How to choose a life jacket for fishing?

Fishing vest

Many beginners mistakenly believe that fishing from a boat does not pose any threat to health and life. However, unexpected situations often happen on a reservoir. The boat can capsize when it hits a snag sticking out of the water or from the action of a strong wave. A fisherman may fall overboard due to loss of balance. Therefore, such carelessness is not justified and is fraught with bad consequences.

A fishing vest is most relevant in the following situations:

trolling;
spinning fishing in large bodies of water;
fishing from a boat, which involves long journeys at high speeds.

A fishing vest is especially important when fishing in cold water. Even a good swimmer, finding himself overboard the craft, will not be able to hold out for long until help arrives. A fisherman may lose consciousness, then only protective ammunition will save his life.

It is not allowed to take children on the boat without ensuring their safety. A children's life jacket for a boat must be used in any weather in every floating craft. After all, even a child trained to swim, suddenly finding himself in the water, will simply become confused and may drown without protective equipment.

In this material we will briefly look at how to choose a life jacket for fishing, what exactly should you pay attention to? Let’s present a short overview of the most popular models and describe their differences from safety vests.

Which life jacket to choose for fishing.

A real fisherman will not go hunting without a fishing rod. By the same principle, he should take a life jacket with him. This is necessary for at least two reasons.

Firstly, a life jacket is a pass to deep water. Without it, fishermen will not be able to control and move a small boat. The state inspection simply will not register his boat or motorboat.

Secondly, by law all crew members must wear life jackets. And it doesn’t matter whether the boat is registered or not. If the Ministry of Emergency Situations catches you, they will attract administrative charges. Legal entities will pay up to 500 rubles, officials up to 1000 rubles.

Although a lot depends on the water area. It happens that GIMS inspectors fine not only when there are no vests, but even when they are there. Only not rescue ones, but safety ones. That is, they do not meet the requirements of GIMS. And sometimes inspectors check vests nominally, in such cases the fishermen get off with a warning.

For a rich catch, fishermen swim as far from the coast as possible. If an accident occurs, it will take a long time to swim to land. In this case, a fishing life jacket should give maximum freedom of movement. It is best to use a foam vest rather than an inflatable one. We select the size based on body weight. You can use a little more if the vest is worn over clothes.

It also happens that fishermen fly out of the boat at speed. During the flight, they lose their vests, break limbs and even lose consciousness. The result is that the person dies. To avoid this outcome, choose a foam vest; it will protect the body from impact. The vest must have a crotch strap and adjustable straps. They will prevent the body from jumping out of the vest. Choose a vest with a collar or headrest. Even in an unconscious state, your head will be above the water level. On average 10-12 cm.

Choose a vest with a whistle. It should be attached to the vest with a harness, and it’s better if it’s plastic, it won’t rust. A whistle will come in handy if you break your ribs from a blow and won’t be able to scream at full strength.

Rescuers advise choosing a vest with a signal color, red or orange. In it, it will be easier to spot the fisherman not only on the water, but in the thickets and reeds. However, many manufacturers now offer vests in camouflage colors, as well as double-sided vests. That is, on one side there will be camouflage, on the other a signal color. But both must have reflective elements. Useful for searching for fisherman at night.

Finding a fisherman in the water is half the trouble. He still needs to be transported to a rescue ship. For this purpose, a special handle is sewn into the vests. It is located on the back of the vest, making it easy to move a person into a boat or onto land.

For convenience, fishing vests have pockets sewn into them. You can put small equipment or fishing gear there. There is also a system of hangings on the chest on vests, also for fishing items. The main thing to understand is that they do not affect safety in any way.

How to choose a life jacket for rafting on catamarans, kayaks and rafts.

Simply put, we select a vest for water tourism. When you have to raft along a river bed, with a stormy current, wide rapids, shafts and barrels. In such conditions it is difficult to avoid falling overboard. Therefore, it would be useful to protect yourself with special equipment. The kit must include a life jacket.

