Best Fishing Boat Life Jackets Buying Guide

In many states, the law requires that you wear a PFD (personal floatation device), which is the modern term for the life jacket these days. (Actually, “PFD” is a broader term and a life jacket is a type of PFD, but with most people the terms are almost interchangeable.)

Regardless of what you call it, you just have to wear it. It’s as important to your safety like your seatbelt is when you ride a car. Even if in your area the law doesn’t require it, common sense still dictates that everyone who goes on a boat ought to wear a life jacket anyway.

But you can’t just buy any life jacket, as they’re not all the same. We aren’t just talking about quality. We’re also talking about the design as well. You especially need a specific type of life jacket if you mean to wear one when fishing. That way, you’re actually able to fish while wearing the life jacket.

Factors to Consider

To make an informed choice regarding the best fishing boat life jacket for you, you should read the reviews and product descriptions, and check out the following considerations:

USCG-Approved?

The first thing you need to check is whether the life jacket you’re looking at has the approval of the US Coast Guard. You only buy USCG-approved life jackets, so you can be sure about the quality and suitability.

Standard or Inflatable

The standard life jacket uses some sort of foam that keeps you afloat in the water.

Other life jackets are inflatable. Some are manual, which means you have to pull the trigger for the vest to inflate. But others inflate automatically if you hit the water.

Type

Basically, you want the Type 3 vest, which helps you to get into the face-up position in the water. They’re generally comfy and allow for free movement.

Type 5 vests are more specialized, and they’re usually in inflatable (or hybrid inflatable/standard) design. Each Type 5 vest is meant for a specific activity, like windsurfing, waterskiing, por kayaking.

Features

You need to consider 2 main features: comfort and functionality. Usually, you want something lightweight and you should also be able to move your arms freely when you’re wearing the life vest. When you sit, the vest shouldn’t be uncomfortable either.

The other main consideration is the set of pockets you have. These pockets should be able to hold your gear, while allowing easy access.

Top 7 Best Life Jackets for Fishing Boats

Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the best fishing boat life jackets you should consider first. We’ve picked them for their excellent features, great comfort, and fantastic value for money.

AIRHEAD Fishing Deluxe

Despite the name of the brand, picking is actually a smart choice. This is a Type 3 life jacket with USCG approval, and it’s meant for adults. Basically, if you weigh at least 90 pounds, you’ll find a size that’ll fit you. The vest has 2 belt traps for adjustments, along with quick-release buckles.

The whole life jacket is made with nylon, though you have neo-Lite “kwik-dry”material for the collar. It’s very airy to wear, since you have mesh for the back and shoulders.

The “floating” section of the vest is actually set around your waist, so there’s not much to impede your arm movements. That’s great when you’re casting your fishing pole.

This also features 2 large and small pockets, where you can place your stuff and secure with the zipper enclosures. They’re not waterproof, however, so you may want to keep your delicate electronics elsewhere.

These pockets are mainly for your fishing gear, which are probably waterproof already. There’s also a D-ring here, where you can set your whistle.

Stearns Comfort Series Collared Angler Vest

This is another USCG-approved vest, and that’s not surprising considering that the Stearns brand has been around since 1921. They know what they’re doing—all their products are USCG-certified.

This Type 3 vest features PVC/PE flotation foamenclosed in tough 200D nylon oxford shell. The fit here is quite nice, starting with the “true to size” sizing. The 2 webbed straps around the waist lets you set this vest securely and comfortably.

The design is specifically meant to boost your comfort, while you’re free to do your fishing. You have mesh panels on the shoulders and back for better ventilation. The neoprene collar is quite flexible, so you don’t have chafing issues. The armholes are also quite large, so you’re able to move and cast without any trouble.

The zippered pockets aren’t all that large, but the size is good enough for your phone. You can put other stuff there, like your whistle, flashlight, and maybe your drying cork for your flies. With the soft lining inside the pockets, you can even use these to keep your hands warm on cool days on the water.

ABSOLUTE OUTDOOR Onyx M-24 Manual Inflatable Vest

As this is an inflatable vest, there’s not much material here in its uninflated state. This is actually a Type 5 life jacket, but its performance equals that of a Type 3. Of course, it’s also USCG-approved.

You just need to get the M-24 Rearming Kit 1350 for this once you’ve inflated it. But you can convert this from automatic/manual inflation to manual-inflation only, if you want. This vest is designed to inflate quickly, and it also floats you with your face up.

This is very tough, with heavy-duty 200-denier nylon ripstop and nylon oxford used for the pockets and protective cover. Everywhere else, you have 300-denier polyester.

The pockets offer space for your CO2 cylinder, as well as for your other stuff. One pocket is padded and fleece-lined, so its great to stuff in your sunglasses.

