Suggestions for trolling rod

I havent experienced the issues Zach highlights in comment 2 above, but he also catches more salmon in a season than I probably have in a lifetime so I would listen to him.

Haha thanks!  But really its different for each person as everyone has their own opinion and what works for them. 

i think the most common length used is 9'6.  I think both 10'6 and 7 ft are the outliers.  Most rods designed for salmon and sold at local fishing start ay 8ft and go to 10'6.  Some manufacturers are now making 12'6 trolling rods but these are not commonly found at fishing stores.  On most guide boats i see they are running 9'6"-10'6".  Lots of kayakers prefer the Trevala rods- That is not something i see on boats.  Having a short rod with limited space is nice and may be a big factor.  Untangling tip wrap on a kayak for a 10'6 rod typically means dunking the reel in the water or doing yoga lol.

    Sure you may be able to see the pulse better, but does it REALLLY make the lure behave differently? I have my doubts.

Being able to see the rod thump is the one of the most important thing to me when fishing.  Salmon key in on certain speeds and knowing your speed over water (not ground-what your gps provides- current could be adding significant speed).  The way most people determine that speed when using 360s is rod thump.  I think speed is just as important as what flasher or lure I use.

I like to start off trolling slow= <1 thump per second (Typically best for spring salmon).  Then i move to normal trolling speed 1 thump per second.  Then i move to faster speeds >1 thump per second (Typically best for Fall).  Each day is different.  Some days they spring fish like it fast.  Some days fall fish like it slow.  I often look for those who are catching a lot and see what speed they are using. 

I focus on the following when fishing (often in this order).  This does not take into account of water temperature, time of season, locations and other factors.
1. What depth are the fish running? Are they suspended or on the bottom?  How much line on the line counter?
2. How fast or slow should I be trolling? Should i add/subtract weight to maintain a line angle (~45 deg)
3. What lure/bait am i using? What colors are fish keying in on
4. Length of leader? Affects the action on the lure
5. What bumper length?  This affects speed of rotation of flasher
6. What flasher is being used?  I like mixing up my flashers depending where i fish (Ex. I like darker flasher (ex Hallucinator) for river fishing but when i run it in the ocean i never get bit.  Chrome variations work best in the ocean)

If the above steps are not working... I wash all my gear with soap and start over then i move onto the following

7. Should I add a scent?
8. Should i adjust the line angle and make my lure farher away from me? Are the fish afraid of the boat/kayak and farther away may help

Sorry for going way off topic.  I did it to show you how much i value speed and the type/quality  of rod often helps me determine that.  That being said i dont run a downrigger.  I am very detail oriented when it comes to salmon.  I find the more details i can control the better my success
 

@Shin, on behalf of all of us who have been trying to learn Zach's secrets for years....thank you!

So many good rod options but as of now I'm leaning toward a Guide Select Classic or a Talon. Thanks again to all for the input.