Never Too Old

Hi all, I just retired and decided to return to a passion of my youth: fishing! I've always wanted to be free from the shore and kayak fishing seems to offer that freedom. I just completed a class on bank fishing for salmon and steelhead offered by one of the members here (his YouTube alias is Spilt Milt https://www.youtube.com/user/spiltmilt)and learned a TON that also cleared up a lot of misinformation I had about fishing here in the Pacific Northwest! He also ran a workshop on kayak fishing and that set the hook, so to speak, and so here I am, never too old to learn a thing or two--or to have a happy (second) childhood. Looking forward to learning more about kayak fishing from the members here.

Welcome, NTO, have you got a kayak yet? Retirement is the best, I got into this insanity about a year after retirement at 66. Would be great to get together and chat, I'm in Camas right next door.

H

IslandHoppa: sounds like we have much in common and a meet up would be most welcome! I'm very new at this: both fishing for salmon and steelhead (I did trout and bass back in Colorado years ago) AND kayak fishing. Just bought a used Jackson Cuda14 after doing a lot of reading/research. Got a Yakima rack installed today and should be water ready by end of week would really welcome some "lessons" if you're willing! (BTW, did you work for HP once upon a time?)

Maybe we can get together Friday or next week, PM coming. I was in the tech world for over 30 years at 8 different companies in New England, AZ and CA, most of which have been acquired, HP acquired Avantek where I worked in the mid '80's.

Sure hope you "Old Guys" can get together. Wish I could get with ya'll. Art

learned a TON that also cleared up a lot of misinformation I had about fishing here in the Pacific Northwest!

Congratulations on your retirement.  I think you made an excellent choice in location.

What misinformation had you heard about fishing the PNW?

Tex, let us know when your wanderings bring you back to the Great PNW.

Welcome Phil! You have a lot of passion and a willingness to listen and learn. I predicts lots of fish in your future. I look forward to seeing more from you bud.

I started kayak fishing this year. Just had my 66 birthday. Never to old.

I'm 72 and still paddling / pedaling.  I've been an avid fisherman all my life, and this is the most fun fishing I have ever had.  Welcome and enjoy!

learned a TON that also cleared up a lot of misinformation I had about fishing here in the Pacific Northwest!

Congratulations on your retirement.  I think you made an excellent choice in location.

What misinformation had you heard about fishing the PNW?

Where to begin? I was overwhelmed by a) the many different types of licensing requirements B) not understanding "summer" vs "winter" seasonality of various species (is that right? species?) 3) the BIG RIVER d) thinking one needed a power boat v) not wanting to fish with rope and a pool stick after 4' rods and 2# test in Colorado F) the BIG RIVER and hawg lines. I could go on but suffice it to say I have a GREAT MENTOR who dispelled many of my misconceptions which allows me to reframe my thinking about fishing up here. I'm all in now for all the freshwater stuff.... maybe salt later.

Sounds like USP has got you up to speed.  Have a great time out there.  Still plenty of time left this fall to catch a few.  Good luck.

Welcome to the forum. I have to say that kayak fishing is an addiction for me. I too am retired. It is a wonderful thing to go fishing when you want. I live in the Portland area also and would like to tag along with you guys. I have a little bit of knowledge and am willing to share. Send me a pm when you are planning something.

Nice to see you back on the forum Aytch!

wobbler

GB2 and I are planning a crappie day at Lacamas Friday and we'd love to have more company. Not an O-Dark 30 launch,  just a relaxing paddle so stay tuned and we'll post meet up time.