Life vests for our climate

Looking for suggestions on vests for the way we fish up here and with our attire on the water, layers drysuits and such. Didn't get much in specifics from a search for our area. 

I am 74" tall and weight wise 210-220 pounds. Will be using a paddle kayak rather than a pedal drive.

Right now I am looking at the Stearns paddle sports vest has good reviews with people using it for kayaking full days.

http://www.stearnsflotation.com/Hybrid-Fishing-Vest-P268.aspx

Whats everyone wearing in cold water?

Stohlquist makes great kayaking vests.  I use a Stohlquist Fishing PFD.

http://www.stohlquist.com/life-jackets/fishing-pfds/fisherman.html

Stohlquist makes great kayaking vests.  I use a Stohlquist Fishing PFD.

http://www.stohlquist.com/life-jackets/fishing-pfds/fisherman.html

I just bought thesame (but havnt used it yet).  The front pockets are handy, and can hold a small pistol if you want to bring one along.  It's comfortable too.

Kokatat Bahia Tour PFD is great for fishing.  Comes in yellow (up to XXL) or red (XL and smaller).  Kokatat Hydrus Super Nova Dry Suit is amazing.  It will keep you dry and safe.  I have a SUP buddy selling a XXL one he used a handful of times and is wanting to sell in Seattle.  PM me if interested http://kokatat.com/activity/kayak-fishing.html

I just bought thesame (but havnt used it yet).  The front pockets are handy, and can hold a small pistol if you want to bring one along.  It's comfortable too.
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Keep in mind that pfd provides around 15 lbs of floatation. If you put too much gear (especially a piece of metal that shoots out other pieces of heavy metal) you will be compromising your buoyancy

I really like the thin back PFDs. Astral always has one in their line-up. The current model is the Ronny, and it comes in a fishing specific version. I like the full back better than the high back flotation, and since it is only an inch thick, it doesn't feel bulky. It feels more like a jacket than regular PFDs.

http://www.astraldesigns.com/products/RonnyFisher.php

Stohlquist makes great kayaking vests.  I use a Stohlquist Fishing PFD.

http://www.stohlquist.com/life-jackets/fishing-pfds/fisherman.html

I would also highly recommend the Stohlquist Fisherman PFD. I've been wearing their gear now for 11 years and always had excellent reviews. The best thing you can do is go and try a few different brands to see what fits best. I'm not sure where Mat Su is, but if your in the PDX area go try them on at Next Adventure Paddle Center and if you're near Hood River check out The Kayak Shed.  Anywhere else, go checkout your local kayak shop who promotes kayak fishing.

Stohlquist makes great kayaking vests.  I use a Stohlquist Fishing PFD.

http://www.stohlquist.com/life-jackets/fishing-pfds/fisherman.html

I would also highly recommend the Stohlquist Fisherman PFD. I've been wearing their gear now for 11 years and always had excellent reviews.

You know the rule bro. Pics or it didn't happen. I want to see the turn of the Millennium Michael with some vintage Stohl on.

Thanks for the reply's everyone, Ballardbrad I appreciate the offer but I think the XXL is a size to large for me. Had not seen the Astral or the Stohlquist before but those are nice looking vests it may very well come down to one of those two. 

I am the type of person who likes to feel something in my hands or wear it before purchase but right now I am out of the country and having a boat delivered in late April when I return to Alaska, the drysuit is on the way as is most other gear. I don't want to be waiting on shipping when I could be fishing.

The one item I am waiting on to purchase is the paddle, I want to feel several different options before pulling the trigger on something I plan to spend a bit of time with.

Thanks for the inputs.

I use the NRS Chinook Fishing Mesh Back PFD

I also use the NRS Chinook.  It's quite nice.

Kokatat Bahia and Kokatat SeaO2.  Both have worked well for me.

++ on the Stohlquist fisherman PFD, just bought one, have only used it 3 times so can't speak to durability, but, very comfortable, lot's of easy to get to storage.
John