Thoughts on best PFD

Anyone have any suggestions on what they think is the best PFD for kayak fishing?  Can you give me reasons why? (ie: comfortability, breathability, storage & ease of acces to storage)

Thanks so much!

Whatever one you will wear all day every day!!

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

I have this one and love it. But it's the only one I've ever used.

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/814/Stohlquist-Fisherman-High-Back-Life-Jacket-PFD.html

Comfy, plenty of storage for tackle, easy to adjust.

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Whatever one you will wear all day every day!!

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

LoL that's the point! I have one right now that is super uncomfortable. Looking at getting a new one, but looking on the internet at different ones is tough. I don't want to arbitrarily pick one and end up with another bad one. Just looking for some first hand accounts.

a pfd is one of those things you really need to try on, so you can make sure it is comfortable and fits you, head over to your local paddle shop and they should get you dialed in, for me i wear a kokatat, all day comfort, cameron

The best bet is to go to a local paddle shop and try different ones on. Everyone has their own idea of what works for them. I put on two that I thought I would like and ended up getting a different one. My PFD of choice now is the NRS c-vest

http://www.nrs.com/product/2157/nrs-cvest-mesh-back-pfd

This is the one I have been using very comfortable and lots of pockets I like the one for the radio keeps it safe. I lost one over board once it was clipped to my vest (my old vest) good luck on your search
 
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/1801/Kokatat-Bahia-Tour-Fishing-Life-Jacket-PFD.html/


PatR

I have a Stohlquist fisherman and it's pretty darn nice. My only complaint is it makes reaching into my center hatch difficult. I have a feeling that my gut is more to blame than the vest though. I keep my braid snips tethered inside one of the big pockets and it works great.

Love my NRS Chinook, super comfy with just enough pockets.

if the front pockets are too large, and stick too far out when filled with gear, then it will make it harder to self rescue due to the thickness. Just a thot for you.

I gotta echo a lot of what's already been mentioned on here - the most critical thing is that it's comfortable enough for you to wear it every time you paddle, the entire time you're paddling.

Again, go and try several on at your local shop - there's so much variety out there and the pros at the shop will be able to help you find what suits you best.  There's great PFDs out there in all price ranges, you don't have to spend a ton to get something that you'll be happy with.  The critical part is finding the right fit, and that can only be done in person.

Good luck!
-Dave

You'll want to try out a few before making your choice. I first started with the NRS Chinook. It felt comfortable when I tried it on at the store but when I got on the water and started paddling I realized it rubbed an area of my chest where my pacemaker was implanted and it got uncomfortable really quick. I switch to the Stohlquist fisherman haven't looked back. It's very comfortable all day and it hold enough gear for me.

Good luck in your search.

Whatever one you will wear all day every day!!

 

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Yes. That's the one!

....and sit in a yak with a seat like the one you will be using (hell, bring in your seat). All the other advice is spot on

Anyone have any suggestions on what they think is the best PFD for kayak fishing?  Can you give me reasons why? (ie: comfortability, breathability, storage & ease of acces to storage)

Thanks so much!

yeah, don't focus one manufacturer since there are so many good ones out there. Also don't get caught up in the "fishing' related merchandising. Check out Extrasport, lotus, NRS...there are many. Main thing is, as has already been stated, get one that YOU think looks cool, in a color YOU like, 'cause if you go cheap & ugly/uncomfortable you won't wear it.
Figure a good PFD will run about $80 to start (this is just a ballpark)