New here and new to kayaks

Hey guys and gals, I致e predominantly been a fly fishermen targeting trout, steelhead, and smallmouth in our local rivers and across the west for most of my life. I recently started spending more time on the coast experimenting with surf fishing (both conventional and fly) and have noticed the abundance of kayak anglers I see nowadays. The idea of using  a small self propelled watercraft to access deeper waters really resounds with me and my interests. I have a bit of experience rowing drift boats and whitewater rafts but have never messed around on lakes or the ocean. I figure I値l work up my skills on some local lakes or the delta before trying the ocean but I知 very excited to learn the ways of a kayak. Hopefully I値l work my way up to halibut and sturgeon fishing and be able to catch salmon without dealing with the bank crowds on the American and feather. Look forward to learning how to safely go about it, and with a bit of luck be reasonably successful. I just started looking into different boats so I知 not sure what specific one I should buy but I知 leaning towards a larger paddle sit on top as my first, love the idea of the peddlers but until I知 sure I値l stick with it I知 a bit apprehensive to drop that much money out of the gate.

Sorry for the long introduction but I知 glad to be here. All the best, Derek

Great intro, Derek.  Welcome to the community.   

I take people out at Shelter Cove all summer.  I can outfit you on an extremely overstable paddle yak that's roomy and easy to use.  I stand on them to go down the river surveying salmon.  Salmon in the ocean are the focus for the summer, and plenty of lingcod, rockfish and halibut end up on the stringers.  Maybe see you up the coast.

You can't go wrong with Eric taking you out there. 

Welcome aboard.  Sugar Pine is a great spot in your neighborhood to begin to work on your skills. (Easy launch, no powerboats, etc)

and definitely take Eric up on his offer

Welcome to NCKA Derek 

Welcome aboard Derek 

Hey Derek, welcome to NCKA!

Thanks for the welcome fellas, super excited to get into the hobby!

Great intro, Derek.  Welcome to the community.   

I take people out at Shelter Cove all summer.  I can outfit you on an extremely overstable paddle yak that's roomy and easy to use.  I stand on them to go down the river surveying salmon.  Salmon in the ocean are the focus for the summer, and plenty of lingcod, rockfish and halibut end up on the stringers.  Maybe see you up the coast.

Eric, that痴 sounds like an awesome time! What part of the summer would you recommend booking a salmon trip? I understand it痴 a seasonal thing but when I start planning on?

Welcome Derek to NCKA.