PFD life Vest, Jacket
Indiana Fishing
Dec 31, 2022 00:16:44 #
Commander Bell
Loc: Lafayette Indiana
Fisherman,
I need your advice. This spring I'm going to teach my grandchildren to fish and would like your input on life vests.
I grew up swimming every day since I was 6 years old and can swim like a fish, but l need to set a example and wear one also. My weight is 205 lbs, wanting to get down to 185. Almost everything I wear is Camo, yes even my under shorts. So mine must be Camo. My wife is a little larger than me 225 lbs and doesn't swim well. My grandson, Gizmo is 6 yrs old and weighs about 57 lbs. My granddaughter, Lil Raccoon is 5 and rather small. Weighing about 37 lbs. And the most active of all Tiger 2 years old and about 20 lbs.
Yes that is actually what Grandpa ( me ) calls them
Anyway their safety is paramount, and your suggestions on PDF's would be most appreciated.
One other thing. Lil Raccoon can swim with arm floaties. Gizmo is hesitant and won't go into the water, but wants to fish like Grandpa does. And Tiger I'm sure that if he saw a fish would jump in after it.
I need your advice. This spring I'm going to teach my grandchildren to fish and would like your input on life vests.
I grew up swimming every day since I was 6 years old and can swim like a fish, but l need to set a example and wear one also. My weight is 205 lbs, wanting to get down to 185. Almost everything I wear is Camo, yes even my under shorts. So mine must be Camo. My wife is a little larger than me 225 lbs and doesn't swim well. My grandson, Gizmo is 6 yrs old and weighs about 57 lbs. My granddaughter, Lil Raccoon is 5 and rather small. Weighing about 37 lbs. And the most active of all Tiger 2 years old and about 20 lbs.
Yes that is actually what Grandpa ( me ) calls them
Anyway their safety is paramount, and your suggestions on PDF's would be most appreciated.
One other thing. Lil Raccoon can swim with arm floaties. Gizmo is hesitant and won't go into the water, but wants to fish like Grandpa does. And Tiger I'm sure that if he saw a fish would jump in after it.
Dec 31, 2022 00:26:26 #
Commander Bell wrote:
Fisherman, br I need your advice. This spring... (show quote)
I swim very good too but my stamina isn't what it used to be so I definitely don't mind wearing a pfd. With the little special ones I like to make sure theirs float them face up for safety sake IMHO
Dec 31, 2022 02:41:24 #
Sport
Loc: Sacramento county north. California
Commander Bell wrote:
Fisherman, br I need your advice. This spring... (show quote)
Commander, I vote for ski type vests for everyone. 4 buckles, camo, saddle straps (crotch) and grab handles for the little ones. Maybe time for swimming lessons, they are a lot of fun also. Sounds like a great summer coming up.
Dec 31, 2022 05:22:08 #
I see nothing wrong with what Sport recommended. Most sporting goods, Marine dealers will have a wide assortment of vests for you to choose from. Those little guys will outgrow whatever you purchase. Just Sayin..RJS
Dec 31, 2022 07:16:31 #
The bigger thing is to make sure they fit properly. Personally I wear an auto inflate horse collar type. Its comfortable enough that I can were it all day and forget to take it off when I get in the truck to drive home. They male many different styles, but for the little ones I agree with Sport, Ski type vests that keep them face up. You can probably get them in their favorite color.
Dec 31, 2022 13:12:46 #
DC
Loc: Washington state
I have pdf's for all grandkids in all their sizes and when on my boat or fishing off a dock they wear them. pay extra to get good ones that fit comfortably and they will wear them if tou get bulky ones that don't fit they will not want to wear them. of course inflatables are not safe for children to wear. I got mine from marine west at the are segmented instead of just flat so they bend around their body. anther thing I would suggest is take them swimming with them on a few times so if they do go in they are use to how to float in them
Dec 31, 2022 14:09:35 #
Dec 31, 2022 14:13:53 #
The crotch straps are very important along with a loop handle on the top of the back.
https://www.wakemakers.com/products/connelly-child-classic-cga-life-jacket?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjeCHxMik_AIVvhPUAR12ugG3EAQYDCABEgJmofD_BwE
https://www.wakemakers.com/products/connelly-child-classic-cga-life-jacket?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjeCHxMik_AIVvhPUAR12ugG3EAQYDCABEgJmofD_BwE
Dec 31, 2022 14:23:22 #
Commander Bell
Loc: Lafayette Indiana
Had to dumb ass myself. Started looking up ski vests and wondered why I was seeing full jackets with hoods. That's when I realized I needed to look at water ski vests.
Dec 31, 2022 14:27:03 #
Commander Bell wrote:
Had to dumb ass myself. Started looking up ski vests and wondered why I was seeing full jackets with hoods. That's when I realized I needed to look at water ski vests.
Snow skiing
Dec 31, 2022 14:53:22 #
Sport
Loc: Sacramento county north. California
Commander Bell wrote:
Thanks Sport,
I hadn't thought of ski vests. Good suggestion.
I hadn't thought of ski vests. Good suggestion.
You 're welcome Commander. Racoon and Tiger may even get hand-me-downs out of the deal. Didn't realize my current one is segmented, keeps it from climbing up my chin. Good call DC. I swim in mine, I'm a poor swimmer. I know how but I have leaky ears. Broken drum. Have fun.
Jan 1, 2023 11:18:22 #
bapabear
Loc: Blaine, Washington
DC hit it right on. Get the proper fit so they will wear them. Then let them play in the water with them to get comfortable.
As for yourself, you are likely to go in when least expected. That usually doesn't happen while sitting in the driver's seat running. Usually it happens as the result of another incident, such as slipping, tripping, stepping on a rod, etc.. Often the fall is accompanied with an injury, so your swimming ability does not come into play.
It irks me to see the pros. come to a stop and immediately take off their jacked as if it were on fire. Hay pros, life jackets do not send fish scurrying for cover. If the advertisements on your shirts are more important than setting the example for safety, then something is wrong with the whole set up. It's time to rethink and get it right. Being an icon comes with responsibility.
As for yourself, you are likely to go in when least expected. That usually doesn't happen while sitting in the driver's seat running. Usually it happens as the result of another incident, such as slipping, tripping, stepping on a rod, etc.. Often the fall is accompanied with an injury, so your swimming ability does not come into play.
It irks me to see the pros. come to a stop and immediately take off their jacked as if it were on fire. Hay pros, life jackets do not send fish scurrying for cover. If the advertisements on your shirts are more important than setting the example for safety, then something is wrong with the whole set up. It's time to rethink and get it right. Being an icon comes with responsibility.
Jan 1, 2023 13:20:33 #
Omaryam2
Loc: Wi
I’d stick to neutral colors as there will be hand me downs. Lil Raccon’s choice of pink might not sit well with tiger. I bought blue vests for my kids and now the grandkids are wearing them. A few also got passed among some cousins. Seem to remember I spent plenty for them and they’ve worn well.
Jan 1, 2023 14:30:39 #
Gmchief
Loc: New Hampshire coast
Get ahold of your local Coast Guard Auxiliary. They do boat safety checks and can probably give you good advice on properly fitting PFDs. The Coast Guard is very particular on sizes according to body weight.
Jan 1, 2023 14:39:53 #
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