PFDs?

[TroutTackler]

How many of you always either wear or have a PFD on you when in your pontoon? Do you wear them on rivers and ponds or just one or the other?

[FlygURL]

In my pontoon, I always wear my PFD. But I am known around my house as Mrs. Safety.

I was raised that if the boat is in motion, you wear your PFD.

[nu2trout]

I always have my neoprene life vest on, while wading, tubing, or tooning. I too was raised to wear it. I go fishing many times by myself and dont wish to have an accident that could turn out worse.

I wish Gatorbyte could say the same thing, that he always wears his:nervs:

[Gatorbyte]

Funny you mention that. I'm currently looking for SOS type PFD. I plan on wearing them all of the time in the deeper streams. I don't see the point on Smith's or the Upper Hooch, etc.

This brings me to the question of, "What kind of suspender type would you buy? The ones that inflate when they get submerged, or the ones, that require you inflate manually?

[Buck Henry]

This brings me to the question of, "What kind of suspender type would you buy? The ones that inflate when they get submerged, or the ones, that require you inflate manually?

Considering recent events, you should probably go with the ones you have to pull the trigger on. Otherwise, you will go broke buying replacement C02 capsules. :)

[Gatorbyte]

Considering recent events, you should probably go with the ones you have to pull the trigger on. Otherwise, you will go broke buying replacement C02 capsules. :)


Here I go trying to be serious for a change and Sunday's events are brought up. I guess I deserve it. :bawl:

In all seriousness how much help would a PFD help if you flip in your tube and are face down?

If no one has any answers, I'll do some more R & D. Make sure you have your video ready guys.

[Buck Henry]

Bret,

All funnin aside, I have always stayed away from the auto-inflate models. Where they come in handy I guess is if you are knocked unconcious but otherwise I want to have the final say on deploying the device.

[Gatorbyte]

Does anyone know if there is a way to "turn off" the Auto inflate feature? Then you could have the best of both.

[baldea]

I ditto Buck's comments with slight modifications.

So if your knocked out floating down the Hooch DH while upside down in your float tube while your fellow fishermen are at the ramp laughing and your thrashing due to your convulsions, how would you pull the cord to inflate your PFD?

You could always wear water wings like this happy little guy.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k301/baldea/crystalclear_1984_95686724.gif

[Gatorbyte]

I'm so looking forward to where this thread is going. I believe I have given Y'all enough ammo for the next 6 months. You are very welcome. Now let me see, who has yet to chime in... Skibum, Slowstreamer, curbside, rainbowlover, and Gonefishn. I'm sure I left out a few. Bring it on Boys. :cheers:

[baldea]

I only wish I had been there live. No matter how much the story changes or gets added to over time, I'll never delete the voicemail I got from GB within an hour of it happening.

Purely priceless, or at least until someone else goes swimming.

[Talknsht]

I don't wear it, and I don't carry it with me. If your not gonna wear it, why carry it around all day. Also, in about 20 years of floating rivers I would say only about 10% of the folks I encounter are wearing some form of PFD.

[SlowStreamer]

GB,

I'm usually the one going fishing, fortunately I have done it when no one I've known as been around and I chalk it up as a learning experience to slowing down and paying attention.

As you know, I like you needs to be looking into a good PFD.

[nu2trout]

In all seriousness, wouldnt the PFDs you are describing get in the way under your vest, and if you had to use it how would your vest get in the way of the inflation and floatation?
I understand the desire to have something think and easy to wear, but would be concerned about the functionality if needed.

:huh:

[huntfish]

In all seriousness, wouldnt the PFDs you are describing get in the way under your vest, and if you had to use it how would your vest get in the way of the inflation and floatation?
I understand the desire to have something think and easy to wear, but would be concerned about the functionality if needed.

:huh:

Not really.....I don't zip up my vest and just use the tab. Your question was one I had so I tested it out.....SOS inflated properly and simply popped the tab. Vest stayed on.

