Kayak fishing is typically very safe, but as with all water sports, it’s your responsibility to yourself and your loved ones to always wear a personal flotation device (PFD). With so many to choose from, it can be difficult to find the best kayak fishing PFD.
PFDs are available to suit a wide variety of sizes, budgets and performance options in an assortment of materials, buoyancies, and weights. Simple design features can sometimes make or break your kayak fishing experience.
Here at The Adventure Junkies, we’ve done the research to help you choose a PFD that fits your body and your budget in order to ensure your day on the water is a successful one. A proper PFD choice will save your life in an emergency and fit comfortably when you’re simply reeling in the big ones.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FIND THE BEST KAYAK FISHING PFD
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KAYAK FISHING PFDS 101
6 THINGS TO CONSIDER TO FIND THE BEST KAYAK FISHING PFD
1. PURPOSE
It’s important to ask yourself what type of fisherman you are. Do you have a checklist of fish you want to catch or places you want to visit for fishing? Are you more of a casual fisherman, interested in how far you have to reach for your beverage, instead of how many lures your can pack into your pockets?
It’s also important to know how tall your kayak seat back is while deciding what type of PFD back (high, low, mesh, foam, etc.) you need. If you don’t know or remember what type of kayak you have, review this kayak buying guide from Paddling.com.
Are you new to the sport?If so, have a look at our Beginner’s Guide to Kayak Safety and Paddling Techniques.
2. MATERIAL
Most PFDs are made of various types of nylon for its mildew resistant properties. Some are simply nylon, some are coated, others are ripstop, which can greatly extend the life of a vest. Consider what type of climate you mainly fish in, and you’ll be able to decide if a mesh back is important to you, or if you’d prefer to have fleece-lined pockets, etc.
3. MOBILITY
Mobility is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a kayak fishing PFD. Casting, reeling, and fighting fish all require that the shoulders and arms can move freely. Adjustable straps are typically high on the kayak fisherman’s priorities, because there is nothing worse than being on a beautiful lake for hours, uncomfortable the entire time. There are five main types of PFDs, all differing in comfort and mobility.
4. FEATURES
This is where things start to get interesting! Think about how much gear you typically take on a fishing trip, and how you like to use it. Do you prefer to have a set of pliers hanging from your vest to easily remove a hook from a fish’s mouth? Do you fish in a location subject to strong winds and need a hat loop so your hat won’t blow away? PFDs are available with (or without) almost any fishing-specific feature you could think of.
5. BUOYANCY
According to REI, the average person only needs 7 to 12 lbs. of buoyancy, which is the United States Coast Guard minimum. Body fat also helps to keep you afloat, so the more body fat you have, the less buoyancy you need in a PFD.
6. WEIGHT
Some people prefer a lightweight PFD, even at the expense of fishing-specific features. If you’re not too concerned with the weight, a heavier PFD with more features may be perfect for you.
Photo by http://ift.tt/2qdtDlN
KAYAK FISHING PFD REVIEWS
1. KAYAK FISHING PFD FOR OVERALL USE
MTI SOLARIS
BEST FOR: Gear storage and lure changing
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
MATERIAL: Ripstop nylon and closed cell foam
MOBILITY: High mesh back and open sides allow for high mobility
FEATURES: Gear storage, drop-down “fishing bridge” for tying flies and changing lures, “fishing bay” – an elastic tackle box holder, D-rings, hat loop, pin-on retractor holder, lash tabs, zippered cargo pockets
BUOYANCY: 17.2 lbs. (7.80 kg.)
PROS: Gear organizing features, high buoyancy for heavier fisherman
CONS: Pockets, D-rings, tabs subject to snagging
STOHLQUIST FISHERMAN
BEST FOR: All around kayak fishing
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
MATERIAL: 500 denier cordura shell, 200 denier oxford liner, and eco-conscious Gaia foam
MOBILITY: Offers good shoulder mobility but leaves more to be desired ergonomically
FEATURES: Open sides for ventilation, high back, adjustable shoulder and side straps, gear storage, anchor points, front-zip entry, padded neoprene shoulders
BUOYANCY: 16.75 lbs. (7.60 kg.)
PROS: Comfortable, well-ventilated, plenty of gear storage
CONS: Drop-down platforms not ideally located
NRS CHINOOK
BEST FOR: Comfort and utility while fishing
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
MATERIAL: 200 denier urethane-coated ripstop nylon
MOBILITY: Seven adjustment points make this the most adjustable PFD
FEATURES: Front-zip entry, ventilated high back, seven adjustment points, key lanyard in front pocket, rod holder loops, retractable tool clip, fly drying patch, D-rings
BUOYANCY: 16.5 lbs. (7.48 kg.)
