PFD Choice

Since I'll be headed to the PDX area for Sturgeon here in a couple of weeks I figured it would be a good time to try out some different PFDs.  I'm not sure if I want a Fishing PFD (with pockets) or and inflatable PFD.  Both types seem to have ups and downs to them. 

I like using a fishing vest since not all of my fishing is off of a kayak so I don't know if I want a fishing PFD.  I like the small size of inflatables but how are they for safety?   If I get hit by a PB and am knocked out, how safe are the inflatables?

Thanks in advance.

It's "PFD" 

My brother has a Mustang brand self-inflating. He hasn't fallen overboard (yet, although I'm always tempted to ensure his safety by forcing him to test it unexpectedly...) but it seems very comfortable compared to a traditional PFD.

I am fishing-PFD-curious myself, because I like to have some tackle and tools at hand when I'm fishing and having it all swimming around between my legs in the kayak is problematic. I use a wet bag (i.e. mesh bag) that helps a lot for loose stuff in the boat, but I'd still prefer something on my chest.

So post-back and let us know what you figure out, I'd be interested.

ha, no, I'd like Adobe to help me float around.  I'm tired!

edit: I fixed it.  I was just saving some Word documents as PDFs at work.

The only inflatable I've used is the MTI Fluid Belt pack.  Really good for boards (it's small, unobtrusive, and keeps ya legal) but I never liked it for boats.  Wearing it in the front (I wear it true fanny-pack style on the boards) can be uncomfortable. And if you get hit by a power boat, you need to inflate and haul the thing over your head. Hard to do if you're unconscious.

I tried Jammer's Stohlquist Fisherman.  It has pockets, is super comfy, and is relatively affordable. When my regular Stohliquist PFD expires, I'll likely get one of those.

Kokatat Bahia Tour.  The king of kayak fishing PFD's.

Kokatat Bahia Tour.  The king of kayak fishing PFD's.

+1

I store my saftety knife, VHF, Camera and Emergency Strobe in or on my PFD.  When I grab it, I know I have 5 "must-have" items taken care of.

-Spot-

When my regular Stohliquist PFD expires,

How long do they last?  I don't recall seeing a "Use or Freeze By" date on mine.

When my regular Stohliquist PFD expires,

How long do they last?  I don't recall seeing a "Use or Freeze By" date on mine.

Usually the CO2 cartridge has a date on it.

ha, no, I'd like Adobe to help me float around.  I'm tired!

edit: I fixed it.  I was just saving some Word documents as PDFs at work.

But but but... now my comment looks stupid... 

Went through three lesser PFDs before finding my beloved Stohlquist Fisherman...packed with features and plenty of storage.

When my regular Stohliquist PFD expires,

How long do they last?  I don't recall seeing a "Use or Freeze By" date on mine.

Usually the CO2 cartridge has a date on it.

Regular PFD's don't have CO2 cartridges on them.  Unless AJ meant a Stohliquist inflatable PFD (the use of "regular" made me think non-inflatable).

Kokatat Bahia Tour.  The king of kayak fishing PFD's.

+1

When my regular Stohliquist PFD expires,

How long do they last?  I don't recall seeing a "Use or Freeze By" date on mine.

Right - by "expired", I simply meant "worn out."


Usually the CO2 cartridge has a date on it.

Regular PFD's don't have CO2 cartridges on them.  Unless AJ meant a Stohliquist inflatable PFD (the use of "regular" made me think non-inflatable).

I just changed up to the new updated NRS Chinook in orange.  Love it!
The pockets are easy to unzip one handed, and expand out if need to.  If nothing is in the pocket they are pretty flat so they don't snag up on yak if you do a re-entry.  The safety knife clips into the square and the handle can be clamp down with the Velcro strap keeping it snug against the shoulder strap.  Pliers drop right into a loop sewn in next to the left side of the main zipper.  It also has a few extra D rings that you can attach stuff if need be.

Although self inflating PFD's are probably more comfortable than a traditional kayak PFD, I just don't trust them 100%.  I need to trust that my PFD will float every time, with no fear of failing to deploy or deflating on me. 

Although self inflating PFD's are probably more comfortable than a traditional kayak PFD, I just don't trust them 100%.  I need to trust that my PFD will float every time, with no fear of failing to deploy or deflating on me. 

+1

Wobbler