[nu2trout]

thanks for testing, for some reason I thought they were one use only pfd's

[huntfish]

thanks for testing, for some reason I thought they were one use only pfd's

Just need to replace the CO2 cartridge.

[Gatorbyte]

The design is similar to those on a SCUBA BCD which allows for CO2 inflation or orally by a low pressure inflation tube. Basically a straw with a valve. I see some of the top line ones can be inflated all ways. Pull cord, Moisture trigger, and oral. They are pricey and I'm not sure my life is worth it. :D The biggest reason I don't wear one is comfort. Not really a good reason when you think about it. When I was face down I was quite fortunate I could right myself. If anyone reading this is thinking it won't happen to them think again. I may be a clumsy big guy, but I'm a better than average swimmer and very strong/comfortable in the water. It's that kind of arrogance that led to my carelessness and potentially dangerous situation last week.

[baldea]

GB save you the $$$ and just wear your BCD, mask, regulator and tank on the river! That way if fishing is slow you can just stick your head in the water and see what the fish are doing or if there are any in a particular pool or run.

[nu2trout]

That is a great idea Baldea. I would defintely get a camera to film that!:rotfl:

[FairWeatherFisherman]

I always wear my pfd when on the water. Since we C&R, we take lots of pictures holding fish. It is very rare to see me without my life jacket on in any of the pics. I've also started wearing a semi-dry suit if I'm fishing alone, when the water temp + air temp is less than 100.

[huntfish]

It's that kind of arrogance that led to my carelessness and potentially dangerous situation last week.

Yep, the "It won't happen to me" syndrome has been the caused for many sad days. Not only fishing, but also in other sports.

One thing about safety products that I try to stress is to TEST them and know how they work. This practice will not only demonstrate that the product works, but if you are familiar with how it works; it will help you prevent the worst cause of additional harm ------PANIC!

Not fishing related but let me tell you a story. Person hunting in a tree stand about 20 feet up in a body harness. So far, so good. Hunter slips and falls off stand, harness holds him from falling. So far, so good. Now PANIC comes into play. Instead of calmly reaching up and pulling himself back onto the stand, PANIC says how will I get down? PANIC says there is a knife on your belt, use it. PANIC pulls out knife and cuts line holding person in place (at a height of about 16 feet). Gravity wins, 2 fracture legs all because of PANIC.

Yes - above story did happen and no, it was not me.

[TOP TURRET GUNNE]

I posted a question about how to wear a SOS---[IE] under or over a vest---
Huntfish answered my Question---Thanks for the research

Gunne

[lurechucker]

I wear either a LL Bean vest that has pockets like a fly vest or a non-automatic SOSpender. Depends on how far I was getting from my tube. I have a TU Colorado tube. Recently I've switched to a Wenonah Canoe. It's a bit faster when I need it to be. I always wear a pfd in the canoe. Lake or River. There are alot of new SOSpender type vests on the market that are alot like the fly vests. Either way you're better safe than sorry. Accidents do happen. People do drown.

[SlowStreamer]

Anyone tried one of these Mesh Top PFDs?

They say they are specifically made for anglers. It even has a couple pockets and d-rings if you do not plan on carrying much and want to use it as your vest. I thought it might be perfect for when on the toon and even wading.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=58205&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

[Gatorbyte]

I have it in Blue. Just couldn't go with the bright yellow. It's okay, but the SOSpenders would be better. The BPS one will go on sale when they have their big fishing sale in a month or so. I think I got mine for $12 last year.

[orange_spokes]

anybody that says they dont need to wear a pfd on the water...particulary moving water isnt playing with a full deck...ive been kayaking for years and extremely comfortable under water..but i never go on a boat or tube without a pfd of some sorts on me...now still water i understand but still...water is dangerous stuff...find a pfd thats comfortable and wear it...it doesnt have to be flashy or expensive but it needs to get the job done...also make sure you carry a good knife with you...you never know when you might need to cut something to break free...

i only say all this after being in a whitewater kayak and almost drowning b/c my instructor is an idiot and didnt teach us how to roll our kayaks to begin with...you will say i will never need a pfd until you have an experience like that...

