It’s an unfortunate but indisputable fact... fishermen are notorious for not wearing a PFD while fishing. When authorities ask anglers why they are not wearing their PFD, the most common reply is that most flotation vests are bulky and uncomfortable to wear. It’s true that many PFD’s are uncomfortable. Traditional foam Type III flotation vests are long on function but short on comfort.
Anglers who own this style of traditional life vest often wear them while the boat is on plane and take them off to fish. This sets up a potentially disastrous situation.
INFLATABLE PFD’S
A better option are the newer inflatable PFD’s that are designed to be low profile, lightweight and comfortable to wear. How an inflatable actually inflates depends on the technology designed into these PFD’s.
![]() |
The Great Lakes are wonderful fishing destinations, but these waters can be some of the most dangerous. Wearing a PFD is the best way to insure every fishing trip ends with a smile. |
The obvious shortcoming of the manually inflated vests is that should the person become knocked in the water and also unconscious, the vest will not inflate.
Automatic style inflatable vests are a better choice for situations when the user doesn’t expect to be in the water such as fishing from a boat, sailing or cruising. Automatic PFD’s are available using two distinctively different technologies. Most entry level vests use a technology that involves a small tablet that when wet dissolves and enables a pin to puncture the CO2 cartridge which in turn inflates the vest. This style of vest can accidentally inflate if it gets overly wet from rain, spray or exposure to humidity.
![]() |
On fly-in fishing adventures the author packs inflatable PFD’s for himself and everyone in his fishing party. |
The HIT style vests are the best choice for serious fishing or commercial use and are approved by the Coast Guard as Type V Commercial and Type III Recreational PFD’s. Automatic style life jackets can also be inflated manually by pulling a ripcord and these vests also have an emergency valve that allows the vest to be inflated by blowing into a small tube.
![]() |
The only good fishing trip is a safe trip. The Coast Guard sadly reports that most drownings involving fishermen occur because the angler was not wearing a PFD. |
Every fisherman needs a PFD when on the water, but there are other important safety items that also need to be on board. When fishing in Ontario’s Algoma Country every boater needs to have a bailing device, suitable for bailing water out of the boat should it start taking on water.
Also, every fisherman needs to have on board a rope with a throwable float attached. Other important safety items include a whistle for alerting others should you need help, waterproof matches, a small flashlight for signaling and spare batteries for the flashlight.
Safety kits that contain all of these items in a waterproof container are widely available and should be the first thing packed for any Ontario fishing adventure.
The only good fishing trip is a safe one. Taking a little time to make sure all your safety gear is packed and ready for action will provide the peace of mind to relax and enjoy fishing to the fullest. Remember, a PFD can only save a fisherman’s life if that angler is wearing it.