Does Anyone at PaFF Wear a Life Preserver When Wading of Rafting

[fadeaway263]

My guide from the Bitterroot just sent me this awful story about a 74 YO FF drowning in the Bitterroot. I am considering using some sort of flotation device when wading big rivers and when rafting. Don't think I would wear one in a drift boat but after reading this story I think at my age I should wear one when rafting/pontooning with a guide. I would post this on "Gear Talk" but would rather get broader exposure here. I searched the issue before posting this and saw little discussion on the forums about the pros and cons of fishing with PFDs.

http://missoulian.com/news/local/fisherman-drowns-in-bitterroot-river/article_d269e6ae-714e-5634-bbeb-0e9649076401.html

 

[mikesl]

I mostly fish small streams where there is no serious issue.

After a few dicey wading adventures on bigger water (crosing the lehigh for example), I got myself a hip-mounted PFD with pull handle auto inflate.

I have worn it while fishing maybe twice, but it is nice to have in the gear box for when things are marginal

 

[geebee]

fade, my dad is 83 aqnd has been wearing one since he was about 65.

he has one that is also a fishing vest made by Hardy.

He also has used a wading stick for that long too.

I think once you age a little your balance goes as does your flexibility, so its a good imho. wading boots are also difficult to walk in due to the ankles not flexing.

 

[fadeaway263]

Good answers guys but if you can direct me to the product you reference I will look it up on Amazon

 

[krayfish2]

During colder months wear one in the boat perrregulations. I'll also put one on if the water is extremely high. Wading, haven't used one. I just stay in areas I'm familiar with. After almost getting washed away at Buckingham ramp your first time up, you probably should get one. Remember how shook up you were?

Just search inflatable life vest

 

[fadeaway263]

krayfish2 wrote:
After almost getting washed away at Buckingham ramp your first time up, you probably should get one. Remember how shook up you were?
Just search inflatable life vest

Andy: I did that search but there were very few "Reviews" so that is why I made this post. PS I took a header into the Bitterroot last year getting out of the guide boat. I think in addition to a PFD I need two knee replacements as well :lol:

 

[Mike]

When searching for an inflatable, note that there is or may be an"expiration date" on the mechanism. It may have to do with the CO2 cartridge. I don't know if the length of time that the jacket is considered safe to use varies from brand to brand.

I almost always wear a life jacket in a boat, regardless of the weather, even though I am quite at home in the water (former SCUBA diver, former water safety instructors).

The other problem is the inhaling reflex when you suddenly hit cold water. It is good to have a life jacket on in case things go south on you. Better to be safe than sorry around cold, flowing water in which it is too fast or too deep to stand. And remember, fast water can sweep you into deep water if you can't regain your footing in a hurry.

 

[geebee]

Mike makes a good point - you want a vest where you can re arm the CO2 cartridge.

any vest you choose with a USCG rating should be fine. Mustang are floatation specialists :

http://www.mustangsurvival.com/recreational/miv-10?division=recreation&country=25

if you fish in the summer a lot, you could go for something like this :

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Auto/Manual-Inflatable-Life-Vest/product/11090805012133/

 

[FarmerDave]

Or if you are really cheap...

 

[krayfish2]

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boating/Life-Jackets-Vests/Inflatable-Life-Jackets|/pc/104794380/c/104741280/sc/104399280/Cabelas-Tournament-3500-Auto-PFD/1806463.uts?destination=%2Fcategory%2FInflatable-Life-Jackets%2F104399280.uts&WTz_l=undefined%3Bcat104399280

This is the one I have. Nice wide belt and 35 lb cartridge. If you can find one that is automatic / manual...best best. Also get a spare CO2.

Mustangs are nice but expensive. Onyx gets good reviews and are one of the better priced options.

 

[outsider]

I only ever wore a PFD once in my life while wading and it saved my life. It was a fishing vest style non-inflatable with pockets.

In the 80's my father and I went to the Martin's Creek area of the Delaware River to fish for shad on a very cold April day. I stepped off a sand bar and my chest waders immediately filled with water. Had a heck of a time fighting the current to get back to shore. God watched over me that day.

 

[Love2fish]

I would also recommend wearing a tight wading belt. I wear on no matter where I'm fishing. I have had plenty of spills in the delaware around trenton and they do very well at keeping water from rushing in. You will still get water in your waders but it won't rush in giving you time to regain your footing. I even wear one fishing valley because it's habit.

 

[brookieaddict]

When we fish the Yough we all wear one.

 

[fadeaway263]

krayfish2 wrote:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Boating/Life-Jackets-Vests/Inflatable-Life-Jackets|/pc/104794380/c/104741280/sc/104399280/Cabelas-Tournament-3500-Auto-PFD/1806463.uts?destination=%2Fcategory%2FInflatable-Life-Jackets%2F104399280.uts&WTz_l=undefined%3Bcat104399280

This is the one I have. Nice wide belt and 35 lb cartridge. If you can find one that is automatic / manual...best best. Also get a spare CO2.

Mustangs are nice but expensive. Onyx gets good reviews and are one of the better priced options.

Andy I went with your suggestion. Can you get the cartridges in the store?

 

[pete41]

stay away from the sweepers out there,fade-[trees in water].Most dangerous thing you will run into.They will suck you and your craft under them.If you are lucky you will get out [minus rod,reel,craft and rifle if you are also deer hunting].Then you get to walk out,soaking wet...in near freezing weather and explain to spouse waiting at take out point why you just lost several thousand dollars worth of equipment.....
Happened to me on lower Galletin just before dumps into Missouri---The next spring there was a notification in the paper saying if you could identify all the above,come get it--- I did.Some people are lucky fools[me], others are very special humans [the returner].
All kidding aside,they are VERY dangerous..Be very careful coming out of side channel

 

[pete41]

stay away from the sweepers out there,fade-[trees in water].Most dangerous thing you will run into.They will suck you and your craft under them.If you are lucky you will get out [minus rod,reel,craft and rifle if you are also deer hunting].Then you get to walk out,soaking wet...in near freezing weather and explain to spouse waiting at take out point why you just lost several thousand dollars worth of equipment.....
Happened to me on lower Galletin just before dumps into Missouri---The next spring there was a notification in the paper saying if you could identify all the above,come get it--- I did.Some people are lucky fools[me], others are very special humans [the returner].
All kidding aside,they are VERY dangerous..Be very careful coming out of side channel

 

[Chaz]

I thought PFBC just changed the law on self powered boats, that you have to wear a life jacket. I'f I were fishing from any boat I'd be wearing one, as for wading, I suppose in big water it's the safest thing to do, but do I wear one? No, I'm quite comfortable in water, but my thinking is changing since I've gotten older. I may invest in a life jacket myself.