Life Jackets - Do You Wear Them?

[Angler Systems]

We just started to carry a line of Mustang Inflatable Life Jackets. I am curious as to how many members wear life jackets while boating and or fishing.

I personally do not but am seriously consider purchasing an inflatable to use while offshore.

Would this be a good auction idea for the FW Forum?

[dredcon]

I usually only wear one when electrofishing, per govt regulations.

[FRUITION]

"You know that was the time I was most frightened. Waitin' for my turn. I'll never put on a lifejacket again."

Like you, I have never worn one while out fishing. I would certainly be more likely to wear an inflatable one. One of these days I will have to stop buying shiny things for the fish and buy one for myself.

[CanCanCase]

I carry plenty of type 1's for emergencies, and a goodly supply of type 3's for kids and adults who want one when they come aboard.
Personally, there's an inexpensive inflatable that hangs on the back of my helm seat most days. If I'm ever out solo, it goes on. When things get nasty offshore, it goes on. When I take the skiff out for a run, it goes on, and if I'm doing a lot of deck work (anchoring in rough water, climbing up top to stow gear, etc...) it goes on.
The USCG requires the inflatables to be WORN by capt. and crew before they'll count them against required numbers.

Auction item? Heck yeah! For me, it would be most convenient to auction off a PAIR of them (for capt. AND deckhand) instead of just one, but I'm never one to tell someone how they should be running their business! ;-)

-Case

[welder]

I agree with Case , do a Pair of'em

[Redweiser]

[fishfighter]

Nice hoo red and PFD.Myself,I don't wear them offshore in my big boat,but in my bayboat or flat bottom boat I do.I do alot of running in the slinny waters and have hit some crap that like to put me in the water a few times.Also in the winter is a must.On the smaller boats and the big boat,I do hook up the kill switch.

Now,if anyone that boards any of my boats and they want to wear a PFD,I have no problems with that.On the smaller boats,it is a given.I just hand it to them.One thing for sure,my son will put one on.Its a given too!We duck hunt.With all that gear on,a person doesn't have a chance in the water.I lost a child hood friend duck hunting becouse of cold water and NO PFD.Also,when people board me before we leave the dock,I tell everybody all the who's,what's and were's of all safety gear and what ever that is needed.

[Capt. Fred]

Yup, I wear an inflatable all the time. I've gotten so if I'm on somone elses boat I feel a little funny not having it on. I tuck the handle up inside of the flap so it's not hanging where it may catch on something.

[Angler Systems]

Now being auctioned @ Mustang Automatic Inflatable Collar PFD, Model MD3031

[w5it]

While stopped or fishing I usually don't wear one. BUT! If the motor/motors are running EVERYONE has one one or the boat don't move.