Inaugural Chinook Showdown 4/18/15

That Dragonfly looks sweet but honestly, the biggest prize for me is going to be a fish in the boat at the end of the day.

That's the truth, but I can't think of how you could top catching a winning springer though; an awesome fish and a new toy to track them with?  Yeah...I want!

I'm mainly participating to enjoy a day of fishing & meet some new folks to fish with in the future. I know some of us may be territorial at times with our secret spots but let me know if anyone wouldn't mind an extra paddler around. Just don't drink all my beer and we will get along just fine

I am planning on being in the Hawthorne or Sellwood area for the Showdown if you want to tag-a-long with me (I'm sure there will be lots of kayakers in both of those spots since they seem to be the hot spots right now).

I don't know much about salmon fishing since I've only gone once so far.

Keep in mind that hot is truly a relative term when it comes to Springer fishing. The Hawthorne spot, for example, has been producing fish here and there with the occasional school of dumb biters that gets a few people hooked up, but I wouldn't really say it has been "hot". I know I'm not the only one guilty of posting only success stories and not how many hours I've spent there lately.
I think it's just that more people are spending time there this year instead of other places.

I haven't found anywhere that states the required safety gear for the event. What are water temps like right now? I'm still waiting on my drysuit to come back from Kokatat.

I haven't found anywhere that states the required safety gear for the event. What are water temps like right now? I'm still waiting on my drysuit to come back from Kokatat.

Water temps have been hanging around 52 lately. I think its unlikely that the water temps will get above the high 50's by the day of the tourney.

I only know how to get to Hawthorne that's the main reason I am planning on going there.  Being new to the area I don't know know many places to go.  I know how to get to the Gilbert River boat ramp too but that might be too far from the weigh in if by dumb luck I get a fish.   

I haven't found anywhere that states the required safety gear for the event. What are water temps like right now? I'm still waiting on my drysuit to come back from Kokatat.

The only firm safety gear requirements are a PFD and Sound device as mandated by the state, that said immersion wear and visibility equipment are highly recommended and encouraged. 

I got to the launch today and realized I forgot my drysuit.  I just climbed in my kayak and let Ndogg push me out.  I am so sweet I am made of sugar and I didn't want to melt.   That being said, the water is still a bit cold, but it would be a refreshing swim if necessary.  I mainly wear my drysuit now because it always rains when I fish. You should be fine.

OK.....I'm in! My first tournament. Was gonna fish Saturday anyway....might as well throw a few$ at HOW. Also in the $5 big fish pool. Couldn't get lucky today....guess I'm saving it for next weekend. Good Luck Everyone!

It looks like there will be some stiff competitions out there next week.  I think I am going to have to bring out my lucky tourney rod. 
Also, if you haven's signed up yet, the registration is still $20 until this Wednesday. 

I'm mainly participating to enjoy a day of fishing & meet some new folks to fish with in the future. I know some of us may be territorial at times with our secret spots but let me know if anyone wouldn't mind an extra paddler around. Just don't drink all my beer and we will get along just fine

Beer!
Hugh, I will be fishing St.Johns (as always)...I think its main attraction(for me) is its usually pretty lonely.  Kinda like that....not much of a crowd fisherman.Easy launch. It does give up a fish now and then....  Today there was a bit of a crowd in there.. musta gave up a few fish this week , lol. Saw one nate caught today.If you, or anyone else, is interested. .. PM me. It's a ways from weigh in, but with no check in,...
 Looks like I got a pass for tomorrow, too.

Good job Barb and congratulations. Guess I'll not get one this year either. Art

Answered wrong post, getting old.

I'm registered and paid up.  It looks like I might be  fishing down at the Sellwood area.  I don't have time to fish down there and from what I've read this sounds like a reasonable section of river to fish.  Are there any reasonable motels close by that area? .I'm going to try to drive down there after work Friday evening.  Hope to see & meet some NWKA members.

Currently only 20 people competing for awesome prizes like this Raymarine Dragonfly 6 Pro complete with Navionics Gold and included professional installation at the Next Adventure kayak fishig pro shop.

Come on and sign up folks, so far we dont even have as much money raised for HOW as this prize alone is worth!

DANG...I need a fishfinder!  That's a SWEET prize!