Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: tumbleweed on September 27, 2010, 06:10:27 PM
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When wading in local rivers do most of you use a life jacket? If so what kind do you use? After hearing about all the people almost drowning during sockeye season it's got me thinking.
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I also bought a inflatable vest this year. It's a mustang wading belt style. Hope to never test it, but glad it's there as accidents do happen....
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Bought the automatic Mustang PFD MD 3053
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I personally like the Mustang Air Force inflatable collar. Its good for not limiting mobility and has several types of actuators: "Jerk To Inflate", A water immersion actuator and a hydrostatic actuator. Personally, I'd stick with the manual one for some pretty good reasons. It rains a lot here and I've seen the immersion ones go off in a downpour. The hydrostatic ones require immersion of several feet and since most of us are going to be standing in 4 to 5 feet of water it wont go off... period. Eventually, I want to get the Mustang fishing vest with the Airforce collar built in but I'll have to return a few more empties to buy it.
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I'm considering getting one of these, I don't know where might have the black/carbon color in stock. Apparently wholesalesports has the red one though :-\
http://www.mustangsurvival.com/products/product.php?id=243
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It seems that everytime I have a big fish in swift currents, I eventually lose my footing and fall into the water. Usually it's only knee or bum deep, but one day something's gonna happen. I know my rod floats, so it will eventually get picked up by somebody. But what about me? lol. After the first spill, I decided I wanted a bit of assurance, for that eventual what-if situation.
When wearing my chest waders, I use a mustang belt-type inflatable PFD for my wading belt. It does double-duty as a wading belt, and as a pfd if needed. It's totally discreet, and doesn't get in the way of casting, fighting fish, etc. 35 lbs of floatation should be plenty, even if there's 20lbs of water in my waders, because most foam-type pfds have only 15lbs floatation.
It requires you to jerk-to-inflate, and then pull it over your head.
They're about $150. About the price of a semi-decent reel. But enough to save one's life.
(http://www.helicoptersonly.com/contents/media/mustang%20classic%20manual%20belt%20pack%20pfd%20universal.gif)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41tkgb8oxWL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
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It seems that everytime I have a big fish in swift currents, I eventually lose my footing and fall into the water. Usually it's only knee or bum deep, but one day something's gonna happen. I know my rod floats, so it will eventually get picked up by somebody. But what about me? lol. After the first spill, I decided I wanted a bit of assurance, for that eventual what-if situation.
When wearing my chest waders, I use a mustang belt-type inflatable PFD for my wading belt. It does double-duty as a wading belt, and as a pfd if needed. It's totally discreet, and doesn't get in the way of casting, fighting fish, etc. 35 lbs of floatation should be plenty, even if there's 20lbs of water in my waders, because most foam-type pfds have only 15lbs floatation.
It requires you to jerk-to-inflate, and then pull it over your head.
They're about $150. About the price of a semi-decent reel. But enough to save one's life.
(http://www.helicoptersonly.com/contents/media/mustang%20classic%20manual%20belt%20pack%20pfd%20universal.gif)(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41tkgb8oxWL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
That looks like a good idea, where could i buy one of those?
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That looks like a good idea, where could i buy one of those?
Try here:
http://www.mustangsurvival.com/products/howtobuy.php
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I just bought the same PFD here: http://www.opentip.com/product_info.php?ref=9062&products_id=741734 (http://www.opentip.com/product_info.php?ref=9062&products_id=741734) They had a free shipping offer at the time.
Try this coupon code and you may get a 5% discount.... Coupon Code : 631829
I had it shipped to Parcel Express in Sumas.
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" It requires you to jerk-to-inflate, and then pull it over your head."
Any demos of it being used in fast water. How easy is it to find the pull rope while you're possibly freaking out being ripped around the current.
I've actually seen someone holding their buddy's waist as he flopped around feet first down the Chehalis. Not a pretty sight.
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I have used the collar style for a number of years and find it very versatile in any fishing or weather conditions. Over a tee-shirt or a Jacket it is very comfortable and adjustable in seconds. Worth the $$$.