There’s also a D-ring attachment for small accessories, including your whistle. Unfortunately, this D-ring is also on the same side as the pull trigger for inflating the vest, and that can get rather chancy.

This is absolutely ideal for kayaking, which is great news for the increasing number of kayak fishing fans these days. You do get the safety you need, but this is fantastically comfortable to wear. It features padded air mesh for comfort and ventilation. The neoprene neckline is very soft, the whole thing is lightweight, and it allows for full movement.

NRS Chinook OS Fishing Lifejacket (PFD)

So far, all of the life jackets we’ve featured came in rather subdued colors. This one also comes with a dark red and black color combo, but we went with the bright orange option. After all, we want to be seen more easily if we do fall overboard. This even features reflective accents so you’re more visible in low-light conditions.

This is another USCG-approved Type 3 life jacket, meant for spending time on the water either on a kayak or raft. With its 16.5 pounds of floatation foam, you’re covered. The outer material is also extremely tough, with its use of 400-denier ripstop nylon.

The fit is great with the medium profile design. There are 4 side adjustments, plus 2 adjustments for the shoulders and another one fort the waist. The front entry is zippered as well. This is especially nice on summer days due to the mesh on the lower back.

What really sets this apart is the set of 6 pockets for all your stuff. There’s the large tackle pocket with a zipper enclosure, which also features internal organization for all the items you’ll place inside. Then there’s also another smaller tackle pocket. Another zippered pocket is for your VHF radio. Finally, you have the 3 pockets for accessories, set with the hook-and-loop enclosure.

If that’s not enough, you even 2 knife lash tabs, 2 strobe attachment points, and even a rod holder.

Onyx Kayak Fishing Life Jacket

This is also USCG-approved, and meant for kayak fishing. But it’s also ideal for simple recreational kayaking, since it’s comfy to wear and allows for free movement.

The design features mesh for breathability, and the vest has a high back that doesn’t get in the way of your kayak seats. The shoulder pads also use very comfy neoprene.

There are only 2 sizes, but the “universal” size is great for chests that measure 30 to 52 inches. If you want something a bit larger, then the oversize is better—it’s meant for chests that measure 45 to 65 inches.

Either way, you have 6 adjustment straps to get the fit right. You can adjust it every which way to suit your particular activity, and to set nicely with the seat in the boat or kayak. 

The pockets here are terrific, with 4 different pocket designs for all your fishing gear. You have the zippered chest pocket along with other zippered pockets lined with fleece. You can sue the top of the opening of the pocket to slip down your pliers or radios and clamp them down. There’s even a 1-button-push dropdown tray pocket that holds a small tackle box.

NRS Chinook Fishing Kayak Lifejacket (PFD)

This Chinook is the bestselling life jacket from NRS, as it mixes both comfort and functionality extremely well. It also comes with the “mandatory” USCG certification. The vest is designed to set your upper body with your face up facing the sky.

The design has comfort in mind, as in the front it’s quite roomy while the fit is quite good at the back. This uses the PlushFIT foam that conforms to whatever body type you have. You also get lots of adjustment points to make sure you can customize it to your fit.

Basically, you’re able to move freely with this on. You won’t find it annoying to wear when you’re casting or netting your fish. You can wear this for hours and not feel uncomfortable with it at all. Even the high back doesn’t hit the seat.

For your gear, you have 2 large pockets to start with. Then you have 2 smaller pockets for other accessories. There’s even a 5^th pocket that works as a tool holder. These pockets are every easy to access, so you’re able to get your stuff quickly.

Stohlquist Fisherman Fishing Kayak Life Jacket

This is another somewhat pricey option, but then you really do get your money’s worth. Color options include khaki, olive green, and the nicely visible orange, and various sizes are available (with graded sizing).

The graded sizing basically optimizes the fit while minimizing the footprint, so that even smaller users can use the same style of life vest as the bigger folks. This also uses the unique Cross-Chest Cinch harness that keeps the life jacket down in its proper place. It won’t ride up, so you don’t get any annoying chafing.

Your comfort is also due to the lower back waistband and the shoulders padded with neoprene. The high back floatation sets above the seats of kayaks as well. With its weight at les than 2 pounds,

The pockets aren’t waterproof, but then these pockets also allow for drainage. The dual pockets are rather sizable measuring 7.5 inches on each side. These front-mounted tool pouch pockets have the EVA-stiffened 500-denier Cordura outer shells for extra protection. You also have various mounting points for stuff like hemostats, retractors, and nippers.

Conclusion

Use your common sense and always wear a life jacket when you’re on your fishing boat. Better yet, make sure you get the right fishing boat life jacket by picking one from our list of top options!