Out of Town Report

[ronbo613]

I spent a lot of time paddling around La Jolla and North County fishing spots. Had a lot of fun catching big yellowtail, white seabass and the occasional shark from the kayak. When I moved to the Columbia River Gorge, I found a lot of great places to go kayak fishing, but the fish weren't as big as the ones in the ocean.
That's true most of the time until the salmon start running. Salmon are big, hard fighting fish. You don't get many small ones because only the adult fish swim up the Columbia River to spawn. This year has had a record fall Chinook and Coho salmon run and the fishing has been off the charts.



This was a particularly good day, caught a personal best Chinook and an even bigger PB Coho.





The salmon run is winding down and the fishing season will pretty much be over here, but plenty of memories and lots of fishing gear to clean up to be ready for next spring. This is the time of year I really miss that SoCal sunshine!

[JeffB]

That look like a lot of fun! Looks like you will be eating good!

[lbsurf2ca]

Although for me nothing will quiet give the excitement and challenge of chasing down a boiling school of yellows with a surface iron...

That looks pretty amazing. Nice catch

[lamb]

Awesome!

Always been a big fan of Waterman's reports

[ronbo613]

Originally Posted by lbsurf2ca

Although for me nothing will quiet give the excitement and challenge of chasing down a boiling school of yellows with a surface iron...

That looks pretty amazing. Nice catch

Seeing twenty pound plus salmon jumping out of the water a couple feet away gets you going pretty good as well.

The thing about kayak fishing is that it can take you to places other fishermen can't go. Paddling out in the ocean before sunrise, dead glass and clear water when the fish are biting, launching at a place power boats and bank fishermen can't get to, being able to see and do things because kayaks are so quiet; kayak fishing is still new enough where you can be the first to experience something nobody else has.

You're not always alone

[DanaPT]

Originally Posted by ronbo613

Seeing twenty pound plus salmon jumping out of the water a couple feet away gets you going pretty good as well.

The thing about kayak fishing is that it can take you to places other fishermen can't go. Paddling out in the ocean before sunrise, dead glass and clear water when the fish are biting, launching at a place power boats and bank fishermen can't get to, being able to see and do things because kayaks are so quiet; kayak fishing is still new enough where you can be the first to experience something nobody else has.

You're not always alone

x2. Exactly how I feel. Great report.

[Sdspeed]

Really enjoyed both the report and all your great photos. Thanks for sharing!

[walrus]

A dream trip with the catch and wildlife! Enjoy the good eating!

[StinkyMatt]

Those salmon are brutes!

I had a chance to visit The Gorge this summer. You really live in a beautiful area.


In my opinion, salmon is the best tasting fish out there.

Congrats on the PBs.

[Squid Vicious]

.....great report and pics