NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing Zone => Safety First => Topic started by: AngleDangle on August 28, 2017, 11:33:36 AM

Title: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: AngleDangle on August 28, 2017, 11:33:36 AM
I know they are a must and i know I need one. I am waiting on my Jackson CoosaFD and given my absolutely nonexistent knowledge of kayaks and what they entail I need some help. I have seen the seats for Jackson but have not really sat in one with a pfd. It seems that high backs are the way everyone goes. I tried on the Chinook fishing pfd and it just felt cumbersome. My wife has a s/m Astal 8 that I can squeeze into that feels a bit less cumbersome but I am not sure what the best is for fishing. Is there any specific things I should be looking for? Do I really need all the things the Chinook offers or should I look more for the astral? 
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: E Kayaker on August 28, 2017, 11:51:46 AM
Besides the obvious, what do you want from it? I have two decent pockets and a few smaller ones. I keep my camera on one side and fishing stuff on the other. I have a spot that I anchored a dive knife. I keep various tools and stuff in the small pockets. I clip my radio to the closure straps. I wouldn't change a thing.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: bmb on August 28, 2017, 11:57:07 AM
I know they are a must and i know I need one. I am waiting on my Jackson CoosaFD and given my absolutely nonexistent knowledge of kayaks and what they entail I need some help. I have seen the seats for Jackson but have not really sat in one with a pfd. It seems that high backs are the way everyone goes. I tried on the Chinook fishing pfd and it just felt cumbersome. My wife has a s/m Astal 8 that I can squeeze into that feels a bit less cumbersome but I am not sure what the best is for fishing. Is there any specific things I should be looking for? Do I really need all the things the Chinook offers or should I look more for the astral?
I personally prefer the Astral style for the new high back seats.  Or any PFD with a thin back.  I use an Astral Ronny Fisher which I like very well but I wouldn't say that its the only one that would work for you. 

Stohlquist also makes a couple, the Coaster and the Keeper.  If you get a chance to try a PFD on before buying it I would recommend that.

I would say at a minimum any kayak fishing PFD should have a good lash point for a safety knife, and a good place to store a vhf radio and attach a whistle.  Anything above and beyond that is personal preference. I also like to attach my boomerang snips for easy access.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: AlexB on August 28, 2017, 12:46:57 PM
The NRS Chinook PFD is very popular. I have one and like it.

My only complaint about the Chinook is the location of the knife tab. My knife (also NRS brand, go figure....) either overlaps the pocket or entry zipper d pending on how I orient it. You'd think NRS would have designed the knife tab on their PFD to fit their own knife, but I guess that's asking a lot...


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Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: bmb on August 28, 2017, 01:16:36 PM
The NRS Chinook PFD is very popular. I have one and like it.

The Chinook is fine for taller people.  For shorter people, with high back seats, the rear pad tends to sit right on top of the seat back and ride the PFD up, or be a big bump in your back with the lawn chair style seating.  I always recommend trying PFDs out in a kayak store where you can sit on the intended kayak, as no one can tell how it will ride until after you get it. 
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: AngleDangle on August 28, 2017, 01:24:56 PM
I am simply looking for something comfortable for the given jackson seat. It is not really easy to try on vests when I live so far away form a dealer and my kayak will be at home. I don't need much as I am a minimalist fly angler and I wil have all my baitcastng gear in the crate behind so I am not sure aside from a knife and whistle is needed. I tried on a cabelas vest style which I found to be way more comfortable than the highback chinook I tried on. I am not sure that having the low back will be comfortable in the seat though.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: AngleDangle on August 28, 2017, 01:30:21 PM
Anyone close to kayak city in Sac because that will be my only option to sit in a Jackson and try on vests. I will have to do it at the time of purchase so do they have a decent selection? Does the fact that I will mostly be in local lakes and maybe a few trips to the feather or the dleta change the type of pfd? I have no plans at this time to fish the ocean.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: bmb on August 28, 2017, 01:37:05 PM
If you don't need to store much safety gear you may consider an inflatable.  KC sells vests also and will usually give you an accessory discount with purchase.

