Want to know the best life jacket for fishing? Then you are in the right place.

Fishing is a fun activity; you get on a boat or Kayak with friends, family, and ride to a good place where you fish together.

All of it seems fun on the one hand, but on the other, you have to understand that going in open water can be dangerous.

One mistake and you will fall in cold, deep water where the first thing you have to do is to go to a safe place.

If you are a good swimmer, it might be a bit easy for you to swim back to the shore, but its almost impossible for bad swimmers and non-swimmers.

Without a quick rescue, they could possibly drown, putting a threat on their life. Even the good swimmer isn’t safe if they are injured or fell unconscious after the impact.

That’s why wearing a fishing life jacket is crucial. It keeps you afloat when needed and can be useful for storing some fishing gear.

But the main question is – Which one to buy?

With over a thousand options, getting your hands on the right one is harder than it seems. But don’t worry, I got you!

I have summed up 11 of the best vests for fishing that are worth your try. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Last update on 2020-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API/ More Info

#11 Extrasport Sturgeon Fishing Life Jacket

Made from 420 denier nylon ripstop material, this USCG approved Type III PFD is available in one size(x-small). Its front zipper closure and neoprene waist belt ensure your safety.

The mesh on various locations maintains a cool temperature while the four pockets offer storage for small and medium items. You can store your cell phone, hooks, knives, etc.

Its lightweight foam provides comfort and keeps you afloat in the water. The adjustable shoulder straps let you quickly customize the fit while the lash tab takes care of your knife

The 3M Scotchlite reflective tape on both shoulders increases visibility during low light conditions which makes it good for night fishing.

Pros

Adjustable Straps

Four Large Pockets

Mesh

Reflective Straps

USCG Approved

Cons

Puffy(but still comfortable)

Bulky

Extrasport Sturgeon Canoe/Kayak Rafting Fishing Personal Flotation Device/Life Jacket, Olive/Black,... Extrasport's exclusive RetroGlide 2-in-1 shoulder-side fit system provides a truly custom fit adjustment system - allows wearers to adjust...

Four large chest pockets - two fold out to create flat workstations, one with a fly patch

Mesh lower back, sides, and shoulders provide great ventilation and accommodate canoe and kayak seat backs providing easier movement and... Last update on 2020-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API/ More Info

#10 MTI Adventurewear Fisher Life Jacket

This PVC freevest from MTI has an adjustable chest strap and two belly straps for your safety. It offers four pockets that offer ample space to store most items like phones, hooks, baits, etc.

Belly pockets are twice as large as the chest ones which makes them best for big items. This vest has two D-rings(front and back) where you can attach your fishing gear.

Apart from fishing, this US coast guard approved Type III vest is also a good choice for Jet Skiing. Currently, it is available in three size options. The small hook on top makes it easy to carry and store.

Pros

PVC Free

USCG Approved

Adjustable Chest, Shoulders, and Sides

Four pockets

Cons

A Bit Bulky

Color is not highly-visible

MTI Adventurewear Fisher Kayak Fishing PFD Life Jacket USCG strength tested at 50 mph for jet ski, water ski, and general boating use

Four front pockets offer ample storage space for fishing necessities

Center buckle closure with adjustable sides and adjustable shoulder straps to dial in the perfect fit Last update on 2020-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API/ More Info

#9 Amarine-made Fly Fishing Backpack

It is a good quality vest-style backpack like life vest made from lightweight and water-resistant fabric that provides a sturdy exterior.

In the back, there is a versatile three compartment backpack for your accessories like hooks, baits, phone, and many others. Several D-rings are present on the vest for carrying additional gear.

The mesh keeps you cool while the zippered closure and waist belt keeps you safe inside. This vest is adjustable, so you can customize its fit. Currently, its available in two colors and one size.

Pros

Plenty of Zips

Three compartment Backpack

Water-resistant Fabric

Cons

Cheaply Made

Not highly-visible Color

Amarine Made Fly Fishing Backpack Adjustable Size Mesh Fishing Vest Pack, Fly Fishing Vest and... This fishing vest is detachable.The front side two pieces could be detached as a pure vest;If you detached from the reverse side it is a...