PROS: Comfort, adjustability, unique rod holder loops
CONS: Lacks drop-down platforms
2. KAYAK FISHING PFD FOR LIGHTWEIGHT USE
ONYX MOVEVENT CURVE
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Long distance paddling and hot summer days
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
MATERIAL: 200 denier nylon outer shell, soft, lightweight flotation foam
MOBILITY: Fits like a glove, amazing mobility
FEATURES: Shoulder and side adjustments, mesh in lower back, solar reflective
BUOYANCY: 15 lbs. (6.80 kg.)
PROS: Lightweight, comfortable, relatively inexpensive
CONS: Lacks fishing-specific features
ASTRAL RONNY
BEST FOR: Casual fishing
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
MATERIAL: 200 x 400 denier ripstop nylon outer, 200 denier nylon liner, polyethylene foam
MOBILITY: Good shoulder mobility, but ½ inch foam back pad is bulkier than a mesh back
FEATURES: Reflective trim, beverage pocket, six adjustment points (2 side, 2 shoulder, 1 waist), quick-access knife tab, lightweight construction, front-zip entry
BUOYANCY: 16 lbs. (7.26 kg.)
PROS: Lightweight, durable polyethylene foam, minimal design, perfect for casual fisherman, reflective trim
CONS: Bulky in chest, moderately comfortable, lacks fishing-specific features
STOHLQUIST EBB
BEST FOR: Comfort and coolness in sit-on-top kayaks
WOMEN’S VERSION: Stohlquist Women’s Flo
MATERIAL: 200 X 400 denier ripstop outer shell and soft 210 denier inner liner, polyethylene foam
MOBILITY: Good shoulder mobility, high back
FEATURES: Cross-chest cinch, high-back, lightweight, open sides, front-zip non-corroding entry, 4-way lash tabs, self-draining pockets
BUOYANCY: 16.13 lbs. (7.31 kg.)
PROS: Cross-chest cinch, self-draining pockets
CONS: Slightly heavy at 1 lb. 6.4 oz, lacks fishing-specific features
3. INFLATABLE KAYAK FISHING PFDS
MTI ADVENTUREWEAR HELIOS 2.0
BEST FOR: Kayaking in hot weather
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
MATERIAL: Polyester/Oxford nylon; inflatable bladder
MOBILITY: Yoke style construction offers the best mobility
FEATURES: Backup oral inflation tube, reflective trim, tethered whistle, reflective trim, zippered front storage pocket
BUOYANCY: Highly buoyant at 26 lbs. (11.80 kg.)
PROS: Low profile, lightweight, high buoyancy, mobility
CONS: Price, lacks fishing-specific features, requires manual inflation
STOHLQUIST CONTOUR
BEST FOR: Maximal mobility
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
MATERIAL: 240 denier mini-ripstop shell, 210 denier oxford liner
MOBILITY: Highest mobility, low profile design
FEATURES: Manual/oral inflation option, adjustable waist belt (up to 46”), adjustable neck strap, zippered pocket
BUOYANCY: 22.5 lbs. (9.90 kg.)
PROS: Low profile, highly buoyant
CONS: Requires manual inflation
4. BEST BUDGET KAYAK FISHING PFDS
ONYX KAYAK FISHING
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Utility on a budget
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
MATERIAL: 400 denier nylon oxford
MOBILITY: Sufficient mobility for arms and shoulders
FEATURES: Zippered fleece-lined pockets, opening in top of pockets for quick access, lash tab, six adjustment straps, high back, one-push drop-down tray
BUOYANCY: 15 lbs. (6.80 kg.)
PROS: Best value vest
CONS: Least buoyant vest, lower quality construction
ONYX MOVEVENT DYNAMIC
Check out the latest price on:
Amazon
BEST FOR: Athletic paddlers
WOMEN’S VERSION: N/A
MATERIAL: 200 denier nylon ripstop and nylon oxford
MOBILITY: High mobility for arms and shoulders, moderately bulky
FEATURES: High back, low mesh back, shoulder and waist adjustments, unique bubble foam, zippered pocket, emergency whistle
BUOYANCY: 15 lbs. (6.80 kg.)
PROS: Price, comfort, fits like a glove for athletic, dynamic paddling
CONS: Offers little storage
The post Kayak Fishing PFDs 101 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.
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