[kayakerguy]

I don't wear it, and I don't carry it with me. If your not gonna wear it, why carry it around all day.
Also, in about 20 years of floating rivers I would say only about 10% of the folks I encounter are wearing some form of PFD.
Why carry it around all day? Because it is the law.
"All boats must have at least one Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device that is U. S. Coast Guard approved, wearable and of the proper size for each person onboard. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size. Type V PFDs are acceptable only when worn and securely fastened".
I believe this applies to Canoes, kayaks, and pontoons as well as the larger boats. Someone may have more information than this. I'm not sure where float tubes fall, but there are some enforcement officers that consider it a type of boat, so I wouldn't take the chance.

As for the 10% of the people wearing pfd's... I guess it depends on the company you keep. In my experience, nearly 100% of the people I see are wearing pfd's when in a boat or tube of any kind.

anybody that says they dont need to wear a pfd on the water...particulary moving water isnt playing with a full deck...ive been kayaking for years and extremely comfortable under water..but i never go on a boat or tube without a pfd of some sorts on me...now still water i understand but still...water is dangerous stuff...find a pfd thats comfortable and wear it...it doesnt have to be flashy or expensive but it needs to get the job done...also make sure you carry a good knife with you...you never know when you might need to cut something to break free...

i only say all this after being in a whitewater kayak and almost drowning b/c my instructor is an idiot and didnt teach us how to roll our kayaks to begin with...you will say i will never need a pfd until you have an experience like that...
I agree wearing it does no harm; not wearing it...
It's like Lefty Kreh says "common sense ain't that common". I use to tell customers that asked about pfd's, "how much is your life worth"?

[Talknsht]

I believe your right. You should check that law again. If it is a legal requirement I will be glad to carry it. Some situations a pfd is a neccesssity for me, other times it's not. What's good for others is not good for all. I don't wear safety goggles to peel potatoes.

[lively]

I am brand new to the NGTO message board etc. There are 3 of us from the Bremen area that fly fish NGa and the hooch. I have been reading the messages...great stories! We would like to be involved with stocking etc. How do we go about it? thanks lively

[Windknot]

Lively,

The hatchery can stock without help except for East Palisades (Whitewater) on the lower Hooch and Amicalola River's midpoints. They have us post before each event - maybe 2 - 3 times each Delayed Harvest season.

Just watch for the announcements and show up with waders and an empty 5 gal. bucket.

[trout4life]

From what I understand a toon/float tube requires a PFD. When we floated 20 to Settles in the past a sign on the way to the river at Settles stated that a float tube requires a PFD.

[Talknsht]

Maybe on the "hooch". But I don't think it's required on inflatables without mechanical propulsion.

[baldea]

A personal flotation device (PFD) must be worn at all times from Buford Dam to the Ga. Hwy. 20 bridge. That is regardless of if you are in a boat or not, so if your wading you still need a PFD on your possession.

[huntfish]

Regulations aside and common sense.

Whether it is required or not, it not the fishing, it not the water, nor does how many fish you catch today matter. What really matters is this....

Coming home alive and safe so you can enjoy the family.

Is the cost of a PFD worth NOT coming home? I don't think so and my wife also agrees with that principle. Family is first, I hunt and fish. If it is a safety item, no problem with the wife. If it's a new rod, then we discuss.

Another story and this occurred to me.

Wife and I got married during last year of graduate school. Money is tight but I had a field trip in South Texas for a small mammal survey. Knowing the area, I purchased a set of Rattler Chaps with a cost of ~$80. For folks in college, $80 is a lot to spend outisde the usual beer and chip budget. Back to the story....On my first day surveying the property, I get hit in the upper thigh by a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake that was hanging in a Agarita bush. Chaps prevented any injection. $80 vs. a emergeny room visit. I'll pay the $80.