Just joined, dreaming of a bloody boat

Hey from Oakland,

Last week I placed an order for my first fishing kayak, scheduled to arrive in March. I've now been happily pulled down the rabbit hole of gear recommendations and fishing maps.

The bulk of my fishing success has come on annual (non-kayak) trips to Southeast Alaska (Petersburg area) with friends, where we are spoiled by giant schools of cohos and truly massive halibut. Chinook are often illusive, however, so I'm hoping to find a few out on the coastal waters around here, along with trying some of my halibut tricks down here in warmer waters.

Cheers!

Welcome ChromeAndDoors to NCKA 

Welcome C and D to NCKA.   

Hey CAD, welcome to NCKA! Check out the "Safety First" section for must have information before heading out.

First I thought your name was about cars, then I thought home remodeling?   

Then I actually read your post and remembered this is a fishing forum...  I is smart.

Welcome C&D

First I thought your name was about cars, then I thought home remodeling?   

Then I actually read your post and remembered this is a fishing forum...  I is smart.

Welcome C&D

I actually work with cars, but was definitely dreaming of fish 

Welcome to NCKA CAD 

Get your Safety Gear first and foremost. Keep it simple starting out, go out in a pond and roll a few times and practice self rescue.  Learn how to paddle correctly (trust me, if you learn this skill over all the others, will make your days far more enjoyable). Go out with experienced people. Assume every time you are on the water, you are going in, and dress accordingly.  The XYZ fishing rod may be the best thing to catch water species you are after, but won't do crap for you if you can't call for help. So that whistle and radio are you the next best thing to your PFD.  I forgot who it was caught lingcod with their kids Barbie doll years ago, so the latest, coolest thing can easily be shown up by a kids doll.