PFD for inshore/offshore fishing

[Bi0tic]

Foam or inflatable? Auto or Manual for an inflatable? What models? Any suggestions appreciated.

[Cookinman]

Foam or inflatable? Auto or Manual for an inflatable? What models? Any suggestions appreciated.

Something comfortable that you will wear. Sounds simple, it is. Complicated PFD's get stored, simple easy light ones get worn. Go try on a few....Then sit in the kayak and move around a bit.

[Bi0tic]

True enough. I have a more specific question then. Can the auto-inflatable models convert to manual? Remove the dissolving pill or something? Do the inflatables all have a manual air tube valves?

[crashmister]

True enough. I have a more specific question then. Can the auto-inflatable models convert to manual? Remove the dissolving pill or something? Do the inflatables all have a manual air tube valves?

Some can and some can't. Some have both auto and manual some have one or the other. Different models have different features. Cman is spot on. go shopping and try them on. A good PFD is comfortable and functional and when it comes to price ask your self what's your life worth.

[fishnfool73]

True enough. I have a more specific question then. Can the auto-inflatable models convert to manual? Remove the dissolving pill or something? Do the inflatables all have a manual air tube valves?

Some can and some can't. Some have both auto and manual some have one or the other. Different models have different features. Cman is spot on. go shopping and try them on. A good PFD is comfortable and functional and when it comes to price ask your self what's your life worth.

Pat did you use the manuel or auto inflate PFD when you were on Noah's Ark ?

I agree the only way to find the right PFD for you is to head down and try them on til you find the one that feels right on you.

[CubanExpress]

Pat did you use the manuel or auto inflate PFD when you were on Noah's Ark ?

Neither. Pat has gills and can consume oxygen under water. Me? I need a flotation device I can depend on..... Behold!

[CubanExpress]

The ultimate PFD; A converted 1951 Chevy pickup truck that reaches a leisurely 7 knots (8 mph), and conveniently uses a magnitude of 55-gallon oil drums as flotation devices.

[Cookinman]

The ultimate PFD; A converted 1951 Chevy pickup truck that reaches a leisurely 7 knots (8 mph), and conveniently uses a magnitude of 55-gallon oil drums as flotation devices.

Denny you are a riot...lol

Biotic...definately go try a few out, there are all combinations and price ranges. I'm due for one this year too....I haver an older non inflatablemodel that I bring W me offshore...unfortunately, sad to say it gets stored in my tankwell on most trips. It's a bad habit....though I can swim the 2 miles back to shore ( and have..lol ) It will not keep me alive if I get hurt while its back there. I am planning to break down and buy a self inflatable belt pack this year...in fact sometime quite soon.

[crashmister]

Pat did you use the manuel or auto inflate PFD when you were on Noah's Ark ?

Neither. Pat has gills and can consume oxygen under water. Me? I need a flotation device I can depend on..... Behold!

Hey!
That's not funny. Noah lied to me there was no bar or casino on that boat.

[Bi0tic]

That's one sweet ride...I wonder if I can find one on craigslist

Thanks for the input Cookin. The autos seem nice except the problem of inflating when not needed (wave, rain, spill in shallow water). I could go deep (into the pockets) and get a foam one for the ride out and wear an inflatable while fishing. Still have the manual vs auto, but prob leaning toward the manual for that instance.