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Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: E Kayaker on August 28, 2017, 01:44:27 PM
Can you take your kayak to the store with you? I would think they would let you test it or return it after a trip to the parking lot.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: bmb on August 28, 2017, 01:46:31 PM
You really only need the seat, not the full kayak. 
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: Archie Marx on August 28, 2017, 01:55:41 PM
Anyone close to kayak city in Sac because that will be my only option to sit in a Jackson and try on vests. I will have to do it at the time of purchase so do they have a decent selection? Does the fact that I will mostly be in local lakes and maybe a few trips to the feather or the dleta change the type of pfd? I have no plans at this time to fish the ocean.

They have Jacksons on the floor, and a decent selection of PFDs. Go try it out, no need to bring your kayak.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: AngleDangle on August 28, 2017, 02:04:24 PM
Anyone close to kayak city in Sac because that will be my only option to sit in a Jackson and try on vests. I will have to do it at the time of purchase so do they have a decent selection? Does the fact that I will mostly be in local lakes and maybe a few trips to the feather or the dleta change the type of pfd? I have no plans at this time to fish the ocean.

They have Jacksons on the floor, and a decent selection of PFDs. Go try it out, no need to bring your kayak.

Not planning to bring the kayak. Have to pick it up when it comes in in a week or so. Not close enough to just take a trip down for no reason.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: yakyakyak on August 28, 2017, 03:00:40 PM

I have the NRS cVest, works great for me.  If I have to do it again, I would do another cVest with the Chinook a very close second.  I think a high back is a must.  You can find either on sale now online.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: AlexB on August 28, 2017, 03:35:46 PM
Probably best to avoid an inflatable vest if you're heading out into the open ocean. You want a fail-proof foam vest.


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Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: AngleDangle on August 28, 2017, 04:02:14 PM

I have the NRS cVest, works great for me.  If I have to do it again, I would do another cVest with the Chinook a very close second.  I think a high back is a must.  You can find either on sale now online.

Do you find yourself using the pockets? I ditched the fly vest wading because I just found myself loading all the pockets and it was just a pain to lug multiple boxes of flys I likely didn't need and every other piece I just didn't need. I now carry Fishpond  San Jaun like a sling pack on my left with a 900 fly cabelas box in it and that is all.  Do you guys really need the front pockets on these if you are sitting in a yak?
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: NowhereMan on August 28, 2017, 04:04:39 PM
I've got the stohlquist fisherman and it's ok. But the next one I buy won't have pockets in the front (or anywhere else) as those are easy to snag when trying to self rescue. I'm going for the flat chest look next time....
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: FishingAddict on August 28, 2017, 04:27:18 PM
I really like my Stolhquist Keeper pfd.  The flat thin back is designed for the newer high back seats.  I've owned the NRS Chinook and Stohlquist Fisherman and Keeper is my favorite specially the pocket design.  It's flatter but has more storage room.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: yakyakyak on August 28, 2017, 04:50:18 PM
Probably best to avoid an inflatable vest if you're heading out into the open ocean. You want a fail-proof foam vest.


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+1
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: AlexB on August 28, 2017, 06:27:53 PM

I have the NRS cVest, works great for me.  If I have to do it again, I would do another cVest with the Chinook a very close second.  I think a high back is a must.  You can find either on sale now online.

Do you find yourself using the pockets? I ditched the fly vest wading because I just found myself loading all the pockets and it was just a pain to lug multiple boxes of flys I likely didn't need and every other piece I just didn't need. I now carry Fishpond  San Jaun like a sling pack on my left with a 900 fly cabelas box in it and that is all.  Do you guys really need the front pockets on these if you are sitting in a yak?
I use the pockets on my Chinook vest. If you're heading offshore, it's possible you could get separated from your kayak. I try to be prepared in case that happens.

In pockets:

-iPhone (in waterproof case)
-Safety whistle (and sometimes a fish whistle, too)
-Compass
- Little baggy of swivels, snaps, mooching bands, etc.

Clipped to vest:
-VHF radio
-Safety knife



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Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: bmb on August 28, 2017, 08:14:42 PM
Probably best to avoid an inflatable vest if you're heading out into the open ocean. You want a fail-proof foam vest.


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+1
Problem is you guys are putting words in his mouth that he specifically didn't say.  Not everyone fishes the ocean.