In Russia, inflatable life jackets are often chosen for water tourism. They have a lot of extra lift and are light and compact. And compared to foam vests, they are relatively cheap. Perhaps these are the only advantages.

The disadvantages are much more serious. Inflatable vests will not protect a paddler from hitting water or rocks. If the vest runs into a snag, it will most likely deflate. Another disadvantage of such vests is that they are inconvenient to move in the water, climb onto a boat or get ashore.

For those who raft on turbulent rivers, it is better to choose extreme life jackets. They are foam inside and covered with fabric on the outside. They have less buoyancy than their inflatable counterpart, but it will be easier to move on the water. In addition, this vest has many rings and slings sewn into it. For them it will be convenient to transport the rower back to the ship. When choosing such a vest, pay attention to the cut, zippers and locks. They must be in good working order, and the vest itself must be easy to remove. After all, sometimes, in order to get out of the threshold, you urgently need to take off your vest.

Vests for rafting should be equipped with pockets for necessary small items, a harness sewn or built into the structure (something like a simplified mountaineering harness) for organizing belay, and a mount for a knife-cutter.

When choosing a life jacket, give preference to bright, signal colors. With this outfit you will attract more attention on the water.

How to choose a life jacket for kayaking.

It is believed that vests for kayakers are the most expensive and technologically advanced. It's all about the specifics of such an alloy. A person is constantly on the move. Therefore, the vest should not constrain him or interfere with rowing with an oar. Bulky inflatable or foam vests will not work here. Typically, a kayaker's life jacket is short in length, that is, it ends at the belly area. These vests have many pockets for storing equipment. Another feature of kayak vests is the fastening system. It includes a wide belt and a carabiner is attached to it. This “tram” system is needed to rescue lost boats. If necessary, the fastening belt can be quickly unfastened. All you have to do is pull the special pin.

When choosing a vest, pay attention to the quality of the seams and the density of the covering. The material of such vests must be durable and wear-resistant. After all, when kayaking, you can run into branches, logs and stones.

How to choose a life jacket for sports.

With sports everything is much simpler. As a rule, we are talking about competitions on the water. This is the safest conditions for rafting. When the route has been checked, and proper insurance has been organized on the water and shore. That is, the potential swim from the vessel will be short and harmless.

For competitions, the vest requirements are minimal. The first is to comply with the requirements of the rules. And second, be as comfortable as possible and not hinder the swimmer’s movements. After all, the result of the race depends on it. Usually, the lifting force of a participant’s vest is strictly prescribed by the competition regulations and is checked by a special commission before the start.

Sports vests are very small in size, lightweight, with little lift. They have no pockets, hangers, in general, nothing superfluous. All this is done for convenience; during the race, the athlete practically does not feel the vest on his body.

Caring for your life jacket.

It’s not enough to buy a suitable vest; you also need to take proper care of it. Each time after using salt water, the vest must be washed with fresh running water. It is recommended to wash the vest in a warm soapy solution. Under no circumstances should you wash the vest in a washing machine. Its filler is deformed, and the vest will lose its quality.

After washing, the vest should be dried, but not on a radiator or heated towel rail. On the contrary, we hang the vest away from the heat source. It is recommended to wash the vest in a warm soapy solution. Under no circumstances should you wash the vest in a washing machine. Its filler is deformed, and the vest will lose its quality.

We store the vest only in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight. A vest that is selected and operated in accordance with all the rules will certainly serve its owner well, as a reliable insurance for his life and health.

Difference from safety

There are two main types of protective vests – safety and life jackets. Both are designed to ensure the safety of an angler suddenly stranded in the water. Their main difference is buoyancy:

The safety vest consists of thin foam sheets, about 3–4 mm thick. You won’t be able to stay in the water for long in such equipment. It is suitable for short-term stays in water for people who can swim well;
The life jacket is made of thicker foam, from 8 mm. The fisherman will definitely not drown in it. It is suitable for those untrained in swimming.

