Columbia River report 4/2

I hope I am not posting this twice..

Went fishing yesterday (Thursday) with jself. Fished for Salmon along the East Side of Sauvie island. I was mooching herring and jself used a quickfish. Fished for about 6 hours and just as we decided to turn around head home I thought I got snagged  but after working the "snag" for a minute finally realized I had a  fish on. But it was pretty obvious that it was not going to be a salmon. After about ten minutes I landed this nice little shaker. This was my first fish in the northwest off of the kayak. Just about a minute before the hookup we had watched a big bull sea lion heading up the river about a hundred yards from us. It had occurred to me that might be an issue but he must have had bigger fish on his mind as we didn't see him again.  Incidentally, the bank guys had taken five fish by the time we pulled out around 2:30.  Huge thanks to jself for going out with me and helping with everything including the great photography.

Nice. By shaker are you referring to an undersized sturgeon?  It doesn't look like Jason has updated his blog, but I'm looking forward to the pictures.

Brian

Nice report Tex!  Thanks!

Had a chance to go salmon fishing on the Columbia the 2nd, and we did pretty good.  Boat fishing - not from the kayak.  With five in the boat I hooked two fish, landed the first and passed the 2nd off to my father-in-law.  Happy 81st birthday!  Seems the bite was better down by Davis, but I'll take what I got and be gratefull.  The springers may be late, but they're on the way.

Here are the pics I thought I had attached earlier.

AMB, Glad to here people are starting to get into the springers. A guy at Fishermans World this evening said they got three in the boat today. Looks like they're coming!!!

TX: Nice fish and photos. You look pretty comfy in that chilly water. Mind describing your gear?

Thanks for asking Fishboy here is what I had and also what I missed

Heavy weight synthetic Thorlo hiking socks
Synthetic midweight long underwear
3mm Farmer John
synthetic long sleeve running top
fleece jacket
waterproof shell
Lotus Designs PFD (isn't a fishing vest though) but it floats and has one pocket and most importantly is comfortable
Simms fleece fingerless gloves
waxed baseball cap with wool cap over the top.

Most of the day I was fine even got a little too warm and had to take off the fleece jacket and wool cap. Was perfect after that.

Here was the problem, I left my Gore-Tex waders hanging in my garage (was going to try Wali's suggestion of using both WP waders and a farmer John as it looked to be a fairly cold wet morning). Problem was I had the waders in my hand and hung them up to go inside and grab some last minute stuff and forgot to get them in the car. So forgot the waders and payed for it upon launch where my feet instantly got soaked.  Lesson #1 You can check all the items off of your list but you have to make sure they all stay together. Lesson #2. I might need to invest in some waterproof socks or neoprene booties. Would like to hear peoples thoughts or preferences. 

Another problem  was that when I needed to handle the fish my gloves soaked through and my hands started to go numb pretty quick. Lesson #3 I guess I need some waterproof gloves or neoprene. Do they make them where you still have good dexterity with you fingers, and your hands stay warm and dry, any suggestions?  Oh and a net would have been nice too. ANy thoughts on a good all-around net(Ling, Salmon, Steelhead and small sturgeon) for Kayaks?

Even though my feet got wet a fair amount it didn't seem to bother me that much. And once I released the fish with Jason's help   and started paddling again my hands were OK. So even though I had some problems I still learned a few things. all part of becoming a better fisherman.  Incidentally, I really appreciate everyones thoughts and opinions I may not be posting all the time but I have been reading everyones thoughts and suggestions religiously. It has made the transition to NW kayak fishing a lot easier.

Jerrol

Hey TX - Nice sturgeon!  That must have been fun.  Looks like you guys had a real good trip.  I'm looking forward to learning more about the area you were in.  Nice pics and a great fish.  Congratulations!