Life jackets for kayak fishing come in various styles with varying features and fits. Finding a kayaking fishing PDF (personal flotation device) that gives you the most mobility is crucial. The most necessary factor in choosing a life jacket is that it fits correctly, allows you to float, and cast easily. There are also added features, storage, and ventilation to consider.
Fishing PFDs are necessary so you may move about your kayak and fish without any issues. They frequently incorporate pockets for tackle boxes and fishing-specific features for holding rods and storing tools.
From our research, we have found five different types of flotation devices. Each of these may float differently or have other environmental uses.
• Type 1 PDFs are designed for offshore use and have the most inherent buoyancy. Type I PFDs are designed to turn unconscious users onto their backs and protect their airways.
• Type 2 PFDs are designed to be used in calmer conditions. They will turn most unconscious casualties onto their back and upright.
• Type 3 PFDs do not turn unconscious casualties onto their backs but are designed to float the wearer.
• Type 4 PFDs are external floatation devices thrown to the casualty to keep them afloat until they can be rescued.
• Type 5 PDFs have sport-specific purposes and often include specific attributes used in particular environments.
Best Life jackets for Kayak Fishing
Best Overall Stohlquist Keeper
This PFD has a narrow back and covers the entire body, making it a comfortable life jacket that fits both regular and high-back kayak seats. The Keeper fits securely around your body. It stays out of the way when you paddle or stand to fish, thanks to its Wrapture-shaped torso.
When fishing, you want everything you need to be accessible and within easy reach. For all your gear, The Keeper offers a variety of easily accessible and internally arranged pockets. These zips include gripping toggles that make it simple to open them with one hand, even if your hands are cold or damp.
Expandable neoprene pockets are ideal for frequently used equipment on the front of the bigger tackle pocket. If you let go, you won’t have to watch your nippers drop to the bottom of the river because these can be mounted on the Keeper’s numerous mounting points.
Runner Up NRS Chinook OS Fishing Lifejacket (PFD)
Beyond its fishing advantages, this PFD is a superb piece of equipment. It fits your figure perfectly and is comfortable. It is really simple to put on and take off throughout the day to switch out the layers thanks to the front zip entry and six adjustment points, guaranteeing that it stays secure.
You won’t have to fumble around your kayak to find your tackle boxes because the Chinook has two roomy compartments on the front that can accommodate them. There are two small accessory pockets and a tool pocket for pliers or line cutters on the front of these. While fishing, these accessory pockets are simple to open and close with one hand, thanks to their hook-and-loop closures.
Best Female NRS Shenook
The NRS Shenook PFD is designed specifically for female anglers and has all the high-quality features of the recognized Chinook but is fitted for women’s comfort. Thanks to the articulated plush paneling, you may be as comfortable as possible throughout long fishing days, which is ideal for the feminine shape.
This PFD is simple to fit and has a wide enough range to fit everyone, thanks to the front zip and numerous adjustment points. The high-back mesh design, similar to the Chinook, keep you cool on warm days.
Best Budget Stohlquist Spinner
Comfort and mobility are the primary goals of The Spinner. The low-cut design, thin foam, and contoured panels that wrap around your body to give you an unrestricted paddle posture work nicely together. This is a benefit when fishing because the Spinner will feel like a conventional fishing vest due to its low profile.
The Spinner’s slim back keeps you comfortable while fishing from the seat of your sit-on-top fishing kayak and also helps to keep you cool and well ventilated.
Best Ventilation Astral V-Eight Fisher
The V-Eight Fisher PFD is the most breathable kayak fishing life jacket currently available. You will not have a problem with overheating with the high back, mesh design on the back, and Astral’s Airescape on the front.
This is intended for dedicated kayak fishermen and women. The V-Eight Fisher gives you complete flexibility of movement, whether you have a long trip to your fishing area or want a PFD that stays out of the way when you are standing on a sunny day.
A pocket big enough for other necessities and your phones is on the front of your life vest, and a tool storage area with a clip is on the opposite side of the bag. A fixed-blade lash point and a pocket for a folding knife are also present. Thanks to this sensible storage, you’ll always be aware of where your gear is when out fishing.
Best Tool Management Stohlquist Fisherman
The Stohlquist Fisherman PFD is made for dedicated anglers who demand a vest that is cool and comfortable to paddle in and provides them with the most workspace possible.
