From keeping you safe on the water to holding the tools and supplies you need close at hand as you fish, a fishing life jacket is an indispensable fishing accessory. The best fishing life jacket should be loaded with fishing features without compromising flotation, comfort, and range of motion.
To simplify your search for a fishing life vest, our best reviews present the very best, top-rated fishing life vest on the market. Whether you’re a fly angler wading in the water or fish from a kayak, read on to find out which is the best fishing flotation vest for your needs.
OUR TOP PICK
NRS Chinook Kayak
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best all-around fishing life jacket for kayaks, rafts, and float tubes
- Two large zippered pockets and two accessory pockets
- Built-in rod holder and fishing plier’s holder
Coast Guard Approved: Yes
Sizes: XS to XXL
Material: Ripstop Nylon
EDITORS CHOICE
Lixada Fly
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best fly fishing vest with a plethora of pockets and attachment options
- Open sides offer a full range of motion for casting
- Reflectors on the back and shoulder for visibility
Coast Guard Approved: N/A
Size: Universal
Material: Polyester
BEST VALUE
ONYX
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best affordable fishing PFD, great value for money
- Push dropdown pocket and largemouth cargo pocket
- Paddle-specific foam design for mobility
Coast Guard Approved: Yes
Sizes: Universal, Oversize
Material: Nylon
Bassdash Fly Bass
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best bass and fly fishing vest with pockets galore
- Eighteen pockets including 14 zippered pockets
- Rod holder loops, fishing net D-ring, and strobe holder loop
Coast Guard Approved: N/A
Size: Universal
Material: Polyester
Kylebooker Fly
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best fishing PFD for the balance between lightweight comfort and pockets
- 17 pockets including lure pockets and back pocket
- Rod holder loops, hemostat keeper, and fishing net D-ring
Coast Guard Approved: N/A
Size: Universal
Material: Polyester
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best life jacket for fishing in the summer heat
- Breathable foam, mesh liner, and vent ports
- Pockets and clipping points for accessories
Coast Guard Approved: N/A
Sizes: S/M: 31-37 inches
Material: Nylon
M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best fishing vest with rod and reel holder and D-ring for net
- Seventeen pockets and numerous attachment points
- Lure pockets with protective foam inserts
Coast Guard Approved: N/A
Size: Universal
Material: Polyester
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best low-profile kayaking fishing life vest
- Dual drop-down pockets, rod loops, and tool hangers
- 500D Cordura shell resists abrasion and UV rays
Coast Guard Approved: Yes
Size: S/M, L/XL, Universal Plus
Material: Nylon
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best life jacket for fishing kayak, creeks, rivers, lakes, and ocean
- Low-profile design with wide arm openings
- Front clamshell, stash pockets, and hydration sleeve
Coast Guard Approved: Yes
Sizes: S/M, M/L, L/XL
Material: Nylon
Amarine Made
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Best fly fishing vest with lots of pockets and attachment loops
- 11 zippered pockets and multiple attachment loops
- Open sides provide room to paddle and cast
Coast Guard Approved: N/A
Size: Universal
Material: Polyester
How To Choose A Fishing Life Jacket – Buying Guide
Comfort
With a life jacket for fishing, comfort is a top priority. The PFD should feel comfortable to wear, and shouldn’t inhibit your freedom of movement. The sides should be open to give your arms full range of motion for casting and pulling fish. In terms of fit, the jacket should secure against your body but without being restrictive.
Related Post: Life Jacket Buying Guide
Functionality
What differentiates a fishing life jacket from other life jackets out there is the functionality. Besides keeping you afloat in the water, life vests fishing also function as vests for holding all the tools and supplies you need close at hand. For this reason, life jackets for fishing should have multiple pockets and attachment points. For freedom of movement, fly and kayak fishing life vests should have wide arm openings.
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Adjustment Belts
As we’ve said, life vests should be secure without being restrictive. Adjustment belts can make a world of difference to the fit and feel. For a fishing vest you’re going to be filling with gear, adjustment belts are very important to ensure the vest sits right. For this reason, all the best fishing life vests have multiple adjustable straps.
US Coast Guard (USCG) Approved
To ensure that the fishing vest life you choose is safe and reliable, it’s wise to choose a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket. All the USCG approved fishing life vests on our fishing life jacket reviews are Type III jackets. Whether you need an approved jacket or not also comes down to the law in your state.
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Colors, Design, User Age, and Gender
To avoid spooking the fish, most fishing jackets are dark in color. However, a high-visibility hue can help rescuers spot you quickly in an emergency situation. If you enjoy fishing in low-light conditions, it’s a good idea to opt for a life fishing vest with reflective accents.
As for design, make sure the fishing life vest has the fishing features you want. Whether you’re looking for a women’s life vests for fishing or a men’s fishing vest, the design to go for is also a personal choice. As for age, most life jackets fishing are designed for adults. Kids should wear life vests designed for children.
FAQs
Q: Why Do I Need A Fishing Life Jacket?
You need a fishing life jacket for two reasons: to keep you afloat if you fall into the water, and to hold the essentials tools and supplies you need close at hand as you fish. Depending on the waters you’re fishing and the kind of vessel you’re using, wearing a life jacket may also be a legal requirement.
Q: How To Choose The Best Fishing Life Jacket?
Choosing the best fishing life vest starts with deciding on how many pockets and attachment points you need and how these should be laid out. Next, determine the right size to order by measuring around the broadest part of your chest and consulting the size chart. Once you’ve settled on the best fishing life jacket, select your preferred color and you’re good to go.
Globo Surf Overview
A fishing PFD is essential for enjoyable and successful fishing expeditions. Whether you’re looking for the best fisherman vest for bass fishing, life vests for kayak fishing, or a fly fishing vest with a plethora of pockets, our guide and reviews are designed to arm you with the information you need to buy the best fishing pfd for you.
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