Honestly i use a automatic that i wear and keep a cheaper basspro model in the front hatch in case i get dunked.
I have found out that i really don't like paddling and fishing with a normal vest on so i would not wear it. it would just be sitting behind me. I wear an automatic for piece of mind for me and my girlfriend. i can promise her i will always have one on .
I am a big guy so with my gut normal ones seemed to make it tuff to fish with. A automatic inflatable takes care of that.