Kayak Fishing PFD Recommendation
Apparently, all the well-thought-out PFDs come from New Zealand and Australia. They are not USCG rated, and nobody sells them here.
My local paddle shop has the Kokatat line, which are... OK. It's not exactly what I want, but it'll work. If all else fails, I'll just buy that.
What I'd like:
* High back w/ hydration bladder
* Lash points on both shoulders
* Center/left lash tab
* Pocket layout - mixed utility pockets on one side, pouch for a small tacklebox on the other. Clear license pocket is a plus, but not essential.
* Pliers/tool loops on sides
* Yellow or orange w/ reflective tape
* Drag handle and/or light mount
Is something like this available anywhere in the US?
ETA: I'm doing reel fishing with metallic bait, some limited live bait fishing, and hopefully a dozen crabs here and there off handlines. Bay with some limited river fishing.
It'd be nice if the PFD itself was GTG for surf, but that's not a big concern. No salt fishing.
I don't Kayak but do canoe.
I use the simple fishing pocket type but don't even bother to carry water. I take a pack filter and a bottle then filter as I go.
Tj
We have well thought out PFDs?
I personally bought a Stohlquist Fisherman from the US. Best fishing PFD IMO.
I don't like PFDs with bladders, because the last thing you want when you really need to use a PFD is additional weight.
This is probably semi-unwise, but I fish small lakes and streams with a sit-on top model with the dihedral hull design, and its very stable. I blew $80 on a PFD, and it sits in the "readily accessible" cargo area in the rear of the kayak. Everything i've fished is electric motors only. The one time I went out on the Ohio River, i wore it.
Check this out it may help.
http://www.kayakbassfishing.com/kbfBB3/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=6254&p=60954&hilit=PFD#p60954
I use this site for all kinds of fishing info. Good info and a good group of people.
BTW
I'm an avid kayak fisherman but use cheapy Bass Pro PFD.
