Fisherman PFD

It checks all the boxes...

Beer belly friendly...7.5" x 7.5" pocket size is a game changer...Super comfy, Perfect for class I/II paddling.

This is the best PFD I have ever bought, I just cant believe how comfortable it is. I do have somewhat of a beer belly, and this works perfectly. The middle straps and the angled straps on top, will grip down on your upper torso to prevent ride up. I keep the lowest straps just snug.

As for sizing...I just measured around the area where I thought the lowest straps would rest. Then ordered the size I needed.

I love the 7.5" pockets! One pocket is for GPS and phone and whistle, other side its for breakfast bars, packs of peanuts, Oreos, various candy.

Pockets easily holds a full size sandwich!

The attachment point for a hat lanyard behind your head is a nice touch too.

Mesh back works great with my Liquid Logic XP10 kayak high back seat.

If your thinking of buying this...don't hesitate.

You'll be glad you did!

First off it floats. I'm just at 200 lbs and the 16 lbs of buoyancy this jacket provides are more than enough to keep me comfortable swimming. It is a little thicker in the padding than some other fishing lifejackets but I plan on spending a decent amount of time in the ocean so that's not my main concern. This is, however, a very comfortable jacket. After 2 hours I barely noticed it was there except for the nice hug that made me feel pretty protected. The extra thickness is made up for however in the large pockets on the front that also, when unzipped, make a neat little platform that you can put your lure on while you're changing them out. It's also adjustable to accommodate paddlers of most shapes and sizes. It has a pretty unique diagonal strap that lets you get an even more comfortable fit. The high back is great because it doesn't interfere with my kayak seat.

I got it on sale from ack.com through the coupon code I got from being a paddling.com premium member and that membership almost paid for itself just from this purchase. Great jacket.

When I first used the PFD I must admit that I had some initial misgivings in that it seemed so much more bulky than my other PFD's. However, after a little time wearing it while fishing, I started discovering its advantages. It goes on easily, is simple to adjust, mates especially well with my high back kayak seat, and can be outfitted easily with the most common fishing tools and boxes that I use. It doesn't even seem that bulky any more. But, for a finishing step - actually trying it out in the water - I find it to be the most secure feeling and stable PFD that I have ever tested.