A safety vest for fishing takes up little space, it is compact, lightweight, and does not restrict movement in the boat. If a fisherman goes to small bodies of water and does not use powerful watercraft, then this option is the most acceptable. For reservoirs, deep rivers, and endless lakes, it is advisable to take life jackets with you.

Requirements for life jackets GIMS 2021

The question of what a life jacket should be is regulated by GOST requirements:

color – orange, reflective stripes on front and back;
the internal material must not be flammable;
The life jacket is held in place by straps, including the groin strap;
donning time - within a minute, there should be no confusion with correctness;
the product must be ergonomic, not hinder movement and not disturb nearby people with its elements;
There should be a whistle in your pocket.

A distinctive feature of the certified vest is that when it gets into the water, it brings the person into the correct position within 5 seconds. In this position, the mouth is at a height of 12 cm from the water, the body is tilted back at an angle.

According to the new GOST, in force since 2021, three types of life jackets are approved according to their degree of buoyancy:

UP-50 – used in reservoirs within 500 m from the shore and wave heights up to 25 cm;
UP-100 – used within 12 miles from the coast with a wave height of no more than 2 m;
UP-150 – designed for sea travel.

These GOST standards differ in the filler and its buoyancy. The remaining technical parameters remain common to all standards.

Requirements for a life jacket on a small boat

To be on a small boat subject to registration, a life jacket must comply with the basic requirements of GOST. It should be borne in mind that most of the products sold in stores are safety products. Such products are not used on small vessels, regardless of the water area.

How to choose?

All fishing vests differ in design features, materials, sizes, and other additional details. Basically, they are made on the basis of foam filler, which is polystyrene foam. It has good buoyancy, is inexpensive, and unpretentious in operation.

Some equipment, often for children, is kept afloat by air. An inflatable life jacket for fishing has the smallest possible dimensions when deflated and weighs little in the working position. However, you need to treat it carefully - protect it from punctures, monitor the performance of the valves. In terms of reliability, it is significantly inferior to foam-based products.

Size

This parameter greatly affects the fisherman’s buoyancy and his mobility in the boat. A vest that is too large will hinder movement and will not allow you to cast the bait normally, reel it in, or catch fish that are on the hook.

If a small vest is selected, its buoyancy is significantly reduced. Consequently, if a fisherman falls into the water, the safety of the fisherman will not be fully achieved. But in a boat in such equipment it is very comfortable, it is easy to turn, move, fish with a spinning rod, fly fishing, a float rod, or a donkey.

The choice of a life jacket for fishing should be based on the chest circumference and weight of the person. As a rule, the size chart is presented on the back of each product or is available on the manufacturer’s website. In any case, before purchasing, you should try on the vest and evaluate its comfort.

The Best Sports Life Vests for Men

Anatomically shaped models allow the athlete to feel free and safe on the water. High-quality products are not cheap, but they last a really long time.

Men's jet ski vest Jetpilot Matrix Race Pwc Neo Vest Black/white

★★★★★

editorial assessment

99%

buyers recommend this product

A model for real extreme sports enthusiasts. It is super lightweight and yet very reliable. The panels are divided into segments, which increases the efficiency of the rescue device. There are comfortable handles on the sides that the jet ski passenger behind the driver can hold onto. They will also help to get a person out of the water if necessary.

Advantages:

Interesting design;
High quality materials;
Durable seams;
Good margin for adjustment;
Patented handles.

Flaws:

Expensive.

The model is available in four bright colors - a reliable and durable option for lovers of speed on the water.

Life jacket Connelly Men's Team Neo Vest S20

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

92%

buyers recommend this product

A high-quality product made of thin neoprene and foam stretches in all directions, due to which it fits well on the body. The back panel with segments and an X-shape does not hinder the athlete’s movements. The front zipper goes without any unnecessary bells and whistles, so the vest can be put on and taken off in a matter of seconds. The outer surface drains water well, so the product dries quickly.

