PFD Types

I don't have any idea on the size of the pocket, but I know it's built very similarly to the Chinook.

I usually keep my VHF up on the shoulder strap so that I don't have to turn the volume up high and I don't have to take it out of a pocket to use it.

Alrighty... I think I may be having convulsions cause it feels like I'm hemmoraging money for things that aren't sexy. Like a dry suit and quality PDF... But I think I'm done. Got a Bahia from REI today and ordered a dry suit. I keep telling myself it will allow md to enjoy fishing more. My head knows this I'd necessary stuff, but my wallet is screaming. Just incidental stuff now.

I keep telling myself it will allow md to enjoy fishing more.

What about the kayaking part?!

It seems theres a story every week at least about someone in the PNW drowning/getting hypothermia after flipping kayaks and powerboats for that matter. Situations where PFDs/immersion gear may have saved lives...[/safety rant]

Dry-suits sure are sexy, at least to me 

revjcp -
I feel your pain man. I bought an Hobie Oasis tandem ($$$$) last June for me and my wife. Been  laying out $$$ for PFD (x2), waders (x2), semi-dry top (x2), etc. (x2). A good thing is that my wife doesn't fish. Otherwise I would have to take out a 2nd mortgage. The money has been worth it though. We have been having a blast with it.

Micahgee - oh yes - exposure, death, near death... all things I want to avoid... but the truth is I am like most people in feeling such things won't happen to me.  But, in my head, I know better... prepare for the worst and expect the best is something I try to live by.   Your safety rant, and others I have read, do not fall on deaf ears.  When my suit arrives I will be practicing my self rescues, first in a nice lake in water just over my head, then in deeper salt water with some swell, and so on... with supervision.

I owe a note of thanks to everyone who keeps safety at the forefront of what they mention when people ask about "gear".

Man, I was really depressed at looking at how much a decent power boat would cost me.  You would really be hemorrhaging money if you owned one of those!   So look at the money you've saved (initial cost, operating cost, etc.) by buying the kayak.  But by buying a kayak you have now made it more likely to end up in the water.  So now you've got to buy the necessary immersion safety gear, pfd, etc.  This is the same gear that a power boater "should" be wearing too.  Most of the time they aren't (boat gives a false sense of security) and they are less likely to survive and fish again than you are.  (We just had a guy near Spokane that died because he dove out of his boat to get his sinking fishing pole).  Looking at it this way makes it a little easier for me to accept the cost.     I'm with Sherminator and bought the Oasis tandem.  Ouch!  My girlfriend and I are having a blast with it too and when she's not going, the dogs can't wait to sit where she does.     It's the price we pay to get on the water and have fun safely and comfortably.

I've been a dedicated MTI calcutta user for years. It's a tough mutha.  Super buoyant when yer weighed down by all yer pliers and crap. Comfortable, stylish...ad fits around my enormous girth which is a plus.