09/17/2026
Our RPO staff gil d'Oliveira
On today's adventure.
Today I paired the 13-foot Amundson Kudos Strategy X float rod with my level wind reel. When casting over long distances, it is important to mend the line by removing slack. This technique is accomplished by lifting the rod tip high, ensuring most of the fishing line remains above the water, and allowing the float and bead to drift at a rate consistent with the river current. Salmon tend to avoid presentations that don't look natural.
A 13-foot rod provides a significant advantage over shorter rods. It also enables me to use lighter leaders, specifically 10-12 pound fluorocarbon, along with a 15-pound main line. The Kudos Strategy X centerpin float rod is constructed from IM7 high-modulus graphite and offers moderate action.
For example, I drifted the described setup with a 12 mm BnR Soft bead and size #1 hooks. I positioned the bead two finger widths above the hook. This arrangement often causes the hook to set in the corner of the salmon’s mouth when it bites.
Today, the rod performed well, landing both an 84 cm and an 89 cm spring salmon.
Pro Tip: In rivers that are low, clear, and have slower currents, especially under clear skies and full sun, use the lightest leaders and smallest beads or hooks to increase your chances of success with large salmon.