I have no plans at this time to fish the ocean.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: yakyakyak on August 28, 2017, 09:28:46 PM
I've got the stohlquist fisherman and it's ok. But the next one I buy won't have pockets in the front (or anywhere else) as those are easy to snag when trying to self rescue. I'm going for the flat chest look next time....

Lol ... kayakers inside joke ... nice one.

Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: yakyakyak on August 28, 2017, 09:31:01 PM
Probably best to avoid an inflatable vest if you're heading out into the open ocean. You want a fail-proof foam vest.


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+1

Problem is you guys are putting words in his mouth that he specifically didn't say.  Not everyone fishes the ocean.

I have no plans at this time to fish the ocean.

Good point, but my suggestion is applicable whether its ocean or not.  You just dont want to have a fail safety gear.

Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: AlexB on August 28, 2017, 09:54:02 PM
Skimmed through and missed the part about not going in the ocean. My bad.


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Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: bluekayak on August 28, 2017, 10:44:11 PM
To throw another 2 cents in, I bought a new pfd a few years back and put it to the test in rough water

The front flotation on it is bulkier so it got in the way, made it tough to climb back on my yak

Took a lot of tries to get back on board and thought I might have to take it off

Whatever you get make sure it isn't too bulky in front
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: krusty on August 28, 2017, 10:58:47 PM
To throw another 2 cents in, I bought a new pfd a few years back and put it to the test in rough water

The front flotation on it is bulkier so it got in the way, made it tough to climb back on my yak

Took a lot of tries to get back on board and thought I might have to take it off

Whatever you get make sure it isn't too bulky in front

PFDs are designed to have more floatation in the front so they can roll you over face up should you become unconscious.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: krusty on August 28, 2017, 11:08:03 PM
Try on as many PFDs as you can. Buy one that is comfortable to wear. You will be wearing that for hours on end, and if it is not comfortable in the store, imagine how bad it will be at the end of the day. An uncomfortable PFD gets taken off, and is useless at that point.

If you want that PFD to be comfortable while sitting in a jackson kayak seat, bring the seat with you to the store when you go shopping.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: AngleDangle on August 29, 2017, 10:12:29 AM
Thanks to all. I am down to the Astral V eight and what ever they have in stock at Kayak city when I head out there in a week or so to pick up the yak.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: bluekayak on August 30, 2017, 01:29:37 PM
To throw another 2 cents in, I bought a new pfd a few years back and put it to the test in rough water

The front flotation on it is bulkier so it got in the way, made it tough to climb back on my yak

Took a lot of tries to get back on board and thought I might have to take it off

Whatever you get make sure it isn't too bulky in front
PFDs are designed to have more floatation in the front so they can roll you over face up should you become unconscious.

That's true but if you look at different pfds some of them are fatter in front than others which spread the floatation around more gracefully.

This isn't a hypothetical, I've had three different PFDs and because I tend to fish rough water I've put all three to the test. Any pfd will keep you afloat, but if you're in the water the first thing you need to do is get yourself back on your yak.

Looking back on my experience with the 'fat' pfd I either had to take it off or unzip it to get back on my yak, can't remember. This was in rough water off of Stinson last year or a few years back between there and Muir, not a nice zone to swim but not frigid water. In seriously cold water it would be even more of a problem even if conditions were calm.

I don't know where this guy is planning to fish, my only point is if you're fishing from a yak you want a pfd that doesn't get in the way if/when you need to climb back on
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: Tinker on August 30, 2017, 03:23:16 PM
Your PFD must have enough floatation to make it easy to keep your head above water.  The issue I have with the Astral line is that they use the absolute minimum amount of floatation necessary to meet the USCG requirements for a Class III PFD, and Class III PFD's are not required to keep an unconscious person's head above water.

I'm a fly fisher, too.  I'd be happy to wager I carry far less with me than most folks because all of what I take with me fits into a 4x1x6" box.  I use Kokatat Bahia Tour PFD's.  The Kokatat has five pockets if I count the slash pockets and the radio pocket, and two lash points for an emergency knife.  The pockets are reasonably flat until I put the radio in its dedicated pocket.  That sticks out a fair amount, but since you're not heading out to sea, that wouldn't be a problem.

