Anyone up for PDXish Willamette smallmouth fishing/first trip in my (own) kayak?

I've researched a LOT and having waited several weeks since acquiring the used Hobie, I'm ready to get the boat wet. 

I would really like to be springer fishing, but I do not have rod holders/FF mounted just yet (I could use some adult supervision on that topic.)

I've got my dry suit, PFD and all of my existing fishing gear, cart etc.  Since I have yet to install geartrac or my FF, I would like to at least hook into some smallies (which is where my experience happens to fall) and wanted to at least have someone else along for the ride/fish.  During the trip I will be planning on where to place my electronics and rod holder or anything else that I would like to customize.  There will be some folks doing the salmon prep float that Spot/rawkfish set up, but I would be too tempted to troll while holding my salmon rig.

Any suggestions on launching sites in some smallmouth areas in the Portland area?  I'm pretty much available all weekend(s).

Cheers!
Scott

If you really want to be salmon fishing, then you should go to the meet up this Saturday at Davis Bar.
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=15162.0

You do not need a rod holder or a fish finder. Just keep the rod in your hand, or throw it in the stock "holders". There will be lots of expert supervision and it's really the perfect scenario to start out.

Small mouth are pretty much everywhere in the Willamette and the Columbia that has a little cover. I'd pick the closest beach to you on the Willamette and give it a try near docks and rocky outcroppings. With weather like today, you probably won't be alone.

Thanks Skidplate.  I might just do that, but I'll bring my smallie gear just in case or stop at cathedral park on the way home.  It was last summer since I've been on a kayak, so this should be good.

I hold my salmon rod when I troll, even after it took me a year to install my rod holder.  And I have yet to technically "install" my fish finder.  There will be so many people there, you'll see where others are trolling, and you'll be able to feel bottom to keep your bait low for the offerring.  So don't let those things deter you from partaking of the Springer Clinic at Davis Bar.  This is a great opportunity to learn from other kayakers - it's great!

... There will be some folks doing the salmon prep float that Spot/rawkfish set up, but I would be too tempted to troll while holding my salmon rig....

I think the whole point going on Saturday is to do some trolling.  You're in a Hobie.. just hold your salmon rod.   I  don't want to even think about what you guys do with your hands when your using a rod holder.

As for bass fishing, once my salmon fever dies down (i.e. the run is over in May or I get too frustrated at not catching a salmon  (usually early-April)) I'd be down for some Willamette bass fishing.  I actually prefer to troll in that fishery too, but I can be convinced to toss a few jigs once in awhile.  The George Rogers and Sellwood areas are what I know best simply because of the access.

If you really want to be salmon fishing, then you should go to the meet up this Saturday at Davis Bar.
http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=15162.0

You do not need a rod holder or a fish finder. Just keep the rod in your hand, or throw it in the stock "holders". There will be lots of expert supervision and it's really the perfect scenario to start out.

I just want to clarify, there will not be any supervision for this event, but there will be people there to give advice. 

Come hang out! Like Skidplate said, this is a great way to get into spring salmon fishing from a kayak.

Thanks bb2fish, bsteves and rawkfish....I will be at Davis bar on Saturday morning.  I guess I'll go ahead and get a rig setup for trolling.

I just want to clarify, there will not be any supervision for this event, but there will be people there to give advice. 

What?!? So this pic of Spot from last year was him just checking out terminal tackle   

I just want to clarify, there will not be any supervision for this event, but there will be people there to give advice. 

What?!? So this pic of Spot from last year was him just checking out terminal tackle   

Yeah, I know that look. That's the look he gets when someone hooks up and he's trying to see what they were using.