Lightspeed class of reels. All of these reels have the same sealed drag system until you get into the #4 Lightspeed model. The only difference is the amount of aluminum machined from the reel, and difference in standard versus hard alox finish. A Guru 3.5 is $229 and holds 200 yards of 9 weight line. This gets you the best drag with a fully machined reel for the lowest price point in the Lamson lineup. If you need to go cheaper, a Konic has the same drag system in a cast reel.
With rods, you can purchase an Echo Ion for $190 or an Echo Edge for $250, and you get a rod tube with each price class. The extra few bucks for the Echo Edge is justified by saltwater safe componts and a better reel seat. A St. Croix Imperial will run you $220.
Your line will be the most important purhcase you make. Be attentive to depth and current. You may want to look at a line such as Rio Versi Tip to be able to fish multiple differnt depths and currents. This is where fly fishing will become more difficult than just chucking hardware or float rigs through the current.
$490 will get you a Lamson Guru and an Echo Ion 9 weight rod. If you find the right fly shop, you could probably get a standard line and backing thrown in for free on this combo. You could also get free shipping and avoid sales tax if you order it online and have it shipped to you, so your end price point will not drift over the $500 mark.
A less expensive option would include a standard spinning reel and longer medium heavy - heavy steelhead or salmon rod with a float bobber and spawn, or a few Mepps spinners. Again, a St. Croix Wild River spinning rod could run anywhere from $160 - $180.
Good luck on the trip & be sure to post some photos on the Great Lakes board when you are finished!
