Hello everyone!

I am starting to really get into these Kayak Fishing Tournaments and I have noticed that a lot of them are starting to make you wear your PFD during the tournament. I always had one on my deck incase I felt uneasy but it was one of those bulky orange life vests.

Does anyone have any recommendations on a good PFDs that aren't too bulky that are good for fishing? Maybe with a pocket for my camera/phone? I am a bigger guy so I don't want anything that's going to make me feel/look like the michelin man.

Thanks!

don't know if this is THE BEST but, currently using one like this from stylquest. I have found them to be tough and comfy.


Still keep the old MTI vest that saved my life as a backup.
I will recommend them both. My stohlquist get used more because its more comfy but both are high back jackets. I prefer a paddler stylr jacket with big opening for max. range of movement, brightly colored for daytime visibility & reflectors for nighttime visibility.
I don't mind what it looks like AS MUCH as how it FEELS or how functionable it is. I too like a few pockets & other places to attach tools a knife & radio when needed.

Mariner Sales of Dallas may be a convenient place u can try them on.
Recommend you sit in yak & make the paddling motion while there. Make sure its one that is going to work for you.

The ASCEND vest by BassPro are not as expensive. They look decent but, I have have yet to try them & im not sure if youll like the pockets. good luck

Im rather large and my NRS Chinook fits me well. It never get uncomfortable even on the really long days.

Stohlquist makes a Universal fit that goes up to a 53" chest in their Pi-Seas jacket which is the one I own. Often when I take people with me they are differently sized than I am so having a universal sized jacket means I always have one that will fit a buddy. I fish out of the Pi-Seas 99% of the time. The other 1% I am in my MTI jacket.

I've been using an older model Kokatat for years. Keeping with my theme of hating to pay extra for the name, I bought it used on E Bay years ago.

Since I'll be spending YOUR MONEY for this recommendation I'd like to have this one.

http://www.outdoorplay.com/Kokatat-SeaO2-Kayak-PFD-Lifejacket?sc=7&category=71233

I use a manual pull, inflatable CO2 type vest in the summer (Sospenders), the Kokatat during the cooler months. Usually carry Kokatat in hull when wearing Sospenders.

http://www.boatersland.com/sos1217nav00000s.html?gclid=CPjfvOuup78CFdBi7AodIAIAbg

Lots of good pfd.s for kayak fishing, just a matter of what color you like best and if you prefer maximum or minimum number of pockets and attachment points.

Currently on sale for $35.99, and available in sizes from Small to 3XL

Cabela's Full Motion Vest

I am 6'2" and about 285lbs and I love my NRS Chinook. I never feel the need to take it off and it has plenty of pockets for storage. I highly recommend it!