This is a multi-purpose vest. Both its front and reverse side has fine workmanship,which our designers spent a lot of care on it.So it is...

This is a very well constructed fishing vest,very well thought out design that has pockets within pockets to pack stuff in and many toggles... Last update on 2020-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API/ More Info

#8 Lixada Fly Fishing Vest

Made from premium ripstop polyester shell this sturdy vest has 11 pockets that can carry all your accessories without any problem. With this life jacket, you’ll never run out of space.

It has a replaceable EPE(Expandable Polyethylene) foam inside that provides comfort and superior buoyancy. Its mesh makes it breathable and maintains a cool temperature inside.

The adjustable shoulder and waist straps help you get the perfect fit in seconds. Currently, it is available in five colors and a Universal Adult Size option.

Pros

Premium Textile & EPE Foam

Multi Zippered Pockets

Breathable Mesh

Open Sides

Cons

Cheaply Made

Not USCG Approved

Lixada Fly Fishing Vest-Fishing Safety Life Jacket Breathable Polyester Mesh Design Fishing Vest for... SIZE: Universal Adult Size (Fits for the person who is less than 95kg/209lb)

PREMIUM TEXTILE & EPE FOAM: Crafted with a premium rips top polyester shell and replaceable EPE foam inside for superior buoyancy.

MULTI ZIPPED POCKETS: Four generous chest pocket, four zipped front pockets, two side mesh pocket, and one generous back pocket in total. Last update on 2020-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API/ More Info

#7 VGEBY Kayaking Fishing Life Jacket

Made from Nylon Taslon, this low-profile vest has a high-quality buoyancy foam that provides great comfort and excellent buoyancy. It has multiple pockets for most of your gears.

Its zippered closure and adjustable chest strap take care of your safety and fit. The attached whistle you get along this vest can be a great help during an emergency.

The reflective strip on the front and back increases visibility during low light which is great for night fishers. Currently, you can get it in three colors and one size.

VGEBY offers a 180 days guarantee for this vest which is great. Also, they offer email support for your queries.

Pros

Buoyancy Foam

Multiple Pockets

Adjustable

Reflective Strips and Whistle

180 Days Guarantee

Cons

Zipper Stuck sometimes

Not USCG Approved

VGEBY Kayak Life Jackets for Adults, Kayaking Fishing Life Jacket Watersports Life Jacket with... BUOYANCY FOAM: High quality foam can let you easily float to the surface.

MORE SURVIVAL DESIGN: kayak fishing life jacket come with a whistle for emergency situation and reflective stripe at back for easily being...

MULTI-POCKET: There are several pockets in this kayak fishing life jacket for your storage of little tools, phone or something necessory. Last update on 2020-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API/ More Info

#6 NRS Chinook Fishing Pfd Life Jacket

Made from 400 denier nylon this sturdy life jacket has a Soft PlushFIT flotation foam inside for comfort and buoyancy. The zippered closure ensures your safety while the mesh on the lower back makes it comfortable on high-back seats.

Also, the mesh makes it breathable thus maintaining a cool temperature inside. It has five large pockets for storing most of the fishing gear(hooks, baits) and items like Mobile, etc.

It also has a front strobe holder loop and reflective accents for your night safety. Plus, there is a lash tab for securing your rescue knife. All this ensures optimum safety.

This US Coast Guard approved Type III vest is available in five colors and three size options.

Pros

Plenty of highly visible colors

Mesh

Soft PlushFIT

Plenty of Pockets

USCG Approved

Cons

Nothing

NRS Chinook Type III Fishing Life Vest PFD with Pockets, Size Large/XL, Orange Stylish life jacket for fishing from boats or close to the water's edge with 16.5 pounds of flotation

Perfect for easy access to fishing equipment while paddling a kayak or raft

Store lures and line in the large and small tackle box pockets on the front Last update on 2020-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API/ More Info

#5 Flowt Fishing Life Jacket

This USCG approved vest has mesh on the shoulder and back that keeps it cool inside. Even though its half mesh, it’s very sturdy thanks to the ripstop material.

