A kayak vest works great when fishing from a paddleboat. This specific type of vest is designed to act as a personal flotation device (PFD) for a boater who ends up in the water. A kayak fishing life vest can be especially useful when fishing in deep, cold or rough water or in cases when a boater is not a proficient swimmer. Options come in many different sizes, weights and price ranges as well as in different materials and resistance levels.
Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest – The inner lining of the back of this vest includes bubble foam for additional comfort and stability. Quicker drying is made possible by the loop on the back. Pockets with zippers feature mesh for better water drainage and are made to expand. Neoprene comfort pads are included in the shoulder adjustments. For added safety, a whistle has been attached to the jacket and can be used to alert other people whenever help is needed. Jacket trim color options include orange, purple, yellow and aqua.
Onyx Kayak Fishing Life Jacket – Available in tan, this PFD fishing vest comes with pockets that can store many essential items for fishing aboard a kayak. An included lash tab can be used to hold a knife, whistle or fly fishing tippets. The universal chest size is able to fit chests that measure from 30 to 52 inches, plus there is an oversize option that can fit chests of up to 60 inches. Six straps on the vest can be adjusted to coincides better with different boat seat heights and activities.
Stohlquist Men’s Ebb Life Jacket/Personal Flotation Device – Widely known for being one of the best fishing PFD options, this life jacket is made of nylon and consists of a 400 by 200 denier ripstop shell and 210 denier oxford liner. The inner mesh made of PE foam is lightweight and designed to prevent overheating. A neoprene waistband includes padding for extra comfort. For additional convenience, two side-entry pockets have been included in the design. A cinch strap harness has been added to keep the jacket form riding up while wearing it. When the jacket needs to be cleaned, it can be handwashed easily with soap and water.
Astral Ronny Life Jacket PFD – Ideal for paddleboat fishing as well as touring and other boating recreational activities, this option comes in colors like deep water blue, hot coral and spruce green. The 200-denier high-tenacity nylon shell and liner help give the jacket maximum stability. Polypro webbing has also been included in the jacket’s design to enhance functioning. The Vislon teeth zipper is made with a YKK self-locking mechanism to hold the jacket in place better. With a buoyancy rating of 16 pounds, this jacket has earned a USCG Approval Type III certification. Jacket sizes range from small to extra-large.
Onyx Curve MOVEMENT Paddle Sports PFD – People with different body types can wear this MoveVent vest with no problem thanks to its innovative design. Boaters who weigh 90 pounds or more will find this option to be highly practical. The vest can be made to fit even better by adjusting the side belts. A 200-denier nylon outer shell helps make this vest one of the most reliable choices on the market. The front ventilation helps the vest move through water more efficiently. Mesh on the lower back is able to conform to sit-on-top high back seats.
NRS Chinook Fishing PFD – Some consumers consider this selection to be the best life jacket for kayak fishing because of its Type III medium profile and 200-denier urethane-coated ripstop nylon material with mesh on the lower back. The strobe holder loop comes with several attachment loops and D-rings. Eight separate adjustment points help provide a more customized fit. The integrated rod holder is another feature that makes this vest a top choice. Black, green, orange and charcoal are the color options.
Stohlquist Fisherman Personal Flotation Device – This nylon vest features neoprene padded shoulders to prevent soreness while wearing it. Gaia flotation foam has been added to give the jacket a softer feel while still making it sturdy enough to do its job. Small tools and other items can be stored in the inside accessory pockets. The vest’s outer platform resembles a classic angling vest complete with mounting locations for many types of fishing equipment. Another quality that makes this one of the leading kayak vests is the 500-denier Cordura EVA stiffened outer shell that keeps contents inside of the pockets from getting damaged from water while getting into the kayak from an over-the-rim position.
MTI Adventurewear Solaris F-Spec Fishing PFD Life Jacket – Along with its multiple pockets, this vest comes with a fishing bridge and bay as well as a pin-on retractor holder with lash tabs and D-rings. The fishing bay is ideal for holding a radio or the 4.5 by 3-inch tackle box that is included. The fishing bridge can be used to attach flies or bate to a fishing rod. A high back design makes it easier to wear the jacket while sitting in a sit-on-top kayak. Better ventilation is made possible by the tri-buckle front enclosure.
Buyer’s Guide
Keeping the following considerations in mind can make choosing the best kayak fishing life vest easier:
Material – Nylon, polyester or other water-resistant material can help a vest last longer. Adequate foam padding on the interior can give the vest more buoyancy and comfort.
Weight – Heavier jackets can sometimes be more reliable but might have too much weight for some boaters to wear comfortably. The ideal selection will be heavy enough to provide safety in the water while still being light enough to allow easy movements while fishing or swimming.
Storage – Most kayak fishing life jackets feature multiple pockets that allow hooks, knives and other fishing gear to be stored. Certain types even come with additional compartments that can be used for keeping tackle boxes or as fishing line prep stations.
Adjustment Capability – Straps that can be pulled to adjust for a more accurate fit are always good to look for in a kayak life vest. Some options have straps located in many sections of the vest so that they can be pulled and loosened for an even more customized fit. Having enough adjustment straps will be especially important if the jacket will be worn by multiple people. Choose a best trailer hitch kayak carrier for the money using this website.