Best Life Jackets For Kayak Fishing
Best Kayak Fishing Life Vest Comparison Chart
Supervised activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, water, skiing, and during PWC operation
Front strobe holder loop and rod holder
Mesh lower back
Supervised activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, water, skiing, and during PWC operation
Comes with a whistle
Mesh ventilation in the front and lower back
Supervised activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, water, skiing, and during PWC operation
2 elastic attachment points
Breathable mesh lower back
Supervised activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, water, skiing, and during PWC operation
Multiple mounting points for accessories
Open sides and mesh shoulders and back panels
Ideal for casual fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Life Jackets For Kayak Fishing
- 1.1 Best Kayak Fishing Life Vest Comparison Chart
- 1.2 How We Chose the Best Fishing Life Vest?
- 1.3 Top 5 Best Fishing Life Jackets
- 1.3.1 1. Best Overall and Best Standard Life Vest (Kayak Fishing): NRS Chinook Fishing Kayak Life Jacket
- 1.3.2 2. Best Bang for the Buck: Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Life Vest
- 1.3.3 3. Onyx Kayak Fishing Life Jacket
- 1.3.4 4. Stohlquist Fisherman Life Jacket
- 1.3.5 5. Best Inflatable Life Jacket Kayak Fishing: Bluestorm Gear Cirrus26
- 1.4 What to Look For When Buying What to Look For When Buying a Life Jacket for Kayak Fishing??
- 1.5 Why You Should Wear a Life Vest
- 1.6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
While life vests/life jackets have the same function – which is to help you stay afloat in the water – some are designed for a specific activity. If you’re going kayak fishing, for example, a kayak fishing life jacket will be your best choice. This is because it’ll have more handy features that can make your trips on the water more convenient and comfortable.
However, with so many PFD types and models with different features and styles, it can be difficult to choose which one suits you best. So to make your search easier, we have put together a list of the best fishing life jackets available today. We have also included a list of everything you need to look for in a fishing kayak vest to make sure you’ll get the perfect one for you.
(Take note that the terms life vests and life jackets in this article are used interchangeably. Both are common names and are types of personal flotation devices (PFDs).)
How We Chose the Best Fishing Life Vest?
We spent hours looking for all the kayak fishing life vests that we could find. Once we determined what was available in the market, we were able to create a shortlist of all those we liked and those with the highest customer ratings. We also included those highly recommended by fishers.
From there, we had to narrow down our list by putting the products against each other. We compared them with their fishing features, value for money, durability, ventilation, and of course their ability to save your life when needed. After much consideration and discussion with our team, we were left with only the 5 best life jackets for fishing.
So whichever one you choose below, we guarantee that it’s only of the highest quality, most convenient, and most reliable kayak fishing vest that’s worth your hard-earned money.
Top 5 Best Fishing Life Jackets
- Best Overall and Best Standard Life Vest (Kayak Fishing): Onyx Kayak Fishing Life Jacket
- Best Bang for the Buck: Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Life Vest
- NRS Chinook Fishing Kayak Life Jacket
- Stohlquist Fisherman Life Jacket
- Best Inflatable Life Jacket Kayak Fishing: Onyx Automatic / Manual Inflatable Life Jacket
Why we love it:
- Lots of pockets
- Great for kayaks with high back seats
- High-back design
What it is best for:
- Inland water near the shore
- Supervised activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and during PWC operation
Our top pick for the best fishing kayak life vest is the NRS Chinook Kayak Life Jacket. Fishing-specific, this model comes with all the attachment points and organization for all your essentials and accessories. It has 2 large zippered pockets, which can fit tackle boxes, and has internal organization to keep your things in order. There are also 2 other pockets with hook-and-loop closures for your smaller items.
Furthermore, this life jacket has a 5th pocket where you can put your line cutters, pliers, and other fishing gadgets and accessories. On top of that, it has a strobe attachment point, rod holder, and a knife lash tab. Not to mention that it’s extremely comfortable and does not restrict your movements while kayaking or fishing.
Sure, the NRS Chinook isn’t exactly cheap. But with its functionality, comfort, handy fishing features, and overall quality, it’s definitely worth it.
Pros:
- ZCan carry plenty of items
- ZDesigned for fishing
- ZAccommodates any type of kayak seat
- ZVery comfortable
Cons:
- QPricey
Why we love it:
- Comes with a whistle
- Made with heavy-duty material
- The pocket has mesh drainage
What it is best for:
- Inland water near the shore
- Supervised activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and during PWC operation
Looking for a lightweight fishing PFD / kayak PFD that won’t get in your way while paddling? Well, we suggest the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Life Vest. It has mesh ventilation in the front and back, providing you with great breathability. The mesh panel in the back is also perfect for accommodating most kayak seats.