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" It requires you to jerk-to-inflate, and then pull it over your head."
Any demos of it being used in fast water. How easy is it to find the pull rope while you're possibly freaking out being ripped around the current.
I've actually seen someone holding their buddy's waist as he flopped around feet first down the Chehalis. Not a pretty sight.
It a far cry better than floating down river without a life vest.... ::)
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Point is what style is better, belt, collar or ??? for those dangerous situation like fast current where a life vest is really needed.
Might as well add bad to float down river without a paddle. If you can't reach it to deploy it that costly fanny back won't do you much good. ;D
It a far cry better than floating down river without a life vest.... ::)
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If you can't reach it to deploy it that costly fanny back won't do you much good. ;D
Mustang survival gear has been doing this probably longer than anyone out there. The gear they sell is all Transport Canada and Coast Guard approved. The belt vest is as easy to deploy as any other PFD. The difference is after it is deployed you need to put it over your head. Because it is already fastened to your waist their is nothing to tie or clip.
Hard to imagine the company producing a product that doesn't work or the agencies approving it. As a buyer just be aware of how these units work and whether you think they are suited for your situation. Any PFD is better than no PFD.....
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alwaysfishn> Do you work for the legal or advertising dept. or MicroSoft?
Thanks for stating the obvious. Goes without saying products sold in Canada are gov't approved, buyers be aware of how they work and their suitability to your needs and that safety devices are mainly beneficial. Notice that last stmt applies to a myriad of products from cars to sewing machines. Pretty common sense to me but then the only thing absolute about common sense is that it is NOT common so perhaps stating it is beneficial to some, can't hurt ;)
Smart money wants to know as you float down that river realizing deployment of that life vest is required is the belt as effective as the collar. Anyone with real life experience, perhaps seen a demos.
Without a doubt my mustang survival jacket would be the best for flotation and impact if ever I fall in; too bad I can't fish in it.
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alwaysfishn> Do you work for the legal or advertising dept. or MicroSoft?
Thanks for stating the obvious. Goes without saying products sold in Canada are gov't approved, buyers be aware of how they work and their suitability to your needs and that safety devices are mainly beneficial. Notice that last stmt applies to a myriad of products from cars to sewing machines. Pretty common sense to me but then the only thing absolute about common sense is that it is NOT common so perhaps stating it is beneficial to some, can't hurt ;)
Smart money wants to know as you float down that river realizing deployment of that life vest is required is the belt as effective as the collar. Anyone with real life experience, perhaps seen a demos.
Without a doubt my mustang survival jacket would be the best for flotation and impact if ever I fall in; too bad I can't fish in it.
I own that belt PFD so I better have confidence that it will save my life if I'm floating down the river........ upside down. :D My confidence is based on the reputation of the manufacturer, not on the fact I have experience with it.
You stated that your survival jacket is the best, yet you don't use it....... ??? That certainly can't be better than what I'm using...... ;D
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http://www.mustangsurvival.com/products/product.php?id=228&mc=25
This ones been around for years. Only draw back is it's warm to wear on hot day's.
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Debating between the vest, collar or the belt in terms of mobility, weight vs. safety. Hopefully an expert or one with experience will chime in.
http://www.mustangsurvival.com/products/product.php?id=228&mc=25
This ones been around for years. Only draw back is it's warm to wear on hot day's.
I don't use the Survival jackets cause it is great for boat fishing but too mobility limited for the river.
I own that belt PFD so I better have confidence that it will save my life if I'm floating down the river........ upside down. :D My confidence is based on the reputation of the manufacturer, not on the fact I have experience with it.
You stated that your survival jacket is the best, yet you don't use it....... ??? That certainly can't be better than what I'm using...... ;D
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-- as with many products it depends on the person.
--I would try these devices in a controlled situation... ie still water with a trusty buddy for rescue... if you can't get the gear on such as the belt pack in still water you won't be able to get it on in fast water.
--also see how it floats when wearing your usuall fishing gear... I doubt you could get the belt type on without dropping your rod which some find hard to do.
