Life Jackets

Posted By: 21sammy

Life Jackets - 06/15/20 12:51 AM

Currently have an inflatable life jacket that I use every time I run, and while fishing if the winds blowing hard. I love it for the comfort factor but can’t bring myself to fully trust it. What non-inflatable life jacket would y’all recommend?

Posted By: Ocelot

Re: Life Jackets - 06/15/20 02:24 AM

NRS Chinook.
Kayak fishing pfd.
Frequently referred to as the gold standard for kayak fishing.
Does not restrict my movements.

Posted By: fordnut

Re: Life Jackets - 06/15/20 12:19 PM

For Summer we were something like this but the original PRE-BPS Cabela's brand. The mesh top is a lot cooler in the summer heat.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/BASS-PRO-BAS-MESH-FISH-VEST/2962294.uts?slotId=9

Any other time spring fall winter i were this one.

https://tritonboatsapparel.com/triton-mustang-tournament-vest

Posted By: Tx Tree Grower

Re: Life Jackets - 06/15/20 01:36 PM

I like the mesh top live vest as well. I use it year round. I leave that one hooked to my kill switch all day. Just put it on as I sit down every time. I also wear an inflatable when I'm fishing by myself. Most of the time I just pull the mesh top over my inflatable when I'm running from spot to spot. Again, that is more to keep me from forgetting to put my kill switch chord on than anything else.

Posted By: Bruce Allen

Re: Life Jackets - 06/15/20 01:39 PM

been wearing inflatables since 1992. Started out with the belt kind. Had to inflate that once. It was so tight all I could do was bear hug it because the donut would not open big enough to get my head thru.

after that went to the current popular version. I have had three inflate by accident, either in the back of my truck or just sitting in the boat.

yes I unhook the kill switch lanyard every time I get out of the drivers seat and do not take it off.

The point is that they do inflate and will save your life if you keep them on and need them to work.

Posted By: emorydog

Re: Life Jackets - 06/15/20 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by Ocelot

NRS Chinook.
Kayak fishing pfd.
Frequently referred to as the gold standard for kayak fishing.
Does not restrict my movements.

I don’t think I could rely on that life vest in a bass boat that traveled over about 35mph. But that’s just me. I like to cinch the buckles down when the wind kick up so it fits nice and snug.

Originally Posted by Bruce Allen

been wearing inflatables since 1992. Started out with the belt kind. Had to inflate that once. It was so tight all I could do was bear hug it because the donut would not open big enough to get my head thru.

after that went to the current popular version. I have had three inflate by accident, either in the back of my truck or just sitting in the boat.

yes I unhook the kill switch lanyard every time I get out of the drivers seat and do not take it off.

The point is that they do (substitute the word “should” here) inflate and will (substitute the word “might” here) save your life if you keep them on and need them to work.

How many times has it worked when you needed it to? If never, well, then you are certainly entitled to your opinions.

Posted By: Hair Jig

Re: Life Jackets - 06/15/20 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by emorydog

How many times has it worked when you needed it to? If never, well, then you are certainly entitled to your opinions.

Inflatables have proven their worth over the years. No ... they aren't foolproof, as with most "unconventional" items. But if a person is uncomfortable or hesitant to wear a conventional vest because they are restrictive, then the inflatable is the way to go. And FWIW, there are far more positive outcomes with them than there are bad outcomes.

I fished without a vest on (except when underway) for many years and am glad that the inflatables are available. I wear one the entire time I am in the boat now.

Posted By: lamoon78

Re: Life Jackets - 06/15/20 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by 21sammy

You should have one in your boat already by law unless you wear the inflatable all day. I have a Bass Pro mesh top is mine alot cooler if I do wear it over my inflatable.

Posted By: Ocelot

Re: Life Jackets - 06/15/20 11:33 PM

Do not discount this jacket because it is a kayak fishing jacket.
Being a kayak fishing vest does not mean it will not work if you are going over 35MPH. The Chinook and the vests above are both class III rated.
You can also cinch it up as tight as your want and it will hold there.
Floats even big guys high in the water.
Being a kayaking jacket also has less restriction in arm movement. I do not find it restricts my paddling or fishing at all.
As a bonus, you also get a few pockets you can put some frequently used items in.

Posted By: SteezMacQueen

Re: Life Jackets - 06/16/20 12:11 AM

Just get the regular ol’ Onyx bass boat life jacket. It’s comfortable and might save a rib or two when you get slung out of the boat. Take it off when on the trolling motor. Buckle it up when you sit behind the wheel. Simple.