Fishing for a Reason
Welcome to "Fishing for a Reason," the podcast that dives deep into the heart of fishing and the meaningful connections it brings. Hosted by Jamie Propst, founder of Anglers Unlimited, we explore the impact fishing has on our lives, communities, and environment so that you can become a more effective angler and catch more fish and have more fun every time you go out on the water or hit the hiking trails. Whether you target salmon, halibut, lingcod, crab, shrimp or fresh water species, there is something here for you.
From tales of epic catches and new places to wet a line in the PNW, to discussions on life, love and business, and the latest fishing reports, "Fishing for a Reason" is your go-to source for inspiration and insight. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just casting your first line, join us as we discover the many reasons why fishing is more than just a hobby—it's a way of life.
Fishing for a Reason
48: Why Your Off-the-Shelf Salmon Rod is Holding You Back (And What to Use Instead)
If you’re unsure what fishing rod you should be fishing for salmon — or you’ve bought gear in the past that never felt right on the water — this episode will clear the confusion fast.
On this week’s Fishing for a Reason, we sit down with founder of ProLite Rods Chris Wegeleben, who has spent nearly a decade building technique-specific fishing rods for salmon, halibut, and nationwide fisheries. Chris explains how choosing the right blank, power, and action directly affects your hookup rate, your fight control, and how many fish make it to the net.
Instead of chasing brands or stiffness, you’ll learn how to choose gear based on how you actually fish — whether that’s trolling for kings in Puget Sound, or jigging heavy pipe for halibut in Alaska. If you want to stop guessing, start buying with confidence, and get more fish to the boat, this is the episode to listen to.
What You’ll Learn:
- How rod design actually affects landing rates
- The real role of rod blanks and materials
- When to choose graphite, fiberglass, or composite tips
- Why longer rods help cushion king head-shakes near the boat
- How to match power/action to your technique (downrigger, mooching, 360, jigging)
- The difference between durability-built guide rods and sensitivity-built rec rods
- How beginners should shop their first salmon rod without overspending
- Halibut rod setup—lengths, fast tips, and why spiral wraps reduce torque
Resources Mentioned
- JOIN OUR INNER CIRCLE: Anglers Unlimited Gold Membership
- Prolite Rod Technology (Custom Builds, Take-Down Rods, Salmon & Halibut Gear)