Were you an angler or a kayaker first?

I can't even remember the first time I fished I was so little.   I started in N WI just like Erik with the same bunch of critters from docks and canoes.  Came out here in 2000 and started fishing on piers because you didn't need a 90$ out of state liscence that I couldn't afford as a student.  Then I did a bit of scuba diving and got turned on to abalone.  The first time we used an inflatable kayak, the second time we rented a malibu 2.  That season I also rented a skiff with some friends and fished the santa cruz kelp beds.  Compared to my shorefishing experience it was a bonanza of (edible) fish.  I got a tandem for $299 at sportmart (w/ paddles and seats) and have been fishing off kayaks since.

A big powerboat is in the plans, I now own a house with a very good parking spot for one, but with a morgage it's going to be a couple years yet before I can plunk down for an albacore-capable craft.  Maybe sooner if my parents move out here part time and we split the costs.  My dad was talking about getting one and calling it 'Canwest Pete' after the Canadian oilsand stock CWPC that a bunch of us have made a killing in during the past 9 months.

Still, I'd use a kayak to dive and to fish for rockfish.  No point in spending all the launch and fuel fees for stuff that's easy to get at for free.  Salmon fishing from the yak usually pisses me off though because I'm severely disadvantaged compared to the guys in powerboats with downriggers, and the engineer in me hates going about things the wrong way.  I've been getting carpal tunnel the last couple years too and that's definitely caused a cutback in long paddles for salmon and sturgeon.  I could also bring my wife and small son on a larger boat, but he'll have to be something like 10-12 to come kayaking on the ocean.  My wife actually likes fishing and (scuba) diving, she's just feels a bit insecure on a kayak and there's no-one left to watch the little one if she joins me.

I gave up on the 'angler of the year' tournament because I'm splitting my time diving and prefer odds-on action over variety, I much prefered the individual categories where I could enter the ones I'm interested in.  With a zodiac and without the motivation to fish from the kayak to win something, I'll be using the motor more this year.

Rickey, good history lesson!

Bill, I am getting more relaxed with the fishing, I had a lot to learn all at once. I learned a lot this year about all
the possible alternatives, BSPs, forebay, lexington, scr, salmon @ moss, etc. last year was baitfish, rcg and halibut.

and actually you and my surf bud Leo would have a good laugh cause he would tell you how hyped up I get picking
the right spot to surf on a given day. I am still not allowed to drink coffee before surfing,  .