With 6 adjustment straps, you can easily cinch this vest to find the perfect fit. It also has an expandable large zippered pocket with mesh drainage so your things won’t get flooded. Furthermore, it’s soft yet made with heavy-duty nylon fabric. Thus, making it resistant to tearing and punctures.
Pros:
- ZChange Me
- ZChange Me
- ZChange Me
- ZChange Me
Cons:
- QChange Me
Why we love it:
- Breathable mesh lower back
- 4 different pockets
- Good for paddling
What it is best for:
- Inland water near the shore
- Supervised activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and during PWC operation
Compared to many fishing life vest kayak models, the Onyx Kayak Fishing Life Jacket offers more features that can improve your time in the water. It has 4 different pocket designs, so there’s surely a place for all your essential gear. One of the pockets has a largemouth where you can put in a radio, pliers, and other bigger accessories. There’s also a push drop-down tray pocket that’s perfect for a small tackle box.
Aside from that, this PFD (kayak fishing) has a lash tab where you can put a knife or a whistle. There are also woven elastic attachment points for your other accessories. Furthermore, it has 6 adjustment straps, so you’ll have no problem finding the right fit for your body, activity, and kayak.
On the downside, all the floating materials of this life vest are in front. So it may be a little bulky. But overall, considering its price, quality, and features, this is certainly a great buy and one of the best kayak fishing PFD models in the market.
Pros:
- ZCan accommodate kayaks with high back seats
- ZHas plenty of features for fishing
- ZCan hold a lot of items
- ZVery adjustable
Cons:
- QA bit bulky in the front
Why we love it:
- Not too bulky
- Comes with pockets and multiple mounting points
- Stays in place
What it is best for:
- Inland water near the shore
- Supervised activities like fishing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, and during PWC operation
Our next pick for the best life jacket for fishing is the Stohlquist Fisherman. It offers a great fit with its well-sculpted and perfectly located foam, which is also supposed to take the shape of your torso and back over time. That said, it’s one of the most comfortable and best fishing PFD for any paddler size.
Like the others on our list, it’s also type III USCG-approved and is specifically designed for anglers and fishers. It has 2 pouch pockets in the front with drainage where you can keep your tools and not worry about them getting flooded. They are also made with EVA stiffened outer shells, providing you with fold-down surfaces where you can work with your lures and flies. Additionally, this life jacket has multiple mounting points for hemostats, nippers, retractors, and more.
What makes the Stohlquist Fisherman the best fishing PFD kayak around is that it stays in place. Designed with a cross-chest cinch harness, it’s always down and doesn’t ride up. This also eliminates the vest from chafing on your chin and underarms.
Pros:
- ZProvides great fit
- ZVery comfortable
- ZDesigned for fishing
- ZVersatile and functional pockets
Cons:
- QPricey
Why we love it:
- Does not restrict movement
- Low-profile
- Lightweight
What it is best for:
- Inland / coastal rivers, and lakes
- Casual fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and sailing
If you’re looking for the best kayak fishing PFD that you can just wear and forget about, then consider the Bluestorm Gear Cirrus26. It has a slim and low-profile design. Plus, it’s super lightweight. So you won’t even notice it’s there.
What’s great about this life jacket is that it has open sides and back. So your movements are not restricted in any way. You can paddle, cast a line, and reel in a fish with no problem. Such a design with an adjustable circling strap also makes it great for any body size.
This is a Type V USCG-approved PFD but with a Type III performance. So it’s well capable of keeping you afloat when you fall off your kayak. It can be inflated both manually and automatically. You also have the option to disable the automatic operation and inflate it only by pulling the cord. That said, if you prefer an inflatable type, the Bluestorm Gear Cirrus26 is certainly one of the best PFD for kayak fishing.
Pros:
- ZManual and automatic activation
- ZExcellent comfort
- ZGreat for bigger body size
Cons:
- QPricey
What to Look For When Buying What to Look For When Buying a Life Jacket for Kayak Fishing??
Choosing the right fishing kayak life vest isn’t exactly easy. Aside from the style, you should also consider other important factors, such as:
Type
There are mainly two types of PFDs when it comes to kayak fishing: standard and inflatable. The majority of those in the market are standard ones. But depending on your needs, an inflatable might be better for you.
To help you decide, here’s a quick explanation of the two:
- Standard: This type of PFD looks like a vest and is usually made up of foam to create buoyancy. It’s rated type III USCG-approved and is designed for supervised water activities, including fishing and kayaking. Aside from that, you can also use it for paddle boarding, canoeing, waterskiing, and more.
