Hello from Idaho

Hi, new member here from Meridian, Idaho. I lived in Southern Oregon most of my life though. I primarily fish with an inflatable Hobie iTrek 11 in freshwater. I take a trip to the Oregon Coast with my family once a year so also trying to get more experience with bay fishing/crabbing/clamming. Any suggestions or resources are appreciated.

Welcome Zach, I'm just over the border in Vale. Ocean fishing is all about safety so a drysuit is a good idea no matter what time of year. A radio is a good addition and going out with a buddy or in a group, especially for the first few times is a huge advantage. The ORC used to be a great intro to ocean kayak fishing but there are still open invites that you could probably tag along with. Use the search button to find a huge amount of info as well.

In the Bay I use dry fit clothes when it’s warm out. Ocean or colder days I use a wetsuit, I bake in a drysuit. Bay has plenty of places you can get out of the water quickly if you decide to go for a swim. Ocean…… no! We use trout rods in the bay with light tackle, Burkley 1-3 inch swim baits and 1/2 oz to 2 oz jig heads, bring some bigger jigs as well. You can run 3 hooks at once on your rod so I go 2 smaller baits and 1 bigger one on a 3-4 oz jig head on the bottom. Pm me if you want more tackle insight.

Greetings Zach
Just to let you and others that may not be aware, the following is from an email I received from ODFW awhile back.
"Razor clamming and bay clamming (all species) are now closed along the entire Oregon coast. Mussels have been closed coastwide since May 26. All three shellfish species have high levels of the marine biotoxin Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP)."
Kind of bad news but better aware than sorry.

Yeah I saw that when I purchased my fishing license yesterday. So I'll focus on crabbing and fishing. Thanks for the head up.

Welcome Zach, I'm just over the border in Vale. Ocean fishing is all about safety so a drysuit is a good idea no matter what time of year. A radio is a good addition and going out with a buddy or in a group, especially for the first few times is a huge advantage. The ORC used to be a great intro to ocean kayak fishing but there are still open invites that you could probably tag along with. Use the search button to find a huge amount of info as well.

 I've been looking at drysuits but have been hesitant on getting one. They're expensive and I only make it to the coast once or twice a year. I have a couple of normal 2 way radios so I can charge those and bring them. Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it.

I have bought two used but like new drysuits on ebay now, one cost $100, the other $200. Never had any issues with either, other than the first didn't have a relief zipper, and I immediately realized that is an essential feature for me.

I'd definitely give it a look, cause yeah new, they're very expensive!