Its camouflage color almost hides the two large front pockets that are big enough to cary your gear and items like cell a phone, baits, hooks, etc.

The zippered closure and two adjustable belts ensure proper safety and fit while the two reflective tapes make it safe during the night. It has two lash tabs for securing multiple rescue knives.

OR you can put a knife on one, and attach a whistle on the other. Currently, it is available in three colors and three sizes.

Pros

Adjustable Belts

Mesh

Knife Lash Tab and D-Ring

Reflective Tape

USCG Approved

Cons

Size runs Small

Flowt 40626-L/XL Mesh Fishing Adult Life Vest Type III PFD, Tan Large/Extra Large Mesh shoulders and back for maximum air flow to keep you cool and comfortable

Reflective tape for safety during dawn and dusk fishing hours

Adjustable belts for a secure fit and to keep vest from riding up or shifting Last update on 2020-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API/ More Info

#4 Kylebooker Fly Fishing Vest Pack

This versatile life jacket is made from light mesh fabric that provides a sturdy exterior. Plenty of pockets are present for keeping your gears. If these aren’t enough, there is a large one on the back.

The adjustable shoulder and waist strap provide a comfortable fit while the front zipper makes sure you safe inside. All the pockets have zippered closure unlike others, so it safely secures all the items inside.

The mesh on the lower back keeps it breathable and cool inside while the D-rings on the front and back let you secure your most used items.

Currently, it is available in five colors and a one-size-fits-all size option.

Pros

Plenty of Pockets

Mesh

Many Color options

D-rings

Cons

Fishing vest, not a PFD

Cheaply Quality

Not USCG Approved

Fishing Vest Mesh for Men and Women（Army Green） 【Lightweight and Comforable】This fishing vest only 23 oz weight .It is made of lightweight breathable fabric . Mesh back allows for air...

【Professional Design】This Fly Fishing Vest with 17 exterior and interior pockets and rod holder loops & a variety of accessory loops to...

【Adjustable】One Size fits Most – Adjustable shoulder and waist strap design suspension structure to fit with most shapes and sizes. Last update on 2020-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API/ More Info

#3 Stohlquist Fisherman Life Jacket

Made from 500D Cordura Nylon shell and 200D Nylon liner this durable vest is among the best for fishing. Its soft flotation foam makes it comfy while the open sides and mesh drain make it breathable.

Its higher mesh back design makes it good for high-back seats. It has two molded EVA pockets that provide storage for your gears. Inside and outside the pockets are mounting locations where you can secure tippets, retractors, etc.

The adjustable shoulder and side straps let you adjust it for your perfect fit while the small carry lop on-top makes it easier to carry or store afterward.

Its US Coast Guard approved Type III PFD that offers a sea level buoyancy of 16 lbs. 4oz. Currently, it is available in two colors and three size options

Pros

Durable

Mesh and Open Sides

Neoprene Shoulders

USCG Approved

Cons

Nothing

Stohlquist Fisherman Personal Floatation Device, Cactus, Large/X-Large 500 dnier Cordura shell & 200 denier oxford liner

High-back flotation rides above back rest.

Neoprene padded shoulders and lower back waistband and open sides for ventilation Last update on 2020-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API/ More Info

#2 M Maximum Catch Maxcatch Fishing Life Jacket

Made from ripstop material this life jacket has plenty of pockets for all your gears and items. From baits to a fishing rod, everything can be stored here, and if you think this is less, there is a big one on the back too.

All in all, you won’t run out of storage. The mesh on the back makes it breathable and keeps a cool temperature inside.

The adjustable shoulder and waist strap make adjustments easier and help you get the perfect fit. The D-ring on the back can be used to carry fishing net or other gears.

Maxcatch offers a one year “No Hassle” warranty and a lifetime repairing fo free. Currently, it is available in one color and one size option.

