What kind of fishing gear do I need to catch a King Salmon?

You'll definitely need a heavy rod that can accommodate at least 30lbs test line and a spinning or bait-casting reel. A good, inexpensive rod for King Salmon is Shakespeare's 8' Ugly Stick. This rod will cost you about $80, and will do everything you need it to. Some people prefer the feel of a more expensive rod like a G-Loomis' or Orvis. These are not absolutely necessary.  However it is nice to fish with a quality rod. Success will depend more on technique and where you fish.

For a reel we would suggest a bait caster. While they're a little harder to master than a spinning reel, the drag systems on these reels are unbeatable. Not to mention, you can cast to the moon with a good bait-caster (handy for hitting the opposite bank.) The Ambassador 6500 series is what we recommend. It all really depends on the preference of the fishermen. Also, a heavy duty, open-face reel will work best if that is what the fisherman is most used to.

KingFishers recommends spooling your reel with Maxima 40lb test line.  This is good line and holds up well under the strain of a King.  If you would like to beef up your rig and fish with "toughline" a woven nylon line we recommend 80lb test.  Still having a mono leader.  Changing your line is important from year to year.  If any point on your line system is weak, it will break under the strain of a King.  The only thing worse than loosing a good King is loosing a good King and half you line too. 

For terminal gear, we suggest a piece of pencil led about 18-24 inches up from your "rig" should be a quarter sized orange corky with a hook just above the corky and a hook just below.  Dress the top hook with a sack of salmon roe.  If the King misses one hook, the other may just get hem.