Advantages:

Thin and flexible, provides maximum mobility for the athlete;
Lack of belts and slings;
Anatomical shape;
Beautiful masculine design.

Flaws:

Cracks may appear on the upper shiny part.

A good choice for kiting - the model is designed for strong, broad-shouldered men, but performs exclusively protective functions.

Lifejacket O'Brien men's Mens Traditional Gray S18

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

89%

buyers recommend this product

The vest is made of innovative quick-drying QDT material. It is strong, soft and durable. The model is easy to put on thanks to the zipper, and two plastic latches on the adjustment straps securely fix it on the body.

Advantages:

Elastic and comfortable;
Stylish design;
Comfortable fit;
Large armholes;
US Coast Guard approved.

Flaws:

The volume is not adjustable.

The model is stated as a men's one, but it can also be used by women thanks to its laconic design. The main thing is to choose the right size.

Review of popular models

The modern market of tourist equipment offers a lot of diverse models that can save the life of a fisherman. Below we present a short rating of life jackets for fishing, which will help the fisherman make his choice.

Bright T4

A budget vest aimed at fishing and active water hobbies. Capable of saving its owner in extreme and critical situations. It has good buoyancy and is made of dense material that is resistant to high loads.

It has a bright color, noticeable in any light and on a strong wave. The kit includes a loud whistle that can attract the attention of rescuers or colleagues when the angler finds himself in a critical situation. Equipped with durable tightening straps and strong, reliable carabiners.

Blue Fish

The best life jacket for fishing, which not only performs a protective function. It has several functional pockets, allowing it to be used as a storage pocket, where you can place a lot of gear and fishing tools.

The features of the Blue Fish life jacket are as follows:

Two internal pockets plus one completely sealed for a mobile phone or documents;
Adjustable straps for full body fit;
Reflective stripes;
Inserts are removable and replaceable;
Detachable collar.

The vest comes with a whistle, which will come in handy in an extreme situation.

Adventure

An inexpensive life jacket that is suitable for fishing on medium rivers in boats with low-power motors. Sits comfortably on the body and does not restrict movement. The filling is made of non-absorbent and non-crumbling foam, sewn into dense waterproof fabric.

The vest is multi-sized and secured to the body with tight ties. The carabiners are made of plastic, easy to use, and prevent spontaneous unfastening. The bright color and the presence of a whistle will allow you to quickly detect the fisherman when he falls into the water.

Common Vests

Now in stores there is a huge selection of equipment to ensure proper safety, among which the most popular are:

Marine ZhS-2000, used to meet the needs of the Navy and the Ministry of Defense. It is indicated for people weighing from 35 to 145 kg, is bright orange in color, and has buoyancy of up to 16.5 kg. Being quite light (no more than 1.2 kg), it is able to withstand a strength load of 90 kg. To quickly search for a person at sea, it is equipped with a whistle and electric fire. Designed for professional sailors, it has a long service life of up to 10 years;

East. They are presented in both children's versions weighing up to 40 kg, and suitable for people up to 120 kg and above. They come in both single-sided and double-sided versions, have a standard orange color, or can be painted in camouflage colors, which is suitable for fishing. To secure the head and cervical spine in the event of an accident, it is equipped with a collar, which prevents the possibility of choking in the event of a fall. Being filled with polyethylene foam, they do not interfere with movement and are light enough for anyone to feel comfortable in them;

Captain 80, double sided. Available only in adult version for people weighing 80 kg. Due to its double-sided design, it has a bright orange color on one side, which is suitable for traveling on boats, a camouflage color on the other, used for fishing, is equipped with a collar, and for additional strength the polyethylene foam is quilted with slings. Like all equipment in this series, it is equipped with a signal whistle and an additional set of pockets, which allows you to place your phone in a waterproof shell;