Pros

Durable

Mesh

Comfortable

Lightweight

One Year Warranty and Lifetime Repairing Warranty

Cons

Fishing vest, not PFD

#1 ONYX Kayak Fishing Life Jacket

Onyx, as expected, has once again become the favorite choice of all and therefore is the winner for the best fishing life vest. Made from 400 denier nylon oxford and soft foam it offers the best comfort and sturdiness.

The neoprene shoulder pads provide additional comfort to fish all day while also protecting your skin from chafe or other damage.

This vest offers four types of pockets for all types of gears like a small tackle box, radio, pliers, cell phone, sinkers, swivels, etc. Also, a lash tab is available for securing a rescue knife.

Its six adjustment straps provide the perfect fit while the low mesh back makes it perfect for high back seats(like on Kayak). The mesh makes it breathable that keeps it cool inside.

Currently, this USCG approved type III vest is available in two size options and this standard color.

Pros

Low profile

High foam back

Breathable mesh

Neoprene Shoulder pads

Plenty of Pockets

Durable

USCG Approved

Cons

Nothing

Onyx Kayak Fishing Life Jacket, Oversize, Tan Six adjustment straps to cinch vest up for a snug fit

High foam back accommodates high back seats

Pockets designed for your essential gear Last update on 2020-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API/ More Info

How to choose a Fishing Life Jacket For Yourself?

Do you want to choose your own life jacket for fishing? Or you are just curious about knowing how to choose the best vest out of all others? Then you are in the right place.

Well, of course, there are no fixed criteria for choosing the best vest as everybody has different needs, but there are some things that, if you consider, will help you in finding the best one among all others.

So without further ado, let’s talk about those essential things.

Pockets

When you are talking about the life jacket for fishing, then pockets are among the most important things to consider.

Why?

When you go fishing, there is a lot of gear that you have to take with you like the baits, hooks, swivels, etc. apart from other important accessories like your Mobile, Knife, Keys, etc.

Now logically, if you think, then all the things are essential and can be needed anytime, so you have to make sure that everything is accessible as soon as required.

But that is not possible if you place everything on your boat or Kayak, let’s say.

So for solving this problem, you need a life jacket with plenty of large pockets that will help you in storing all the important gears and accessories required for fishing.

Remember that having plenty of pockets is not enough; you also have to consider the location of the pocket.

Pockets at the belly area are the handiest and easily accessible, so having a pocket under the chest is beneficial.

Having pockets near the chest is also acceptable, but make sure that no pockets are present in a place where it’s not easily accessible like in the back.

For instance, the pocket in the back of the VGEBY Fishing Life Jacket is not a good place to put essential accessories needed for fishing.

Now you may think – Which type of pocket is the best?

Well, as long as the opening is securely closed, it is the best type of pocket.

For instance, having a zippered closure pocket is the best since you get a secure opening and are ensured that nothing will slip out until you open it.

Comfort

Of course, whenever we are talking about some wearable comfort is one of the crucial things to look by.

Fishing requires patience, which means you sometimes have to wait for a considerable time, which ultimately means that you have to wear the vest for a long time.

Now imagine if you have an uncomfortable life vest, can you wear it for long?

Maybe for the law, but intentionally? Never!

So whenever you are about to get any life jacket(for fishing, let’s say), then make sure that you are getting a comfortable vest.

Now you will think – How to know whether it’s comfortable or not?

To know this, you have to check certain things, after which you will know whether it’s comfortable or not. The first thing to check is whether the jacket has any foam or not?

If the vest has any foam that makes it soft, then you can expect that it will make it more comfortable for you to wear. If not, then you can check the next things.

The second thing to check is the material of the vest.

If the material is Neoprene, then don’t worry about the comfort level as it has a natural stretch to it, which makes it very comfortable.

But most of the fishing vest has Nylon, which is also softer and quite comfortable to wear, but not as good as Neoprene.

The third thing to check is the fit of the jacket.

A vest is only comfortable if it gives you the proper fit. A too loose or too tight vest can be uncomfortable, which is something you don’t want.

