Can anyone recommend a PFD for kayak fishing? the MTI i tried at West Marine seemed very well made, but they have more models available online
I have used the Astral V-Eight and the Stohlquist Fisherman. The V-Eight is lightweight and has good airflow so it doesn’t feel to hot to wear, but it only has one pocket. The Fisherman has a lot of storage but I found it to be uncomfortable to wear during the heat of summer.
Recently I have been wearing an inflatable PFD.
Go by Time Out Sports in Mount Pleasant - they have a good selection of kayaking PFDs.
I have an NRS Chinook and really like it. Pretty cool (mesh back), comfortable and lots of little storage pockets, etc… Saw one online the other day for around $70.
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I’ve got several. There are tons of good jackets on the market these days. My advice is get one with as high a back as you can find. All the pockets and doo dads tend to bother me after a while, so my current favorite looks like a whitewater jacket… clean lines up front
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FYI, Astral has a new fisherman PFD coming out in 2014 based of the ronny platform they offer now. Thin back so it wont interfere with any of the high back seats on fishing boats, lots of pockets and storage, but not bulky like some others. Hi vis roll up hood in the neck for rain, cold, and extra visibility. I tried one on at a trade show last weekend, and it was a nice jacket! Should be around $130 and available in January.
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I’ll be in the market as well, mainly for flatwater canoeing and some open water kayaking. I had an Astral PFD I got from Dave at Time Out and really liked it but sold it with my WS Ride 135 a while back.
Does anyone have any recommendations as to a brand that has a strong warranty? I like to heavily use and abuse my gear and break stuff so good warranties are a must.