Navigator. Made from polyethylene and sold in the seven most common sizes, ranging from 20 to 140 kilograms. Thanks to the 8mm thick multi-layer foam, which is installed in a larger volume in the chest area, it has excellent quality and ensures a stable position of the person face up. In accordance with the safety requirements for the product, it is equipped with a headrest, an extended crotch and an adjustment belt. Reflectors are installed over the entire surface, which reduces the time of searching for the victim;

Commander. Designed for adults up to 140 kg, has a double-sided design in orange, camouflage color. Both sides have pockets, the chest is equipped with a whistle. The stand-up collar allows you to keep your head upright and provides excellent protection from the wind in bad weather. For better visibility, it is equipped with an edging at the top, stripes are present on the shoulders, which ensures quick identification of the victim, and a belt in the groin area prevents it from lifting up in the event of a sharp fall;

Master. Intended both for those who are engaged in the work of special services related to water transport, and for tourists, athletes, and is produced for a size range of 72 -120 kilograms. According to the European standard EN 395, those classified as SF must have a buoyancy of 100 N. This Master product satisfies all these parameters (at least 4.08 kg). Equipped with both waist and chest straps, it fits well to the body, and large cavities allow you to put a mobile phone, walkie-talkie or documents in a waterproof shell. It is equipped with an emergency signal, which will allow you to find a lost person quickly;

Taimen. Like the others, they are used to protect people for tourism purposes, when playing sports, and fishing. The product has three standard sizes, 60-110 kg, made of water-repellent fabric, filled with polyethylene foam on the inside. In addition to the main belts, it is equipped with an additional groin retaining belt, which prevents slipping during a sharp impact. To make it easier to find victims, they are equipped with reflective strips that do not wear off or fade over time. Taimen is produced in 2 types of colors - camouflage for hunting, fishing and bright orange, important for active activities;
Garry angler refers to the support protection made of polyethylene foam. As additional options, it is equipped with several spacious pockets, some with a zipper that allows you to put a phone, walkie-talkie, and documents. Special fasteners allow you to tighten it tightly and fit it exactly to your figure, which eliminates lifting and slipping. They have an expanded range of standard sizes and are designed for up to 120 kilograms. In addition, it is lined with reflective stripes, allowing you to notice a drowning person from afar;

Marinepool. It has a modern, stylish design and a variety of colors, designed for both hunting and fishing, and for sports. In addition to a wide waist belt equipped with a clasp, it is equipped with pockets with zippers and buttons, which eliminates the possible loss of their contents. Meeting European standards EN393, Marinepool are designed for children and adults up to 120 kilograms and have a positive buoyancy of 100N;

The working and safety river SZh in a double-sided version is used by workers of ships and ships, has a certificate from the Maritime Register of Shipping, and according to the characteristics of the product, it meets all the requirements. With a small weight of 0.8 kilograms, it is filled with foamed polyethylene foam and is used in a wide range of air temperatures from -30 to +60C, water temperatures from +1 to +30C. The belt is equipped with a high-strength belt fastener and holds a load of up to 327 kilograms.

The specified liquefied fluids, sewn by both foreign suppliers and manufacturers from Russia, are endowed with characteristics that are regulated by both local and European standards.

Homemade vest

It is not always possible to purchase protective equipment. Some people don’t want to spend money on buying them, others consider it an optional attribute of a fisherman. They can be advised to make a life jacket for fishing with their own hands.

For a simple life jacket you will need the following materials:

waterproof fabric;
sheets of foam plastic (empty plastic bottles will do);
parachute lines;
carabiners and yarn.

First, we cut the material along the chest, making two large pockets for the filling. We sew the fabric, make straps and slings. We place foam sheets of suitable size or plastic bottles into the prepared compartments. We sew them tightly and use slings and buckles to make fasteners to securely secure the equipment. That's it, the homemade life jacket for fishing is ready for use.