5 Best Life Vest For Kayak Fishing in 2023 | Safety First!
Kayak fishing life jackets are not merely jackets; they are a necessity for your safety. But when we talk about fishing, especially kayak fishing, these jackets have multiple functions.
The floatation foam may save your life if you are in the water, but the pockets and anchors provide a lot of space for keeping your gear on your person.
These life vests are also called personal floatation device (PFD) and it is your responsibility to choose only the best life vest for kayak fishing.
For that, you have to take into account even the simplest of the features because when you are in the kayak, even a small pocket or hook could be of major usefulness.
Obviously, choosing the best kayak life vest would also mean you are safe and can go about fishing without any worries.
The perfect fit for your body and your budget is also of importance. Here are five best life vest for kayaking:
Best Life Jacket for Kayak Fishing – Top 5 for 2023
| Image | Product | Check Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  | Stohlquist Fisherman PDF |  |
| 2. |  | NRS Chinook Fishing PFD | |
| 3. |  | Astral Ronny Fisher PFD | |
| 4. |  | ONYX Kayak Fishing Life Jacket | |
| 5. |  | Maxcatch Fly Fishing Vest Pack | |
Top Kayak Fishing Life Vest Reviews
1. Stohlquist Fisherman Personal Floatation Device
Stohlquist Fisherman Vest is padded with ultra-soft Gaia floatation foam that ensures that you get comfort alongside safety.
The vest has ample pockets with anchor-points to provide room for keeping small things you may find handy when fishing. There is already less room on kayaks so these pockets are pretty useful.
It is made of nylon material with 500 denier Cordura shells and 200 denier oxford liners. The shoulders and lower back waist is padded with neoprene.
Even though it sits snugly, there is still enough room for ventilation.
The EVA stiffened pockets provide necessary protection for the things you keep in them.
There are three sizes in this personal floatation device: small, large, and universal plus.
All the pockets can easily be accessed when you are in the kayak. The high backrest makes it comfortable and does not intrude the seat.
2. NRS Chinook Fishing PFD
NRS Chinook Fishing PFD has many sizes available. Even with your own size, there is still room for adjustment thanks to eight adjustment points on this vest.
There is a coiling tool retractor that one can use for putting plies, forceps, line snips, etc. A D-ring on the back allows you to attach a net.
The mesh on the lower back of this PFD provides comfort as well as ventilation making it the best kayak fishing life vest for hot summer days.
There are seven pockets in total that can hold even a small tackle box. It has soft PlushFIT foam padding that provides safety and conforms to the wearer’s body.
Thanks to the fitting straps, there is enough room for multiple layers of clothing underneath. Not only is it designed for summer fishing but also for winters.
3. Astral Ronny Fisher PFD
If you are someone who likes prints and looks for style in everything, this is the best life vest for kayak fishing for you.
It has a unique fall scenery print that adds to its overall look. The inner lining of this jacket is mesh offering comfort and breathability. The thin-vent back makes it useable with the tall seatbacks of kayaks.
There are two big flip back pockets that can hold all the fishing gear easily. There is also a hood for protection from rain or sun and can be stowed away when not in use.
If that is not enough for you, the pocket on this is a convertible beverage pocket.
With three sizes (S/M, M/L, L/XL), this PFD is designed for every kayak fisherman who wants comfort, ease, and access.
Astral made sure to keep this thing high-quality by using only the best materials. It is simple but functioning which is ideal for someone who goes fishing a lot.
4. ONYX Kayak Fishing Life Jacket
When it comes to great value for money, the ONYX life jacket is the best life jacket for kayak fishing.
There are four pockets with unique designs to hold as much gear as possible. Not only those, but the pockets are also easy to reach and open.
You can keep a small tackle box in the drop-down tray pocket which opens with just a push of a button.
There are six adjustment straps that allow you to fit it for maximum comfort.
The high back makes sure it does bother with the high seat back in your kayak. It is USCG approved giving you all the surety you need to know that it works as a life jacket.
Apart from its useful features, it is a bit of a looker too.
5. Maxcatch Fly Fishing Vest Pack
The Maxcatch Fly Fishing Vest Pack is a complete kayak fishing life vest that comes with all the necessary features and few extra.
There are multiple zippered compartments that are designed to provide a lot of room. Two shell pockets with fly patches that allow you to stow even more stuff.
What makes Maxcatch Vest the best life jacket for kayak fishing is the strap for keeping the rod.
The PFD has a mesh back too that helps reduce weight and provide necessary comfort and ventilation. It is extremely lightweight weighing only 700 grams.
This life vest has one universal size that fits all. You can still adjust it to your own fit and get comfy for fishing at your best.
Not just fishing, you could even use it on other adventures like hiking or if you just feel like padding in the water. Also, it is covered by a one-year warranty.
Last Thoughts about the Best Life Vest for Kayak Fishing
All of the above life jackets are the best life vest for kayak fishing for their materials, comfort, accessibility, and room for fishing gears and accessories.
You can choose whichever suits your needs and does not over exhaust your budget.It is one of those things that you just purchase once and would probably use all your life.
If you live in warm climates, go for the one that is light and has proper ventilation.
The best kayak fishing life vest would have a strong but comfortable lining.
The more pockets it has the more stuff you can carry with yourself.