Anglers are always primarily interested in pockets. The front-mounted tool pouches are organized so you can quickly locate and utilize your equipment without losing it or dropping it into your boat. In addition to being safe, these pockets have a protective EVA rigid cover that can fold to create compact workstations.
Beyond these pockets are numerous hooks and loops for safety knives and tools, ensuring that everything you need is accessible and safe.
The Fisherman has a half mesh back, so you can fully appreciate the high-backed seat your kayak manufacturer went to such lengths to build while still staying well ventilated.
This PFD has many adjustment options and may be tightened down at the chest to prevent riding up. Thanks to the snug fit and soft foam distribution, you’ll have everything you need, and nothing will obstruct your fishing.
Best Storage Astral Sturgeon
Storage issues have been resolved by the Sturgeon, Astral, with five compartments in one big clamshell-style pocket. This might sound complicated, but thanks to Astral’s level of organization and the front pocket, it can be used as a shelf, and finding what you need is simple.
Now, some items need to be accessed swiftly and with one hand. The Sturgeon has a tool stow, knife pocket, and lash point in consideration of this. These can be leashed to d-rings and secured to the PFD.
The Sturgeon is designed with fishing in mind. In the warmest heat, this PFD is very comfortable and is so well-ventilated that you can wear it the whole day. A Thin Vent back prevents you from being pushed out of your seat while paddling and keeps you cool on the water. The foam is used to make the Sturgeon conform to the curve of your body, providing you with all the movement you need for paddling and fishing.
Stohlquist Spinner Youth
Younger paddlers can use the Stohlquist Spinner Youth, a straightforward vest with good mobility, for kayak fishing and general boating. The contoured front and back foam panels increase mobility for paddling and fishing.
Inflatable vs. foam vests
Both foam vests and inflatables have advantages and disadvantages. Why is foam regarded as the finest PFD material for kayak fishing?
For kayakers, foam-filled PFDs are comfortable, secure, and reliable. It is not necessary to rearm them like inflatable jackets; thus, you can use them repeatedly.
Some kayak anglers prefer inflatable jackets, especially those who fish farther away from land. They are much cooler than a foam vest and have a smaller profile, which makes them less obtrusive.
The drawback of inflated life jackets is that they must be repacked and rearmed after deployment.
Foam vests are getting more breathable. Many life jackets designed for fishing feature mesh backs, which keep you cool and are comfortable with the high-backed, secure seats that many fishing kayaks have. They frequently possess more qualities that are unique to fishing.
Locate life jackets for kayak fishing and finding a kayaking fishing PDF that gives you the most mobility is crucial.
Mobility
Casting and paddling will be more challenging if your PFD restricts your movement. Between a PFD that is snug enough to keep it from falling off in the water and one that restricts your movement, there is a balance needed.
As we stated earlier, inflatable PFDs typically provide the most movement, but they are not without limitations. Because you move more when wearing a Type 3 life jacket, it’s typically the best option for kayakers. Locate life jackets for kayak fishing and finding a kayaking fishing PDF that gives you the most mobility is crucial.
PFDs come in a variety of body types. They come in a range of sizes, but if you’re unsure how you’ll move in it, try them at the store. When your pockets are full, this may also limit your mobility.
Weight
The weight of your PFD will impact your comfort and mobility. In a bulky PFD, smaller paddlers may particularly struggle. But lighter PFDs typically means they are not made as well and may have fewer choices.
A balance that is useable for you and doesn’t restrict your movement in your kayak is essential. When you try on your PFD, it’s necessary to account for the weight of your gear.
Flotation
Your weight is essential, but only when looking for a PFD with the appropriate amount of flotation. Typically, Type 3 PFDs have 50 N and more buoyancy to keep a person floating securely above the water. You should stay within the weight range provided by most models.
Warmth or ventilation
In colder climates, a PFD can serve as an insulating layer. Locating the ideal PFD requires choosing a type that works for you, your climate, and your kayaking areas.
Some PDFs even include fleece pockets or hand warmer pouches that you may use to keep your hands warm. Locate life jackets for kayak fishing and finding a kayaking fishing PDF that gives you the most mobility is crucial.
PFDs designed for hotter climates frequently contain ventilation strips or mesh backs. These help your skin to breathe and keep you from getting too hot or wanting to take off your PFD.
Angling characteristics
The correct angling characteristics in a PFD can make the difference between making a decent decision and a terrific decision. Many features are available, including large compartments for tackle boxes, tool bags, rod holders, and more. You can determine that you don’t need them all and that they are just adding to your expenses.