PFD Advice

Saltwater Kayak Fishing
1

I have been using a regular PFD on my yak and as most of you probably know, it sucks. I am looking at getting a new one geared for fishing/yaking and have narrowed my search down to the following three:

Stohlquist Fisherman
NRS Chinook
Ascend Paddling/Fishing Vest (this is almost an exact copy of the Stohlquist but about $30 less)

Any first-hand knowledge about any of these would be appreciated.

Thanks!

2

I use the Stohlquist Fisherman…Two big pockets up front, with rigid zippered-flaps (I think the idea behind this was to open them and you’d have a place to lay stuff when working on rigs, like a workstation) and there are mesh pockets on the inside of the flaps too, along with places to store a couple pairs of small pliers. Places on the outside to clip on your knife and other accessories too…

I don’t keep a lot of stuff in it, but the pockets on the front are very convenient and easy to open. I have found it to be a very comfortable vest to wear too.

-Lewis

Jackson Kayak Cuda
WS Ride 135

3

+1 on “Fishing Vest” style. Lots of zippered and velcroed pockets. Comfortable. Try on several to see what fits you.

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120
4

Not on your list but I just got an Astral v-eight, has alot of vents and the foam is dimpled to aid in air circulation and not alot of stuff in front of you. It has been great , Dave has them at Time Out.

5

I use an Onyx A/M-24 auto inflatable pfd…you forget you are wearing it…extremely comfortable…$79 from academy.com

http://sckayakfishingadventure.webs.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/SC-Kayak-Fishing-Association/369357436410874
http://websd-carolinaparacordcreationscom.webs.com/

Wilderness Systems Ride 135

6

Whenever I am kayaking or sailing, I always prefer to have a good fitting PFD that is low profile. To me, it is a lot more comfortable and makes it a lot easier to move around. Pockets for me are not important since I have a lot of room to store things around my kayak. The only place you would need them is when getting out the kayak and walking a flat, which doesn’t require a PFD, so I just make sure i have pfg shorts and shirt which have many pockets. My PFD is a red extrasport which I don’t know the name of. It is a slip on PFD which I believe was discontinued. If they were still making them I would buy 12 more, they’re legit! An astral is going to be my next PFD, the designer used to work for Lotus which was definitely the best PFD I have ever owned.

172 Sea Hunt Triton
1500 key west sportsman