I know many on here have been doing this for a long time, and have probably been through every type of PFD. My question is, if it is worth the bulkiness and heat to go with a nice vest for the pockets and attachment points for things like pliers, knives, whistle, etc. Or is the convenience of a automatic PFD suspenders better. I do have a boat as well that I could use the suspenders for if I decide to fish alone in the winter on my boat.
Just trying to make a wise first purchase as these things are about $100+. Looking at the Astral V Eight, Stohlquest Trekker, and the Onyk A-24 In-Sight auto.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
I have this one and love it. I wear it from the time I get out of the truck until I get back in. It’s extremely comfortable, and it has never gone off by accident, even in a rain storm. I’ve heard some people say that they go off because of the high humidity in charleston, but I leave mine in the truck all the time, and that has never happened in over a year since I’ve had it. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to a regular style PFD for boat fishing.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=99804&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50469&subdeptNum=50470&classNum=50481#.UhtU_8u9KK0
I wouldn’t wear an inflatable for kayak fishing, though. I’d have to go with manual inflatable, and I don’t trust myself to be able to pull the cord after having an accident and falling in. If I fell out of a kayak, it would probably be after standing up, which would be a more violent, clumsy tumble. I’d say paddling/fishing vest in the kayak.
Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole
What Hoof said, I would stay away from auto inflate for yakking. I have an NRS Chinook and like it. It has a mesh back so it sits comfortably and is cool. I think I paid around $75 for mine.
“Apathy is the Glove in Which Evil Slips It’s Hand”.
Thanks, I have tried on that Chinook, it is nice, but seems bulky for long hot days. Maybe I’ll look at it again. I think they are on sale at Sportsmans.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
I wear a manually inflatable PFD. I like it because it is lightweight…but I also have a vest-type PFD too - an Astral V-Eight…