I carry nippers, hemostats, a small pocket camera, a whistle and a compass in the full-sized pockets; leaders and my car keys in the slash pockets.  None of it interferes with getting back on top quickly n rough seas.  DAMHIK.

I use it with a Hobie Revo and a OK Trident and it's comfortable enough.  I like to be as comfortable as anyone, but safety comes first.  Stohlquist, NRS and Kokatat for certain use more than the minimal amount of floatation in their PFD's, and that's what counts.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: NowhereMan on August 30, 2017, 04:41:17 PM
Whatever you get make sure it isn't too bulky in front

This!
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: Crayon on September 08, 2017, 12:38:59 PM
I like the Chinook and it does not interfere with the seat
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: Odonata on September 08, 2017, 03:31:44 PM
I have a Chinook and also a Ronny.  I don't fish the ocean (except off the beach, non-yak), and also do some packrafting.  The Ronny is light weight for use on my packraft, and still has pockets for camera and box of flies.  The Chinook is nice for surf fishing because I can load up with carolina rigs, weights, fly boxes, etc. and I can also use it in my kayak.

(yes, I look a bit overdressed surf-fishing in waders and a PFD, but I have balance / neurological issues and rip currents are no joke)

Embarrassingly I also picked up an older V-8 (my first foam PFD) and I really don't like the fit; it tends to ride up on my back after a while.  But for short trips in the morning to get an hour or two of paddling in it's ok.  I'd agree with the advice to try out a few.  It's a bit like hiking boots or climbing shoes, very personal decision.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: Tinker on September 09, 2017, 01:49:06 AM
I bought Astral PFD's for the grandkids - they're still young and the Astral line has more than enough floatation for their weight.

I just looked at them, and the Astral's are almost twice as thick in the front as the adult Sholquist and Kokatat PFD's in the closet.

I don't know if that would affect your ability to get back on your kayak or not, but it's worth considering.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: trianglelaguna on September 09, 2017, 06:20:30 PM
stohlquist high back --5 years--heck even higher end motorcycle jackets zippers fail sometimes... not this pfd though,saltwater tough ass item imho and no zipper failures..tons of sand and grit and trips on it..unreal...

worth every penny to have it--trip after trip
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: AngleDangle on September 14, 2017, 08:35:38 PM
That is a ton of info to process. I plan to fish local lakes. Possibly the delta at some point but likely not alone and not in horrible weather. I am a really strong swimmer and have no problem getting out of the water with or without a pfd. I have been eyeing the Stohlquist and I hadn't heard about the minimal requirements and that astral shoots to squeak by so I will have to look at that more. My only experience with the Chinook was I tried it on in Montana and it was on clearance at Cabelas for $65 and it was really hard to pass up. It just didn't feel good and I know if I don't like it in the store I sure as hell am not going to wear it in the field. I guess I should have mentioned I have pretty broad shoulders if that changes things at all. I don't have a gut as well. I am checking into all of these suggestions as I really only want to make this purchase once. Thanks again.
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: FishingAddict on September 14, 2017, 09:02:10 PM
I really like Stohlquist Keeper over the Fisherman.  Its their newest model.  No regrets selling my old one.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=77739.0
Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: BaitMaster on September 15, 2017, 10:17:18 AM
I have a chinook...

I ordered it online during the week, so I could take the yak out that same weekend. So, I have limited experience with other brands and models.

I'm 5' 8" 130lbs with broad shoulders....obviously, no belly bulge, lol.

I strap it up tight and can fish all day comfortably.

Limited experience, but my 2 cents.

What's your body type?

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Title: Re: Help choosing a pfd
Post by: AngleDangle on September 17, 2017, 07:59:48 PM
I have a chinook...

I ordered it online during the week, so I could take the yak out that same weekend. So, I have limited experience with other brands and models.

I'm 5' 8" 130lbs with broad shoulders....obviously, no belly bulge, lol.

I strap it up tight and can fish all day comfortably.

Limited experience, but my 2 cents.

What's your body type?

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Just b
6'0 220lb V shape with pretty broad shoulders. No gut. The chinook just felt bulky and awkward on me My chest is pretty prominent from working the glamour muscles too much. I ditched a fly vest for a tiny chest pack I use more as a sling in a way due to my distaste for having too much crap on me. Just funny like that  I guess.