Nubie at ORC?

I am trying to get into kayak angling. I was thinking of renting a boat and coming over for the ORC to learn the ropes, but I don't know if that would be the best place to learn. I'm looking for input. do you agree / disagree? Please let me know. Thanks.

Probably a good idea to get some experience before hitting Depoe Bay.  It's a more noob friendly spot than a lot of places, but until you're comfortable in a kayak I'd suggest holding off on actually fishing that tournament.  If you can get out on some lakes and get to where you're comfortable paddling for several hours, doing self-rescues, and just dealing with all the junk associated with fishing before ORC, then absolutely you should come on out.  Otherwise maybe consider just coming for the fish taco dinner and meeting a bunch of us and having a good time.

Yep, get some practice on lakes and get familiar with kayak fishing.

Or you can pay a guide to take you out a time or two to shorten the learning curve.

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Depoe Bay is probably the easiest place to get out on the ocean in Oregon (no surf launch, no bar to cross).  However, it's really going to depend on the marine forecast and how comfortable you are in the water.   How well can you swim?  For example, if you are an avid surfer you're probably going to be very comfortable kayak fishing in the ocean.  Likewise, if you don't think you could jump into the deep end of a pool and swim across to the other side easily I'm guessing this isn't for you.   

Rent a couple sit-on-top kayaks before the event and take a friend out to a local lake and leave the fishing gear in the car for a bit.  Paddle the kayaks out into water that is deeper then you are tall and roll them over.  Work on getting back on the kayaks.  Try it again and again until you can self recover in about 10 seconds or less.   Paddle around... how does it feel?  Do you think you could paddle 5-7 miles without a problem?  How is you're stability?

Also, NWKA and Next Adventure in Portland has been hosting a monthly meeting about various kayak fishing fisheries.   In April we did clamming and in May we talked about bass.  It just so happens that in June we're talking about rockfish and lingcod fishing.

Next Adventure Paddle Sports Center
Portland, OR
Tuesday, June 18th, 7 pm  ( a week from tonight)

We'll talk about fishing techniques, regulations, tackle and rigging.    However, a good portion of that discussion is going to be about safety.    Come with your questions and there should be plenty of salty members there to help answer them for you.

Brian

 
  All of the above.....++++

  bsteves monthly meeting would be an excellent idea as well.
  Looking through past topics concerning safety might be wise too.

  I say take the plunge........and welcome to the addiction.

  And come on over to ORC. Lots of information, meet up with other addicts, and share ideas and make future plans to increase your knowledge and enjoyment out on the water.

I agree it might not be a great idea to participate, but I would go just to see the gear and meet people. You will learn a lot by talking directly with the folks who have done it for a while, and there is no metadata for the government to track

Thanks everyone for the input. I think I'll stand down for ORC this year, although I might come down to lurk. Thanks again for the input.

Thanks everyone for the input. I think I'll stand down for ORC this year, although I might come down to lurk. Thanks again for the input.

Absolutely come on down for the dinner and awards ceremony.  It's a great party.  Lots of stuff you can get involved in that day even if you're not fishing.

Thanks everyone for the input. I think I'll stand down for ORC this year, although I might come down to lurk. Thanks again for the input.

  Oh Hell yes...

  If you do come down (as recommended) we can always put you to work--at the weigh-in station, helping out with the cooking and clean-up Saturday night, helping drink up some serious Ninkasi .
  In other words--try to make it---you won't be sorry.