So always ensure that the vest has adjustable straps, especially chest and side straps because using them, you can fit the vest to your perfect fit.

After checking all three things, you will get an idea of whether the vest is comfortable or not.

Color

When we are talking about a life jacket, its colors matter a lot. Not only the color but its level of visibility is also a crucial thing to consider

But why?

Well, there are two reasons to consider the color when choosing a vest – Style and personal safety.

Of course, if you wear a good bright color vest, you will look like a pro and get attention from everybody. You will look good better and get compliments from everybody that will boost your self confidence.

You will be proud to wear a vest that suits you best on you, and the color is an essential thing that will determine whether it suits you or not.

So that’s was the first reason to look for the good bright color vest.

Now let’s talk about personal safety.

As I said earlier, going in the water is a fun activity, but it can be very dangerous to go in there without proper safety.

Now you will say – Well, how the color adds to the safety?

Now let’s suppose you are going fishing in a boat and suddenly you slip out in the water. You will begin sinking until the vest brings you up and keep you afloat.

If you are not an excellent swimmer, then it can take some time for you to take your face above the water, which means you need some external help, i.e., from your friend or other mates.

Now let’s become logical.

Spotting a dark color life jacket from outside the water is hard since the dark color is mostly less-reflective and thus reflects much less in the water.

On the other hand, high reflective color(ex- red) reflects much more than dark colors, thus making it easy for the other person to spot the person in need quickly.

This means you must get a highly reflective color vest whenever possible because it can be very helpful in case of an emergency.

USCG Approved

Being USCG(U.S. Coast Guard) approved means that the vest you are seeing is tested and approved by U.S. Coast Guard.

But why is it essential to check USCG Approved status?

Well, a coast guard regularly goes in the water and has the most experience when it comes to water safety.

They know exactly what is needed in a vest(buoyancy, etc.) to safeguard the wearer in case of an emergency.

So that’s why it is the standard to let these experts check whether a vest is good or not and whether it meets the standard or not.

Every approved USCG jacket is placed under some type, which ranges from Type I-Type V, and every type is best for some water sport.

For instance, in our case, Type III vest is excellent for fishing, and getting a vest of this type is an advantage.

What if it is not USCG Approved?

Well, sometimes we come across an excellent vest which provides everything but is not coast guard approved, so what to do in that condition?

Should we just leave it?

Well, of course, getting a USCG approved vest is a better option, but before you take any option, you must check the reason for not being approved.

In some cases, the vest is not approved since they are being imported from some countries like China, which has some other certification for water safety.

If there is some acceptable reason like this, then you can give it a try, but if not, then it is always better to go for approved ones.

FAQ

Q. Do fishermen wear life jackets?

Yes, they do! Fishermen, just like every other person, know that water can be disastrous, and anything can happen in the water, so they need to be careful and protect themselves.

Besides, they got a family to look after, so they properly take care of themselves by wearing a life vest, so even if something unexpected happens, then, also, he/she is safe. But of course, they don’t wear it all the time.

Q: Why do I need a fishing life jacket?

For two reasons – Personal Safety and Law.

A life jacket will keep you afloat and safe at the time you need it. It ensures that you remain safe even in the worst situation. Plus, wearing a vest keeps you under law. If you don’t wear one, you can be fined hundreds of dollars.

Q: How to choose the best fishing life jacket?

The simplest option is the follow my list as I already did the work for you. Still, if you want to choose it yourself then get the one with a high visibility color, good buoyancy, comfort, size, and fit.

And finally, it must be USCG approved.

Q. What will happen if I don’t wear my life vest during fishing?

Nothing if everything goes fine, but if anything unexpected happens like you falling in the water, then it can be dangerous.

Boat capsize cases are common these days, anything can happen in an instant, so wear a vest and be safe. Plus not wearing a life vest during fishing on a boat can cause a heavy penalty.

Conclusion

In today’s article, I talked about the best life jackets for fishing that you can currently buy in the market. If you like this article, then do share it with your friends and family. Remember, even after wearing a life jacket you are not entirely safe, so have some supervision.