Best PFD/Life Vest for Kayak Fishing

[UnkleRob2020]

I have a traditional life vest that I think is more suited to jet skiing than fishing from a kayak. It was somewhat tolerable until I started trolling from my kayak. Safety is my first concern, but I would like to find a pfd that is more comfortable and less restrictive so that I can move, paddle, turn, reach behind me, etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you,

Rob

[Yak Fish]

Hey Rob,
Here's a video I made a couple years ago showing a few different versions. It'll help point you in the right direction as to what's out there. In general, there's a huge difference in comfort and features in the more specialized vests. I wear them without even thinking about it. The fit is a big deal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Em6Y...attistaFishing

--Alan

[dsaavedra]

This largely comes down to personal preference, but there are definitely a few styles that are much less restrictive than the full vest jet-ski style PFD you have. These include inflatable PFDs and inherently buoyant Type III's that are specifically made with kayaking in mind.

Inflatables are probably the least restrictive of all as they simply have adjustable straps across your back and then a flat, deflated air chamber that goes over your neck and down each side of your chest. They are inflated with a compressed air cartridge that's activated either manually by a pull cord or automatically when a sensor detects immersion. I believe the automatic ones always have a manual backup activation, but not all manually activated ones have automatic activation.

Some people don't like relying on the inflatables, even manually activated ones for that matter if you're unconscious or otherwise incapacitated when you go in the water, and opt for inherently buoyant PFDs. They makes ones specifically for kayaking that offer wider range of arm movement with the thin shoulder straps, open sides, and the flotation panel on the back is very high up, covering your shoulder/upper back area so it does not interfere with your kayak seat. There are many good brands to choose from and even the "cheap" store brand ones will be much more comfortable than your jet-ski style vest. There are also kayak fishing specific vests that include pockets for tackle, tools, and various attachment points for tethers, if you like to keep that stuff on your person. I use one made by NRS called "Chinook" and it's very comfortable to wear. I often forget I'm wearing it until I sit in my driver's seat to go home.