The only time I've fished salmon was in Ireland.
Spent only 2 days but caught all of them using light equipment, in order to keep very mobile. I mainly used the Rapala Original Sinking and Husky Jerk. The reel I'll always count with is an Okuma VS. Mine is size 20 and probably too small if you mainly target salmon. That being said, it's such a pleasure to use it (14 bearings and really precise brake) that I've taken zander, perch, Spanish pike with it.
Okuma really does good stuff at a price which is much better than even Shimano or Daiwa.
On the Daiwa subject, the Legalis series is good stuff, too.
As others mention, it's good to visit a store. I purchased the Okuma reel in a small shop in Brittany, the owner advised the VS for trout and salmong and I don't regret that advice.
Anyway, the bite and fight that a salmon delivers is really worth some investment.