Co2 pfd - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

eDUBz · 12-01-2009, 07:42 PM

Just bought a co2 pfd from west marine it was on sale so i got it.
Its a manual one fits comfortable and low pro.
Was wonderin' if anybody uses theses and if so what are the advantages and disadvantages.? Thanks.

fishinkid2010 · 12-01-2009, 11:03 PM

I have one. I only use it in the bays though. Whenever I fish La Jolla or the Point Loma kelp I always wear my regular Extrasport jacket.
They are obviously more comfortable and less bulky, but they are not always as reliable. If I'm somewhere where I couldn't swim to shore easily I opt to go with a regular pfd.
I'm sure you'll like it, but do take into consideration that your CO2 tank better be working if you truly need it.

Matt · 12-02-2009, 07:13 AM

Hey Edubz

I do use one, it is the west marine belt kind, I use it versus a waders belt, it is super low pro and I am not too worried about needing to float anyway but if I did need to use it, I am more than confident in it helping me stay afloat. Generally speaking if you flip, your boat is pretty damn closeby and you shouldn't have a problem getting to it and righting yourself. But always better safe than sorry.

SGV Rookie · 12-02-2009, 08:40 AM

I also use a belt type inflatable with my waders or plain shorts. It allows a lot of mobility. I do keep a full type three in the front hatch just in the case that you have an extended stay in the water. I also suggest practicing in a pool. I know I can get back on fairly quick and I am a pretty confident swimmer. If you practice in a pool, the regular pfd may be the type of bouyancy you need to get up onto your yak again. I say try them all out. Living another day to fish is priceless.

eDUBz · 12-02-2009, 10:29 AM

Thanks for all the input. Looks like i'll be using the co2 pfd inside the harbors, anything outside the harbor i will use the buoyant one. Both will stored onboard. Thanks again.

Siebler · 12-02-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eDUBz

Thanks for all the input. Looks like i'll be using the co2 pfd inside the harbors, anything outside the harbor i will use the buoyant one. Both will stored onboard. Thanks again.

Dont just store them on board wear one. A stowed PFD does you no good if your get separated from your kayak or are knocked unconscious in the surf.

12-01-2009, 07:42 PM	#1
eDUBz Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 149	Co2 pfd Just bought a co2 pfd from west marine it was on sale so i got it. Its a manual one fits comfortable and low pro. Was wonderin' if anybody uses theses and if so what are the advantages and disadvantages.? Thanks.

12-01-2009, 11:03 PM	#2
fishinkid2010 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: La Mesa Posts: 386	I have one. I only use it in the bays though. Whenever I fish La Jolla or the Point Loma kelp I always wear my regular Extrasport jacket. They are obviously more comfortable and less bulky, but they are not always as reliable. If I'm somewhere where I couldn't swim to shore easily I opt to go with a regular pfd. I'm sure you'll like it, but do take into consideration that your CO2 tank better be working if you truly need it. __________________ Need a custom rod wrapped? PM me! http://s686.photobucket.com/albums/vv222/fishinkid2010/Sample%20Rod%20Wrapping/?albumview=slideshow

12-02-2009, 07:13 AM	#3
Matt Support your local pangas Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lj Posts: 976	Hey Edubz I do use one, it is the west marine belt kind, I use it versus a waders belt, it is super low pro and I am not too worried about needing to float anyway but if I did need to use it, I am more than confident in it helping me stay afloat. Generally speaking if you flip, your boat is pretty damn closeby and you shouldn't have a problem getting to it and righting yourself. But always better safe than sorry. __________________ Thanks Matt F.

12-02-2009, 08:40 AM	#4
SGV Rookie Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Gabriel Valley Posts: 89	Waist type inflatable I also use a belt type inflatable with my waders or plain shorts. It allows a lot of mobility. I do keep a full type three in the front hatch just in the case that you have an extended stay in the water. I also suggest practicing in a pool. I know I can get back on fairly quick and I am a pretty confident swimmer. If you practice in a pool, the regular pfd may be the type of bouyancy you need to get up onto your yak again. I say try them all out. Living another day to fish is priceless.

12-02-2009, 10:29 AM	#5
eDUBz Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 149	Thanks for all the input. Looks like i'll be using the co2 pfd inside the harbors, anything outside the harbor i will use the buoyant one. Both will stored onboard. Thanks again.