A standard fishing kayak PFD is naturally buoyant. There’s no need to activate anything, and it will make you float no matter what. It also requires little to no maintenance. Just keep it clean and dry, and nothing more. Now, the biggest benefit of this type of PFD and something you won’t find on an inflatable is pockets. It offers more storage options, allowing you to carry plenty of items with you, like fishing equipment, tools, snacks, and more.On the downside, a standard PFD can be bulky, which can restrict your paddling. It can also be quite warm. So it may not be too comfortable on hot days.
- Inflatable: If you’re looking for something more comfortable to wear, then this type of PFD is a great choice. It has a slimmer profile when not inflated, so nothing is obstructing your movements. It also covers less. Thus, you won’t feel hot even on warmer days.
Depending on the design, this type can be either a Type III or Type V USCG-approved PFD. Like standard types, it can be used for kayaking, fishing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Take note, however, that it requires inflating before it can provide any flotation. For manual models, you need to pull a cord for it to work. So it’s not very reliable if you’re unconscious.On the other hand, there are automatic styles, which inflate when activated or immersed in water. However, it may not be the best option in activities where you’ll likely get wet, like water skiing, or when riding a personal watercraft (PWC) like a jet ski.
Aside from that, an inflatable PFD requires regular maintenance to make sure everything is working properly. It’s also not recommended for kids under 16 and if you don’t know how to swim.
Buoyancy
One of the most important factors you should consider when choosing a life vest is buoyancy. This is the force that will keep you afloat on the water. Typically, adults require around 7 to 12 lbs of buoyancy to stay afloat. However, higher-quality PFDs tend to offer more.
Fit
Your life vest for kayak fishing should fit properly for it to be effective in keeping your head above the water. If it’s too big, it will only ride up around your face. If it’s too small, then it won’t be able to keep you afloat.
So before you buy one, make sure to check the manufacturer’s label and see if it matches your size and weight.
Your size refers to your chest size. To find this out, simply measure the circumference of your chest.
Ventilation
The best PFD kayak fishing models usually have built-in vents, allowing your body heat to escape. Thus, keeping you cooler and more comfortable. So if you usually go out fishing on hot days, make sure to check out the ventilation.
Pockets
When choosing a kayaking / fishing life vest, you may want something with multiple pockets. This will allow you to carry more items and have them always within reach. That said, check out the pocket sizes and placement. Then try to visualize what gear you can put in them.
Tabs
Aside from pockets, you should also consider getting a kayak fishing PFD with tabs. These will let you attach other accessories like a whistle, strobe, or knife.
Fishing Features
The best life jacket for kayak fishing has features specifically to meet an angler’s needs. Some have drop-down pockets, which are perfect for tackle boxes and lures. Others also have loops where you can put a rod, and some have multiple tool hangers. So make sure to look out for such features as they can come in handy while you’re out on the water.
Why You Should Wear a Life Vest
The main purpose of life vests/life jackets or PFDs in total is to keep you afloat in the water. They are designed to automatically turn your face up and keep your mouth and nostrils clear of the water. Thus, preventing you from drowning.
Throughout the country, there are different laws concerning the use of life vests, life jackets, or personal flotation devices (PDFs) on kayaks. For some states, only children ages 12 and younger are required to wear one. For others, every person in the vessel is mandated to do so.
However, even if you’re not required by law, it is your responsibility to ensure your safety. So make sure to wear one when your kayak fishing at all times. See, wearable kayak PFD fishing models do and can save lives – but only if you wear them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do you need a special life vest for kayaking?
A: Yes, you need a special life vest for kayaking. It will make rescue much easier and improve your visibility, especially in places with motorized vessels. More importantly, it can help save your life in case of an emergency. Depending on the type of water and state that you are in, you may be required to choose from either a USCG-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket.
Q: What is the difference between a Type 2 and Type 3 life vest?
A: The difference between a Type 2 and Type 3 life vest lies in their intended use and ability to turn unconscious wearers face up in the water. A standard Type II PFD is ideal for inland fishing, sailing, and cruising. It’s also a good choice for boating in a light vessel. Plus, it can turn some unconscious paddlers face up. On the other hand, a standard Type III PFD is intended for supervised activities like water skiing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and during PWC operations. It is more comfortable than Type II but is not designed to turn people face up in the water.
Q: Is it safe to kayak with a life jacket?
A: Yes, it is safe to kayak with a life jacket. In fact, wearing one will actually make you safer as it can save you in case you fall off the vessel or capsize. If you are worried that it may affect your paddling, don’t be. There are many life jackets with open sides and slimmer profiles to make sure your movements and paddling won’t be affected.
