Why you need a Life Jacket for Fishing (And How to Choose the Right One)
Fishing comes with its dangers, and wearing a life jacket is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
Indeed, they're not the most stylish things in the world. But, when you're out in the middle of the water, and a big fish starts tugging on your line, the last thing you'll be worrying about is how you look.
In this blog post, we'll explain why you need a life jacket for fishing and how to choose the right one.
What is a Life Jacket for Fishing?
A fishing life jacket is a specially-designed jacket that fishermen wear to keep them afloat in the event of capsizing or falling overboard.
The jacket has multiple buoyancy chambers that support and keep the wearer afloat in the water.
The life jacket for fishing is a vital piece of safety equipment for any fisherman, no matter how experienced he or she may be.
How Does a Fishing Life Jacket keep you Afloat?
A fishing life jacket keeps you afloat by providing buoyancy. Buoyancy is the upward force exerted by a fluid on an object.
So, in the case of a life jacket, the fluid is water, and the object is you. The life jacket's buoyancy counteracts the force of gravity, which would otherwise pull you down into the water.
Life jackets are made of materials that are both buoyant and durable. Many life jackets are made out of closed-cell foam, which is a type of foam that contains small, gas-filled pockets.
These pockets help the life jacket maintain its shape and prevent it from soaking up water. Other life jackets are made of hollow, synthetic fibers filled with air.
Note: Other than keeping your head above the water, the life jacket also helps to keep you warm and dry, which is important since cold water can quickly lead to hypothermia.
How long do Life Jackets Keep you Afloat?
We all know that life jackets are vital safety gear when spending time near or in the water. But how long do they actually keep you afloat?
If you're properly fitted in a life jacket, it will actually keep you afloat for up to 24 hours. That means you can rest assured that you'll be safe if you're ever unfortunate enough to fall into the water.
Of course, many factors will come into play when it comes to how long a life jacket will keep you afloat. The type of life jacket, the size of the person wearing it, and the weather conditions all play a role.
Types of Life Jackets for Fishing
Type 1: Offshore
Offshore life jackets are designed for use in rough waters, far from shore. They are usually bright orange or yellow, so rescuers can easily see them.
Type 2: Near-shore
Near-shore life jackets are designed for use in waters that are close to shore. They are usually lighter and more comfortable than offshore life jackets, and they come in a variety of bright colors.
Type 3: Floatation aid
Floatation aids are devices that can be worn or attached to your body to help you stay afloat. While there are other floatation aids besides life jackets, all are made to be helpful in an emergency.
Type 4: Throwable
Throwable life jackets are designed to be thrown at someone in trouble. They are usually brightly colored and easy to spot in the water.
Type 5: Special use
Special-use life jackets are designed for specific activities, such as fishing. They usually have more pockets and compartments to store all of your fishing gear.
What are inflatable life jackets for fishing?
Inflatable life jackets are a type of fishing life jacket designed to provide extra buoyancy and support in an emergency.
Inflatable life jackets are a great option for fishing, as they provide you with reliable flotation while being much more comfortable and cool to wear than standard life jackets. They are also much lighter, so you won't get as tired while wearing them.
They are typically made from a durable fabric such as nylon or polyester. They come in two configurations: vest style for manual and automatic inflation and pouch style for manual inflation.
Some inflatable life jackets have an extra oral inflation tube that can be used to inflate the jacket in the event of an emergency.
What to Consider when Choosing the Best Fishing Life Jacket
Versatility
Many fishing life jackets are designed for a specific type of fishing, e.g., kayak fishing and bass fishing. But if you're the type of angler who likes to fish in different environments - from calm waters to rough seas - then you might want to consider a life jacket that's versatile enough to handle all types of fishing conditions.
Buoyancy
A good life jacket should be able to keep you afloat even if you’re not a strong swimmer. Look for a life jacket with at least 30 pounds of buoyancy and robust foam back that isn’t bulky.
That said, always consult the weight chart provided with the life jacket to know the perfect one for your weight.
Color
Red, orange and yellow are the best colors to choose for your life jacket if you want to be highly visible. These colors are easy to spot, even from a distance.
And if you add reflective tape to your life jacket, you'll be even more visible to others.
Ventilation
When choosing the best fishing life jacket, it's important to consider ventilation. Many life jackets are made with mesh panels that allow air circulation, which can help keep you cool and comfortable while you're out on the water.
Size
When choosing the best fishing life jacket, size is also an important consideration. Fishing life jackets for adults should fit snugly under the armpits and around the chest while still remaining comfortable.
For kids, you'll want to consider weight when deciding on the size of a life jacket. For pets, ensure the life jacket is correctly sized to comfortably fit them.
Approval
The best fishing life jacket for your next big fishing adventure should be approved by the relevant authorities and have a label indicating that. This will ensure that you are getting a quality product that meets all the safety standards.
Additional features
While you might be mostly concerned with staying afloat when choosing a life jacket for fishing, there are actually a lot of other features to consider that can make your fishing trips more enjoyable (and safer).
For example, pockets, tool hangers, and tabs can be really useful for storing extra emergency gear and fishing equipment.
A whistle can also come in handy if you are in an emergency situation.
How to Use a Life Jacket for Fishing
Most people know how to put on a life jacket, but many don't know how to do it properly for fishing. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure the life jacket is the right size for you. It should be snug but not too tight.
- Put the life jacket on following the entry method, e.g., pullover, side-entry, or front zipper, and adjust the straps so that it fits snugly around your chest and waist.
- Once the life jacket is in place, adjust the straps so that they are not too tight or too loose.
- Make sure you can move your arms without them rubbing at the life jackets on the armpits.
- When you are done fishing, make sure to remove the life jacket and store it properly.
FAQs
What is the difference between a fishing life jacket and a PDF?
A PDF, or personal flotation device, is any piece of equipment worn by a person to provide buoyancy in the water and prevent drowning. A fishing life jacket is a type of PDF specifically designed for fishing. It is usually made of lightweight material and has several pockets to store tackle and other fishing gear.
Are there life jackets specifically made for women?
There are life jackets specifically made for women. They have seams, cups for the bust, and styles for long torsos.
While any life jacket can be used by anyone, these jackets are designed better to fit the contours of a woman's body. This can provide a more comfortable and secure fit, which can be especially important in an emergency situation.
What additional features should fishing life jackets for kids have?
In addition to the standard features, you may also want to consider some extra features when purchasing fishing life jackets for kids. Here are the most important features:
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Head support
Head support is important for keeping kids safe while they're fishing. A life jacket with head support will help keep their head comfortable above water if they fall in.
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Crotch straps
Crotch straps are another important feature to look for. They help keep the life jacket in place and prevent it from riding up.
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Handle
Finally, a handle is a nice feature to have. It allows you to easily lift up a child out of the water.
What is the lifespan of life jackets for fishing?
The lifespan of a life jacket depends on a few factors, including how often it's used and how it's cared for. Generally speaking, a life jacket will last for about 10 years.
However, if it's used frequently or not properly cared for, it may need to be replaced sooner.
How can I extend the life of my fishing life jackets?
Here are a few tips to extend the life of your life jackets for fishing:
- Clean and dry your life jacket after each use. This will help to prevent mold and mildew from growing on the fabric.
- Keep your life jacket out of the sun when you're not using it. UV rays can damage the color and fabric and shorten the life of your jacket.
- Store your life jacket in a ventilated place when you're not using it to maintain the integrity of the material.
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