PFD for wade fishing

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bdhoover77

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Question for the forum — does anyone wear a PFD when wade fishing? I’ve been wanting to fish the Susquehanna and Potomac but have balked at going out on either river on my own because I’ve been thinking what if I get into trouble while wading a large river like the Susky or Potomac. Even when wade fishing the Juniata I’ve stepped in some deeper holes that filled my waders. Fortunately I always wear a wading belt when wearing waders and I’ve taken to carrying a wading staff on all but the smallest of creeks/streams.

I’ve been wondering whether others here ever wear a PFD (beyond kayaking/rafting) and, if so, what type?
 
I don't when wading, but I do religiously when in a boat.

A couple a years back, I sprung for an automatic "suspender-style" from Mustang Survival and couldn't be happier with the comfort including 10+ hours sitting in a boat in the hot sun.

Definitely not the least expensive option, but I can't think of anything dumber than "cheaping out" on something that may save your life.
 
out west i know some guys who wear SOSpenders. But I don't think I know anyone who wears them since I've moved back here.
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I do on a boat and wading big rivers like the Juniata especially when I'm alone.
 
Something like those SOSpenders sure seems like a good idea on bigger waters. Do the guys out west wear them over or under their vest? If over, does it interfere with vest pocket access?
 
I have worn the inflatable jobs on some very sketchy jetties in the middle of the night surf fishing solo (thought being it would buy some time as you are losing motor function in cold water) but never fly fishing. Truthfully I don't see it being that helpful , you don't get a pfd buddy in the service and it's not the pfd system.... I think fishing with a buddy in very high or unfamiliar water is the best way to go and I say this as someone who fishes solo 98 percent of the time. I have forced myself so many times to turn around and hike out because I was tired and thought the water ahead was just too big and just not worth it.

....Discretion is the better part of valor .....
 
Anything is better than nothing. they self inflate. It s a legit class III pfd.
 
Kms said:
I’ve thought about this, but haven’t yet bothered. A full foam vest is bulky, but I know I would burn money firing off an automatic when I didn’t need it. The Mustang Khimera hybrid is interesting (it has ~1/2 the normal foam floatation and an inflatable section), but I’ve never tried one. It would be nice if they made something similar in a fishing configuration with more storage.
View attachment 1641245344
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The Kokatat Vest/PFD is not really that bulky and the material inside is soft....very comfortable. I rate it as one of the best piece of equipment I've purchased in a long time.

kokatat.com

Leviathan Life Vest

The ultimate kayak fishing life vest.
kokatat.com kokatat.com

 
afishinado said:
The Kokatat Vest/PFD is not really that bulky and the material inside is soft....very comfortable. I rate it as one of the best piece of equipment I've purchased in a long time.

kokatat.com

Leviathan Life Vest

The ultimate kayak fishing life vest.
kokatat.com kokatat.com

Click to expand...
Thanks @afishinado, you and another review (below) convinced me. The orange is 30% off at REI, but I wanted olive.

I found this free shipping code for kokatat.com for anyone interested.
INTOTHEWATER

 
I don’t wear a PFD when wading. In fact I rarely wear a PFD at all. I waded a large river (the Delaware) one time. I did more wading than fishing and covered such a small portion of water that it felt almost pointless. Definitely not for me. When wading, I go to streams where if I fall in I can simply stand back up. If fishing a large river it’s in a boat or on the bank both of which are more enjoyable to me than wading a big river.
 
Only in a boat for me to,most water I could just stand up in, however I did go swimming on the yough one year but didn't have a problem swimming, swimming in waders full of water is no more difficult than a pair of blue jeans,don't believe me go try it with a friend handy and in a safe place,it's a misconception that you'll sink,water is weightless in water you'll only have a problem trying to stand up and walk out like normal,that's not happening you have to crawl and let water out before standing,try it in a pool supervised you'll be amazed and I highly suggest everyone try it,now if the water is so cold you'll go in shock that's a whole different ballgame
 
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