I was watching the FLW Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit on Lake Erie on TV. They are out fishing  in 4 and 5 foot chop on Lake Erie and they don't wear a PFD. I know they wear a PFD when under way.   Just wondering does anyone think they should they make the use of PFD's mandatory? Not saying they should but just curious if others do.

If you have an inflatable pfd it must be worn at all times or it isn’t legal in MO.

It’s a tournament rule that you are required to wear a pfd anytime the big motor is running.  As for when they are fishing and on the trolling motor, it’s optional.  I fish big rough bodies of water and I usually shed my pfd to fish.  I don’t use an inflatable but prefer the full vest type of pfd, especially in the winter and big water.  If the water is rough enough to knock that experience level of fishermen off their decks, then I would wager they shouldn’t be out at all.  

So...in Alabama and South Carolina, seat belts are required by law but motorcycle helmets are not. Personally, I think it should be the boater's choice. I wear mine when underway and take it off when on the deck fishing.

17 hours ago, Jig Man said:

If you have an inflatable pfd it must be worn at all times or it isn’t legal in MO.

That's only true if it's the only available PFD on board.  Most that use these have redundant legal Type III on board, so they do not have to be worn all the time.

2 hours ago, J Francho said:

That's only true if it's the only available PFD on board.  Most that use these have redundant legal Type III on board, so they do not have to be worn all the time.

Exactly. I always have two type III on board so I don't have to disconnect my kill switch from my inflatable PFD everytime.

16 minutes ago, GaryH said:

Exactly. I always have two type III on board so I don't have to disconnect my kill switch from my inflatable PFD everytime.

I do close to the same, but it's a comfy Type III attached to the kill switch.  I take the inflatable off when I'm driving.  I wear it when I'm fishing.

1 minute ago, J Francho said:

I do close to the same, but it's a comfy Type III attached to the kill switch.  I take the inflatable off when I'm driving.  I wear it when I'm fishing.

Something I do when it's not too hot but should probably do it all the time... I've spent the money on the 100 mph Skeeter jackets so comon sense should tell me to wear them when at speed. Thanks for reminding me

It really came down to comfort for me.  I was running a Bullet with the old style bucket seats, and my Mustang just seemed to get in the way, whereas a regular vest didn't.  So long as you're wearing a PFD, and have a kill switch attached, I think you're good.

I always wear mine when the big motor is on, and wear one when I'm fishing alone.