Stohlquist Fisherman PFD

Does anyone use the Stohlquist Fisherman PFD?  If so, what are the pros and cons?

http://www.stohlquist.com/dyn_prod.php?p=STO5226&k=29467

 I checked out the fisherman PFD when I was shopping. They are set up like a fly fishing vest. So I think that it would be most suited for flyfishing or light line trout,panfish type fishing. For saltwater most of your tackle and gear is sized up a little large for that vest, IMHO.
 On my PFD I would rather have pockets sized for my VHF radio, knife, etc. items you would want on you just in case. My tackle is stored in waterproof containers to keep salt off, and for floatation if dumped.

I think Etienne/Sachyak and Scott/GreatBass2 both have this PFD.  One negative I heard was it doesn't hold a VHF in the pocket.  A positive--the smooth rigid surface of the pockets facilitate getting back into your yak after a dump by letting you glide over the side of your yak.

I also looked at the Stohlquist Fisherman PFD and my impression was similar to Fishshims'; in that it looked like is was set up more for stand-up fly fishing.    Also the fold-down pocket "shelf" thingies looked bulky, and no pockets for radio and camera.

So I ended up with the Stohlquist aSea, at $80., and I'm very happy with it.   Very comfortable and good pockets.

http://www.stohlquist.com/dyn_prod.php?k=29467&p=STO5205  -Matt

I tried this vest when it first came out and was impressed with the fit but didn't like the rigid pockets. That's just me though, I'm an extrasport guy myself. I will say that Stohlquist makes some of the best PFD's on the market. It's coast guard approved for kayaking. Any pros or cons would be strictly opinion. Keeping a VHF radio in a pfd pocket assumes you trust the waterproof rating. I've gone through two WP VHF,three Gps Units, A windmeter and several portable solar rechargers, that way before I finally learned that all electronics need to be waterproofed to the max. The Stolquist vest has several attachment points for knives, strobes, Radios in bags or whatever you'd like to clip up there.

I'm not capable of humble opinions yet, so take my advice for what it's worth, comfort is king!

So I ended up with the Stohlquist aSea, at $80., and I'm very happy with it.   Very comfortable and good pockets.

http://www.stohlquist.com/dyn_prod.php?k=29467&p=STO5205  -Matt

ditto

Thank you all for the great suggestions.  I went down to the local kayak store and looked at the vests with “pockets” in mind.  I settled on the NRS Chinook PFD.  LOTS of pockets for tools, camera, binoculars, the Uniden Voyager VHF radio I just ordered, maybe a samich.   Plus, it’s a LOT more comfortable than my old PFD.  The vest is not a bulky as it looks in the link.  It looks like they stuffed all the pockets to the max with paper. 

http://www.backcountry.com/store/NRS0027/c100000005/s100000004/NRS-Chinook-Life-Jacket.html   

Hey Grizz,  Looks like you made a good choice of vest with the NRS.   Now I've got pocket envy  Just don't load it down with too much heavy equipment   -Matt

The Chinook PFD looks very interesting. Will have to find a place locally to get an actual look at the pockets to see if they're as roomy as they look. I like the Osprey Extrasports PFD but it has only one pocket large enough to accomodate my VHF radio. I'd prefer a second pocket large enough to hold a portable GPS or cell phone.

Howard

Hojoman,

MY cell phone, 2 ” wide X 3 9/16” High X 1” deep fits in a breast pocket, as does my camera at 2 3/8” wide X 4” high X ¾ “ deep.  I ordered a VHF radio that is 2 ½“ wide x 4“ high x 3/4 „ deep, and it looks like it would fit in a breast pocket. 

The bottom pockets, both the valcro and zipper closure, holds my digital scales at 3 ¼” wide X 6 5/8” high X 1” deep.

What is the size of your GPS?  I’ll try to find something of similar size and see if it fits. 

Thanks. I'll post the measurements after I get home this afternoon. What shop did you buy yours from? Online, Backcountry.com only has the small/medium size left.

Howard

Grizz, my vhf is 2-1/2 inches wide, 2 inches deep (including the belt clip, and 5 inches long (not counting antenna).

Hojoman,

I cut a block of Styrofoam to shape and it fits in the lower pockets.  The bottom pockets on each side have a zipper picket with a Velcro pocket stacked on the zipper pocket.  The zipper pocket zips from the bottom center of the vest to the upper outside corner so it wouldn’t hold the VHF in a secure position.  It would fit in the Velcro pocket, either on its side with the antenna sticking to the side, or standing up with the top sticking out but held relatively snug with the Velcro.

I bought mine at Sunrise Mountain Sports, 2455 Railroad Avenue, Livermore, 925) 447-8330.   

Thanks, Grizz. I'll probably check out the PFD at Outdoor Adventures in San Jose. It's a little closer to Fremont, plus I have other things to do in the San Jose area.