Fishing PFD

Anyone use one of these Extrasport Osprey PFDs?   

Or any other suggestions for something you think is better? 

in my opinion i think all the pockets would be a PIA for a self rescue. and more possible of things falling out in a huli... just my 1 cent.

I think this is the PFD that kykfshr uses.  Maybe he'll chime in on this.

-Spot-

I use this one.  I like it very well.
The con's...I don't trust the velcro pockets to hold my tools, so i have lanyards.
                The pockets are not very deep.  I use the zipper pockets to hold my license and a bag each of tube jigs or   
                rubberworms.
                As far as difficulty getting back in the saddle after huli, the velcro pockets can't hold very much...so it's a 
                pro and a con as far as design.
 
The pros...adjustable shoulder and sides for clothing summer vs winter layering.
               Comfort.
               Two years of use and all the seams, zippers, velcro, and straps in good condition.
               Comes with a safety whistle attached (nice little bonus).
               I swam in it on the John Day, very nice.
               I bought on sale $45.00.
My chime is in,
-Scott
               

I am biased but I like the Kokatat Bahia PFD. It's got pockets for stuff you need on you VHF, pliers, license and none for the stuff you don't. Securing tackle to myself just doesn't make sense. Just my style. To be happy in the end, my advice is to choose what makes sense to you.

Z

I have the Extrasport Osprey. I  use the two zippered pockets most of the time.  I don't really use the smaller pockets, they aren't really that useful anyway.  I don't have any gripes with the Ospry, no problems with self rescues. it fits well and floats with me in it.  It has held up well for 3.5 years of heavy use.  I bought my Osprey off a clearance rack at GI JOES for $15.00, otherwise there are a couple other PFD's on the Market that I would have looked into purchasing.

Scott

i have this one...like it very much... i dont put much in the pockets...very adjustable for different layers of clothing underneath

I use a Kokatat MsFit Tour. Yes it's a chick jacket, but it looks exactly the same as the mens except the msfit has 1 extra bellows pocket vs. the mens outfit tour. Fits me well.
It's the same as the Bahia Tour, but mine has a full back instead of the mesh back, as I don't use high back seats. Like Zee, I don't keep tackle in my PFD....just VHF, camera, knife, compass, whistle. I'd like my pfd to float me, not sink me (the reason pockets are limited on PFD's)

The nicest fishing specific PFD I've seen is the Stohlquist Fisherman:
http://shop.aldercreek.com/Fishing-Gear/Kayak-Fishing-PFDs/Fisherman-PFD-C121-i750658.html

I use a Kokatat MsFit Tour. Yes it's a chick jacket, but it looks exactly the same as the mens except the msfit has 1 extra bellows pocket vs. the mens outfit tour. Fits me well.
It's the same as the Bahia Tour, but mine has a full back instead of the mesh back, as I don't use high back seats. Like Zee, I don't keep tackle in my PFD....just VHF, camera, knife, compass, whistle. I'd like my pfd to float me, not sink me (the reason pockets are limited on PFD's)

The nicest fishing specific PFD I've seen is the Stohlquist Fisherman:
http://shop.aldercreek.com/Fishing-Gear/Kayak-Fishing-PFDs/Fisherman-PFD-C121-i750658.html

I like that Stohlquist.  I notice it doesn't have a strap across the chest/waist.  Is the zipper strong enough to hold up against self-resque and snagging on something in the process, or would it likely bust open?

I don't plan to put tackle in my pockets, just camera, knife, GPS, wallet, phone.  Things like that.  Those pockets look big enough to fit the pelican case I keep my phone and camera in.  (don't have a waterproof camera yet)

I have the Stohlquist Fishermen vest and its great.  Well thought out and makes self rescue easy. Quality zipper that is plenty strong.  It has floated me like a cork in the surf zone several times I would recommend it.

I use the Astral.
I spent over two hours in the REI store in PDX trying them on and fitting them all.
This one just fit me the best.
 As others have stated, I do not put tackle in me PFD....only safety gear. whistle, mirror and my VHF.
 And my all important pentax w30 fits nicely inside as well.

 and my ummm, tackle sits 'tween me legs   

I have the Stohlquist Fishermen vest and its great.  Well thought out and makes self rescue easy. Quality zipper that is plenty strong.  It has floated me like a cork in the surf zone several times I would recommend it.

Ditto here.  I have the Stohlquist Fisherman and like it a lot.  The zipper is plenty tough.  The smooth profile helps during self-rescue.  I keep a bit of tackle in one side, a spool of leader, and a pair of pliers (w/ lanyard).  License goes in one of the internal zippered pockets.  In the other side I currently keep personal items, camera, lip balm, energy bar, ibuprofen, ...

It is pricier than the others. 

See, this is why I always ask questions so much.  That Stohlquist Fisherman is looking to fit the bill.  REI has them on sale for $90 but they only have the small/medium, and that's not going to fit my 205 lbs.  Anyone seen these in stock somewhere? 

I'll PM NANOOK and see if he's heading north soon.

Lee,

I got my L/XL from either Austin Kayak or Outdoorplay.  Austin Kayak has free shipping till I think Saturday.

Fits pretty good for me at 6'2'' 210.

BTW...  your, avatar....   are you using a shoulder strap to carry your kayak?  I was looking for a better way to hand carry, but not sure I want to buy the wheels yet.

Lee,

I got my xl from either Austin Kayak or Outdoorplay.  Austin Kayak has free shipping till I think Saturday.

BTW...  your, avatar....   are you using a shoulder strap to carry your kayak?  I was looking for a better way to hand carry, but not sure I want to buy the wheels yet.

No, that's my old SIK, and I'm just using my hand.  No straps or handles.  My new yak (Tarpon 160) weighs around 80 - 90lbs with Downrigger and electronics, and requires both arms to carry, and I don't dare carry it with any other equipment because I don't want a hernia.  It's actually a PITA to move by myself for any real distance, so if I'm not just carrying it down a boat ramp, I use my wheeleez or get my GF to help.  It's not that 90 lbs is too heavy, just with it being 16 foot long, when it starts to tip or tilt the wrong way, it's REALLY hard to get it back where you want it.  But man is it stable and easy to paddle!

If you're going any distance, I recommend wheels.  You can load everything up and get it all rigged at your car, then just walk on down to wherever you are going with very little effort.