What are you using for lifejackets while fishing? I was considering a self inflating one but are they more trouble? Do they self inflate in the rain? Looking for suggestions and this seems to be the one place I find the best answers.

Thanks in advance.

Hello from up in Otsego County

and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

One of the many great aspects of this forum is the Search tool.

Upper right-hand corner of the page.

I typed in Life Jackets and got this.

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/search/?q=Life%20Jackets&quick=1&search_in=titles&start_after=any&updated_after=any

It should help quite a bit.

A-Jay

Wish I’d have caught that, thanks.

Thats the best one i used.

Onyx self inflate is what I use.

I like the life jackets with the flotation in them. No chance of a accidental inflation, or not inflating when you need it.

Firstly, WELCOME to BassResource!

I've used a NRS Chinook life jacket for seven or eight years now on both my boat and kayaks.

32 minutes ago, Bird said:

Onyx self infate is what I use.

Same

I have two. I use a Mustang inflatable for when I fish tournaments and a NRS Chinook for kayak fishing. The Mustang is easy to have ready to go and must when the engine is on. The Chinook is great for hold things like my phone and few random baits and tools. The Chinook did save my life once. Definitely worth the money.

Mine is a Mustang inflatable, trouble free; just remember to replace cartridge when needed. I carry two non-inflatable for passengers.

Bass Pro A/M 24 auto inflater.

The PFD you put on and never take off is the best for you.

A cheap PFD that you wear is better than an expensive one in the locker.

I wear an A/M 24 from BPS. Put it on when I get in the boat, take it off walking to the truck.

I've fallen in twice with it on. Worked perfectly both times. Did get wet in the back of the truck once and go off.

Hi @ChiTownBass

I use Bass Pro’s am 33…I’ve never had it go off in a lite rain, but I have never wore it a heavy rain either.

After I get home I open it all up and hang it in the house to let it all dry out. If the jacket is in a very humid place, over time the bobbin will breakdown and the jacket will go off. Without being in direct contact with water.

8 hours ago, mcipinkie said:

The PFD you put on and never take off is the best for you.

A cheap PFD that you wear is better than an expensive one in the locker.

Wise words…….

9 hours ago, mcipinkie said:

The PFD you put on and never take off is the best for you.

This.

I'm sensitive to weight on my shoulders, particularly with a long day of casting, so I wanted as lightweight as possible (with stout safety) so I'd keep it on. I fish the Great Lakes.

I wear a Spinlock Deckvest Lite. Suitable for off shore or rough seas, Auto inflate, Self righting, deck harness certified, etc

Lightweight and compact. (sub 2lbs). I thought I'd object to the crotch strap, but don't notice it in use. Have worn for entire days of fishing without removal, fatigue or discomfort.

When I'm bank fishing in precarious areas (or if I know I'll be stopped in the boat for a LONG, long time in a "safe" area), I wear an Onyx M16 belt PFD. Smaller than a fanny pack. Weighs .7lbs NOT auto inflate, you must pull the rip cord. Once inflated, you must also put over your head. So it's as manual as PFD could be, so I don't use it in a moving boat. Ever.

Whereas the Spinlock is auto everything, so it's much preferred in a moving boat where the possibility of being knocked unconscious is real. Especially at the speeds some of these boats are capable of!

Stay safe, friends!

I was reluctant to purchase an inflatable. I struggled with depending/relying on something to inflate to potentially save my life. I bought a Mustang inflatable to wear while fishing. When running down the lake I wear the Mustang full size non-inflatable.

Thank you all for the input, it's a lot to think about. If money wasn't an issue the hydrostatic inflation Mustang is a no brainer but I'm not as unsure about the bobbins activation either.

When is come to life jackets, Don't cheap out, I have always used Mustang https://mustangsurvival.com/collections/inflatable-pfds

On 2/12/2026 at 8:50 AM, RRocket said:

This.

I'm sensitive to weight on my shoulders, particularly with a long day of casting, so I wanted as lightweight as possible (with stout safety) so I'd keep it on. I fish the Great Lakes.

I wear a Spinlock Deckvest Lite. Suitable for off shore or rough seas, Auto inflate, Self righting, deck harness certified, etc

Lightweight and compact. (sub 2lbs). I thought I'd object to the crotch strap, but don't notice it in use. Have worn for entire days of fishing without removal, fatigue or discomfort.

Stay safe, friends!

Very solid-looking Life Jacket.

Stay Safe

A-Jay

Something to consider with inflatables.

The CO2 cylinders actually have an expiration date and should routinely be replaced.

I've tested mine for function, they work well.

5 minutes ago, Bird said:

Something to consider with inflatables.

The CO2 cylinders actually have an expiration date and should routinely be replaced.

I've tested mine for function, they work well.

Me too. Just make sense

Additinally, to be in legal compliance, inflatable PFDs must be USCG-approved, in good condition, and "readily accessible." While CO₂ cylinders themselves do not have a set expiration date, they must not be used, rusted, or corroded. Automatic inflator bobbins/pills must be replaced by their specific "Replace by" date (usually every 2-3 years). If the C0₂ hasn't been discharged,I reuse it and simply replace the bobbin and save the C0₂ and use as needed.

A-Jay

Something to keep in mind with inflatables, based on which state you are in.

If you have an inflatable but you aren’t wearing it, that doesn’t count. You can be cited here for that. You must have it on in order to full fill the “accessible” portion of state law.

A standard version does not have to always be worn. If you can take it off but as long as it’s accessible, you are within the rules.

@A-Jay

Makes sense and perhaps I'm being a little wasteful on the cartridges as I've been replacing everything pictured every 3 years.

2 minutes ago, Bird said:

@A-Jay

Makes sense and perhaps I'm being a little wasteful on the cartridges as I've been replacing everything pictured every 3 years.

Old Coast Guard trick. (#nofunding)

If the CO₂ is in good repair, threads are not corroded or otherwise compromised

(which can be an issue in the saltwater arena), we just changed the bobbin.

I do note the original use date on the back of the cylinder with a Sharpie just for reference.

I still think it's a good idea to don the life jacket and blast off a cartridge manually occasionally, just to make sure it's all good.

A-Jay

13 minutes ago, gim said:

Something to keep in mind with inflatables, based on which state you are in.

If you have an inflatable but you aren’t wearing it, that doesn’t count. You can be cited here for that. You must have it on in order to full fill the “accessible” portion of state law.

A standard version does not have to always be worn. I you can take it off but as long as it’s accessible, you are within the rules.

Good point and the way it works around here.

We as boaters are responsible for everyone aboard and sometimes have to be the educator.

Since we're talking auto inflatables, learn how to inflate it manually and orally!! If the Auto inflate fails, pull the manual handle. Know where this handle is. Even with complete C02 failure, these can still be inflated orally and save your life. Learn where the tube is and how to inflate.

Although I have confidence it will auto-inflate when needed, I still thought it important to learn how to orally inflate "just in case".

We also have a self made safety "course" in the spring where the wife and I go over the use of the safety systems in the boat and on our person. Safety equipment is useless if you don't know where to find it or how to use it.

I have a very healthy respect for St Clair, Detroit River and Erie. Almost every boater I know has a " the time I almost didn't make it back" story.

I have no intention of joining that club.