Thought I’d post this here. Those of you who fish from a kayak; what’s your preference on pfd’s. I’m just getting into this and I’m looking for myself and the GF. Obviously looking for good range of motion and doesn’t interfere with dealing with a catch too much. Doesn’t get too hot that I’m miserable wearing it in the sun. Places for pliers, whistle, etc a bonus which I think excludes the lo-pro self-inflating type.
As always, price is a consideration but a few dollars extra isn’t a deal breaker. Thank you.

I will never go back to a standard pfd. I have one of the inflatable ones I use in my small boats and duck hunting. I wouldn’t trade it for another style. Why not wear a fly fishing vest underneath or over it?

This is the style that I fish with now. I like the inflatables because they are comfortable and these are just as comfortable without having to worry about them getting wet.

https://www.academy.com/p/onyx-mesh-classic-sport-pfd-like-jacket?sku=grey-light-green-large

I liked my Onyx MoveVent, right up until I left it on my kayak in the back of the truck and it flew out going down the highway.

I was looking at those online today. I hit a couple places yesterday so I could put hands on products but they were all under stocked.

I'd get one of those thick orange square ones. Just to be safe.

Old school neck hangers 🤣

I use the Magellan mesh zippable vest from Academy.

I have a couple of those for any guests I take! 😉

I use an NRS; made for sitting in kayaks with the flotation high on the back:

https://www.nrs.com/life-jackets/c5395?f-cat=fishing

NRS makes some nice vests, but not all of their models are USCG approved (or didn’t used to be, anyway)…if it doesn’t say USCG Approved in the vest, it’s not legal, no matter how nice it is or how much it cost. Onyx makes some good,functional vests that won’t break the bank, we’ve got several. ‘Huntress and I both have Stohlquist vests, and they’re great, though a bit more expensive than Onyx. If you’re going to wear it all the time, make sure it’s purpose built for kayaking. As has already been pointed out, a paddling vest will have its’ back flotation higher up so it “fits” better while you’re in the seat. Can’t speak on inflatables, as we don’t have any and I’ve never used one.

I'll assume this is so they never ask to go fishing with you again? lol.