--I like and use mustang collar type and have tested it with gear on... when crossing a river I inflate it with the manual blow up then deflate when I get to other side..
--One thing I do not like is the price.. it is unreasonably high.
--For survival suites I use Fladen rescue system gear... this is not DOT approved.
--The reason it is not approve is because of the cost of certification in Canada.. about 100K
--This gear us used throughout Europe and is classified ISO 15027-1 as an immersion suite and EN 393 as a flotation suit.
--these designations give the amount of flotation and immersion protection ratings for each type or suite
--Of course if using these in a boat I need a Canada approved jacket which I have on board to meet the Canada safety requirements.
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I always felt that with a set of cleats and a wading staff with a belt on your waders and some common sense while wading and your usually pretty safe.
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I scuba dive so not too worry about be submerged in controlled situation. It's the one moment playing the big one, next you're in a water slides that worries me.
Leaning toward the collar, more comfortable with PFD/vest style. Up high within easy reach.
+1 on hard to drop the rod/reel, hard to let go of that much cash.
-- as with many products it depends on the person.
--I would try these devices in a controlled situation... ie still water with a trusty buddy for rescue... if you can't get the gear on such as the belt pack in still water you won't be able to get it on in fast water.
--also see how it floats when wearing your usuall fishing gear... I doubt you could get the belt type on without dropping your rod which some find hard to do.
--I like and use mustang collar type and have tested it with gear on... when crossing a river I inflate it with the manual blow up then deflate when I get to other side..
...
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" It requires you to jerk-to-inflate, and then pull it over your head."
Any demos of it being used in fast water. How easy is it to find the pull rope while you're possibly freaking out being ripped around the current.
I've actually seen someone holding their buddy's waist as he flopped around feet first down the Chehalis. Not a pretty sight.
lol
I use it because that's what's used most of the time in the fancy Salmon and Steelhead magazines. I've tried pulling it over my head, it's not that hard to do. And it's worn on the front of the body, not around back.
Yes, my rod & reel will be lost. But hopefully tossed to a friend lol.
If you're worried about rapid deployment, definately get a collar one. It's already in place. And a self-inflating one for those times you hit your head on the rocks....
For me, I'm not planning on going swimming. But if I do end up in the water, my pfd is better than not having anything at all.
Deploy, then hug to stay afloat, then pull overhead when I can. That's the plan. And if I don't survive, at least the body will be easier to recover :o
When I'm on a boat, I use a regular vest type PFD :D
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And if I don't survive, at least the body will be easier to recover :o
Never thought of my PDF as a good salvage tool........ ;D
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Point is what style is better, belt, collar or for those dangerous situation like fast current where a life vest is really needed.
Might as well add bad to float down river without a paddle. If you can't reach it to deploy it that costly fanny back won't do you much good.
If it's too dangerous don't go.
Sometimes you have to (or should) bypass a piece of water. A nasty snag at the end of a run isn't the place to test a PFD.
I use a collar.
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Great advice, too bad nobody heeds it including the preacher. Be honest, nobody practice what they preach ;). How can one resist that perfect spot for the perfect fish, yup, have a contingency. BTW: Anyone with deals on collar, or do I have to RFD?
If it's too dangerous don't go.
Sometimes you have to (or should) bypass a piece of water. A nasty snag at the end of a run isn't the place to test a PFD.
I use a collar.
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--sometimes it's not you that chooses...
--someone upstream fall in or is in trouble... better to not have two people in the river with no safety gear.
--first choice of course would be to throw life line... something required in a boat but not often thought of as essential gear on the river.
-hypothermia ... yes you shouldn't be out there damp and cold but it happens and judgement is clouded or the stream crossing that was easy is now more difficult.
--bear sitting in the best crossing spot on the river so have to use alternate route
--water level change over course of the day or crossing in darkness.
-- not preaching here as fortunately have survived some of my own poor judgement close calls.
--most difficult decision though is when someone else gets it trouble, for myself I don't want to be the guy that falls in without proper gear thus forces others to risk their safety.