PDF V Lifejacket?

[wightfish]

Hi all, New to Kayak fishing and was wondering about the pro's and con's of PDF's v Lifejackets when fishing from a kayak, any input gratefully recieved.

[curly]

PFD is the way to go. A PDF is permanently bouyant whereas a lifejacket is not. Some life jackets are self inflating and some manually operated. As we often get wet in this sport one big wave going out through the surf could activate a self inflating jacket....not good. Also if it`s a manual inflate....how would you inflate it if knocked unconscious in the surf?
PFD are the only option in my opinion. They are permanently bouyant and if you buy the right one very comfy to paddle and fish in! Also you can`t puncture a PDF with your fishing hooks!
Hope this helps

[THURSOMAN]

Some interesting points made there Curly and totally agree with the automatic life jackets.

I, aswell as other members of the forum, own both a pfd and life jacket for different applications.
There are pros and cons with both.

If you are likely to fall in regularly or are just starting out kayaking then the pfd is the clear choice.

[kerny]

I think the main difference with a life jacket (auto opening) is that it keeps you face up in the water if rendered unconscious as a pfd does not, but a pfd can be used many times, as a life jacket cannot ,as far as I know.Like you say Curly a manual inflating life jacket is useless if you're unconscious before you hit the water, so yes to me a pfd is a better choice for our sport. Also a good valid point about fish hooks.
Also pfds help by giving you added insulation to stay warm.

[BUDDY]

I have both.
If i am out on the canal or shallow sheltered inland waters i sometimes use the life jacket but on the sea a PFD is the way to go.
Steve

[wightfish]

Thanks very much guys, much appreciated.