Saltwater
Starbuck,
An 8 wt rod is a good choice. I personally like a 9 wt for salmon but the 8 wt will do the job. I also prefer to buy Sage rods, and I have several of their 9 weight rods and some 8 weights as well.
I have switched over to Orvis reels almost exclusively. I really like the Battenkill reels. The Mid Arbor will do a good job for you, and as suggested, get the MA V model. I personally would prefer the Battenkill Big Game Large Arbor. The LA IV would be perfect. Yes, it is $100 more but it does reel in at a rate of 1.5 times as fast as the Mid Arbor.
Good luck fishing.
Larry ---sagefisher---
Organizations and clubs I belong to:
Fly Fishers International Life Member
FFI 1000 Stewards member
FFI Presidents Club
FFI Fly Tying Group Life Member
Washington State Council FFI
V.P. Membership
Alpine Fly Fishers Club
President & Newsletter Editor--The Dead Drift
North Idaho Fly Casters club