New (to me) Outback, ready to Salmon, Ling and fish HOW events.

Last week I had the opportunity to pick up a '14 outback for a very fair price from an individual who really helped me out on this deal. Now it's time for first run out before the modifications begin (my wallet is cringing) to pile up. 

After picking up the outback, I decided that safety gear should probably be the first area of focus.  As it stands now I have a nice Palm Aleutian drysuit.  I'm currently reseraching PFD's and wow....there are a TON of them.  This week, the search function on NWKA has been thouroughly exercised, but I'm still sorting through the different types of PFD's.  All I really need is low profile with a few mesh or velcro pouches for Forceps, snips etc.  I dont mind if it has been used, beat up and fish slimed because it's just going to happen anyway.  Any guidance on a simple, functional PFD that wont swallow me like a whale?

Utilizing the search function I found a thread where similar questions (of mine) were asked and mainly answered.  One statement stuck out...it basically said "take your outback fishing, catch some fish, then determine what extras you might need."  I'm ok with slow and steady as I'd like to get this right, but part of me wants to hammer down and go fishing tomorrow.  I think a trip to Hagg or Willamette might be in order just to run the paces, at least I'd be able to fish for something at those locations.  I'm missing a roof-rack at the moment, but that will be fixed soon.

Long story short, If anyone is headed out somewhere close-in to Portland (in the next few weeks) and wouldn't mind a tag-a-long, let me know.  I'm known to buy beers.

I have plenty of steelhead/trout/smallie and some salmon gear.

Thank you for all of the valuable info.

Scott

Congrats on the new Outback.  Depending on my work schedule may try to head out for springers after work next week. I will drop you a line if I am headed out. 

congrats on the outback! hope you get some (fish) blood on it soon.

re: pfd. it's all subjective, but I actually found that - regardless of type/style of pfd i'm wearing - I used my fanny-pack more than the pfd's pockets. holds more, can be easier to get to, and the pfd can bulge out, obstruct easy movement a bit, when it's packed full of stuff.

also, yes, i use a fanny pack.   

Congrats on the new Outback.  Depending on my work schedule may try to head out for springers after work next week. I will drop you a line if I am headed out.

Thanks! I would be interested in meeting up.  I'm really close to the river as well.

congrats on the outback! hope you get some (fish) blood on it soon.

re: pfd. it's all subjective, but I actually found that - regardless of type/style of pfd i'm wearing - I used my fanny-pack more than the pfd's pockets. holds more, can be easier to get to, and the pfd can bulge out, obstruct easy movement a bit, when it's packed full of stuff.

also, yes, i use a fanny pack.   

Much appreciated!  That's good to know....it's ok, I carry one too when I'm steelhead/bank fishing.  I don't even care. 

I'm a stoked as you are, congratulations!

Thanks Lingbanger!

Now, to figure out some sort of rod holder situation for the Willamette.  I found a used FF/GPS that will work...the price was right so I will eventually get that sorted.  Can you think of any not-so-pretty ways to rig a rod holder for trolling?