New to the Northwest and Kayaks

I am new here to Oregon from Pennsylvania (by way of New Mexico) and thanks to INSAYN and some others I am hooked on kayak fishing (pun intended). 

I've done a lot of fishing in my 40+ years on earth both from the bank and from a boat.  I have fished small ponds to large lakes, mountain streams to mighty rivers, but nothing has compared to kayak fishing.  Being able to get to where the fish are hiding in small inlets or up against walls and other structure is great.  You can get where other boats only wish they could go and you do it quietly.
 
Now my first experience in a kayak was not that great.  I had borrowed a friends Revo, and although I liked the pedal drive system ("mirage drive", I was told is the correct term) I didn't like the stability of the kayak.  It felt like I was was always on the verge of going for an unintended swim.  I was not impressed.  Then we went out again and I borrowed another friends Outback, and what a difference.  It was much more stable.  By the end of that fishing trip I was moving around on the kayak without any fear of flipping.  I would rotate around and sit with my feet dangling in the water off the side.  We were at a local lake and I set up a rattle trap and decided to try just trolling it and with just a leisurely pedal I was getting hits and hookups on almost every pass.  It was all over from there, I was a convert.

Now I am looking into getting my own kayak (a new 2015 Outback, I think) and fishing the lakes and rivers and eventually the Ocean here in Oregon.  Unfortunately I have to get other things first, like a place to live, but once that's all squared away I will be heading to the local Hobie dealer to plunk down my funds for my latest addiction.
 
In the meantime I figured I would "troll" around here to get pointers and insights (and find some future fishing buddies).

hdpwipmonkey (aka Ray)

Welcome to the team Ray. It was fun watching you roll out of Revo into the lake, with your feet pretty much still on solid ground.   

One good day on the water in Johns Outback really set it in for you, no doubt.

We'll get you in a Hobie before next summer somehow. 

Welcome  to the forum, really good people and info.

Roger

Welcome to the most beautiful place on the planet.  Spend some time here, you will learn a great deal about all northwest fishing, not just kayak fishing.   There is no question you shouldn't ask. 

I love it here already.   I went out to the Wilson last week and caught my first salmon.  It was amazing.  It was just from the bank and not from a kayak but still fun.  Looking forward to getting my kayak and hooking into one.  I would love to hook into a sturgeon too.  I've been watching the videos that others have posted and living my fishing addiction through those.  [emoji1]

Nice!   Be careful,  once you've caught salmon from the Kayak in the ocean,  you'll be addicted.

Welcome! Where in New Mexico did you live? I was guiding and living near Raton/Trinidad, CO. last year.

Once you get settled feel free to stop by Next Adventure in Portland, whether or not you buy from us I'm more than stoked to walk you through boats and talk kayak fishing. Just ask for me, Tanner.  We're a Hobie dealer and also have Wilderness, Ocean Kayak, and a bunch of other boat brands, and all the rigging. Give me a call or stop by.

Another great resource is Kayak Shed out in Hood River, they have a solid selection and they know their fishing, ask for langston

@ TP...  I lived in the Albuquerque area in Rio Rancho.  I am in the process of closing on a new house but once that's done and I can get some extra cash I will be down to see ya.  I want one of the new 2015 outbacks.

Welcome to eh Pacific Northwest! Lots of great fishing around here, and once you're ready, the ocean is awesome! The best part though is the great community here. Great people willing to teach others and share a beer with after a day on the water.

I was drawn to the Outback after a guided trip on the Columbia and questions I had about ocean fishing in the much heavier models.  I'm very happy with my Outback and would recommend Next Adventure in Portland as a place to get squared away on a new 2015.  They helped me get mine before our excellent Salmon season came to a close.  I had blood in the boat within 24 hours of picking up my boat.  I'm looking for companions in the Newport Oregon area to go out with so if you're interested respond back.  I saw two Yaks out of Depot Bay yesterday before our seas got insane but calm conditions are just around the corner.
S. Snow
Newport Oregon