Introducing myself

Hi all,
I've lived in the Portland area most of my life, and have loved fishing for about that long as well. I recently learned about kayak fishing, and I can't wait to get into it. What are your suggestions for getting into this? It seems like the used kayaks get snatched up so quickly! What kind have you all found to be your favorite? I'm looking forward to any insight you guys have.
Thank you!

Welcome!! I am also fairly new to the kayak fishing. If i can give any advice it would be read all the post and watch all the videos you can. Then find some folks to go with and enjoy some time on some local lakes and rivers. My only regret when i first started was buying a kayak i could afford over the one I wanted. If i would have just waited 6 months to buy a kayak i would have just bought the one i really wanted. If you ever head south towards Albany to do some fishing let me know and maybe we can go.

+1 on the waiting till you can afford the one you want.  That means taking the time to look, touch, feel, try, share, listen, and dream about it.  Watch YouTube vids on the yak you are thinking of getting.  Lots of great stuff out there. 

Share witj us what your intended fishing requirements are, like where you want to fish, how you want to fish, what your limitations are including things like $$$, body weight/height, injuries, scared of, if you require a seat for the better half or kid(s). 

Details can really help us steer you towards the right fit.

+1 on what INSAYN says.  It's hard to offer suggestions without asking for more information from you.

And remember, the price of the kayak is only the starting point of your quest.

Do you want to paddle or peddle? How can you transport it, or store it. There are a few people on here that given the right time may let you do a lake trial on there boat, me being one of them but I'm on the coast.

Welcome B-Drew!

There's no 1 perfect kayak for everyone.  Like Insayn said, it's going to depend on what you fish for, what your comfort requirements are, where you plan on fishing the most, your size and body type etc. 

Think of it as buying a hiking boot.  Ask 10 people what the best hiking boot is, you'll likely get 10 different answers.  If you get the right one, after then initial break-in, you never have to think about it again.  If you get the wrong one, you'll know it with every step.

My 1st was close but not quite it.  My second wasn't it at all.  My 3rd (and still the model I prefer) fit like a glove (OK T13).  My 4th didn't work for me though my fishing buddy loves it.  My 5th was a 1 trick pony and is the best river runner I've used, but that's all it does well.   

I'm a paddler. I like paddling and I like the control I have with a paddle.  I've used Hobies and caught fish on them but I prefer the flexibility of a paddle kayak. 

-Mark-

I would like to thank everyone for their input so far. I'm 5ft 9 inch 220 lbs I have no physical issues. I believe/ think I'm wanting a pedal kayak I'm not coordinated to paddle and fish at the same time. I have been looking at the outback or the PA 12. I would like fish all fisheries as my kayaking skills develop. I have a truck and place to store it. I hope this info might help.

Thanks

Greetings and welcome!

I was / am in your shoes as of last fall. I am ramping up to be more active this season. All I can say is that the folks on this board are just great to know and deal with. Everyone I have interfaced with are very giving of their time and advise. It is also nice that you are out here on the West side. It seems we are getting some good membership momentum out this way.

My suggestion to you is to start showing up to some of the posted events. There are two clinics coming up:

1) Kayak fishing for Springer Salmon at Hogg's Tackle Shop in Hillsboro, next week, Thursday, March 17.

2) Thirsty Thursday Seminar Series (also regarding Springer Salmon) at Next Adventure in Southeast Portland the following week, March 24

I highly recommend these events for both content and meet & greet potential.....

The outback is a solid choice for a 1st kayak. Easy to pedal, excellent stability and enough room to allow plenty of rigging options.

Come check out the Springer Clinic at Hoggs on the 17th if get a chance.  A lot of the info. I'll be covering is applicable to other fisheries in the PNW.

-Mark-

Does a person need to register for it?

Does a person need to register for it?

No registration but there's a $30 seminar service charge. 

And of course the pizza excise tax (Sausage and Mushroom)

And maybe a beer handling charge (Guinness would work)

Or maybe you just show up, grab a free seat and ask a bunch of questions.   

-Mark-

Does a person need to register for it?

No registration but there's a $30 seminar service charge. 

And of course the pizza excise tax (Sausage and Mushroom)

And maybe a beer handling charge (Guinness would work)

Or maybe you just show up, grab a free seat and ask a bunch of questions.   

-Mark-

Damn mark you should run for office 

I will be there

The outback is a solid choice for a 1st kayak. Easy to pedal, excellent stability and enough room to allow plenty of rigging options.

Come check out the Springer Clinic at Hoggs on the 17th if get a chance.  A lot of the info. I'll be covering is applicable to other fisheries in the PNW.

-Mark-

The only bad thing about an Outback as a first kayak is the price. It is a hard gulp to swallow on a new hobbie you haven't yet settled on.

So what you do is buy a cheaper yak, use that until you are completely hooked and realize how deficient your first yak is, then go out and buy an Outback. What you lose in the resale of your first yak is the price of risk avoidance, and of course "tuition".

(I just picked up my Outback yesterday).

Best idea really is look for a 2-4 year old Outback on a good deal and POUNCE!

I will be there

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/boa/5479424334.html

Maybe you can jump on this for starters. Someone posted it on the Facebook page. Also if you don't already belong to the lower Columbia kayak fishing Facebook page I would join.