DocB Loc: Bama

Commander,
Looks like the bases are covered really well, the only thing I would add would be to stress comfort with the movements they will be performing when casting.... Make sure there's no "hot spots" around the armpits that would give them a bad experience with fishing before you get them "hooked".... Other than that, I would say enjoy the time with them and "catch um up"!
Doc

Justoldjim Loc: JUNCTION CITY, OR.

Camo is not good for PDf you want something that can be seen if a mishap should happen

Commander Bell Loc: Lafayette Indiana

Thanks DocB

Commander Bell Loc: Lafayette Indiana

Hadn't thought about that. Thanks

Gmchief Loc: New Hampshire coast

Great point. Orange is best. I would try to stay away from white or blue. And attach a whistle and a strobe also. The CG Aux will help.

Tommyboy Loc: Indianapolis

I’m a grandpa too who also fishing alone sometimes. 98% of the time I wear a mesh style pfd. I have one big enough to fit over a hooded sweatshirt, yet adjustable when going in a tee.
And sometimes my 91 year old dad is in the boat and he wears one. If he fell in, could I rescue him and myself without the aid of a pfd?…. Also hear too many stories of guys passing out and falling in. And not coming back. I almost fell in after an anchor fight when I stuck one in a tree. So that’s a good reason for me to wear one. Kids always wear them too.

DocB Loc: Bama

Guys,
This discussion about pfd's has gotten me thinking about some little thought of facts about life preservers... Such as, in most if not all states an inflatable is only considered a pfd (to meet the one per occupant laws) when it is actually on your person... If the device is stowed or laying in the driver's seat it's not considered a legal pfd... There's mention of the Pro's removing their inflatables before the boat even gets stopped in an earlier post, that's actually a very good point, if that pro doesn't have another pfd stowed in his boat whenever he removes the inflatable, he is in violation of the law, and subject to disqualification in any of your major tournaments... Another little known tidbit of information on what is considered an occupant of your boat, in Alabama, if you take your dog with you on the water, you best have a pfd for them as well... I know of more than one person who has learned the expensive way (in the form of a ticket) that dogs are considered occupants of your boat in the eyes of the law... At the risk of highjacking this very informative thread, I would also like to bring up the importance of using the kill switch whenever you crank the outboard... A very dear friend of mine, who has been in the boat business his whole life, got complacent and did not connect his kill switch or put on his pfd and was ejected from the driver's seat in a freak accident... He's very lucky to still be alive today, the boat hit him twice before he could get clear of the circling boat.. It's kinda ironic, the fact that he didn't have on his pfd actually saved his life, as he managed to swim under the boat both times that it ran over him, he escaped with some severe bruises and some not so severe cuts, but still had to make a trip to the hospital... After he got clear of the boat, he nearly drowned before he made it to shore, even though he considers himself a strong swimmer... After he recovered the boat that eventually ran aground and managed to get back to the ramp, some people who came to his aid at the ramp, cut a major part of his shirt out of the prop... He had come within inches of loosing an arm or even his life... Needless to say, I am the opinion that there was divine intervention on Elk River that morning... Please instill the importance the kill switch when you are teaching youngsters of our great sport... An accident can happen in the blink of an eye and have permanent consequences...
Doc

Commander Bell Loc: Lafayette Indiana

Tommy boy and DocB.
Looks like I better check Indiana law on PDF'S . Looks like I should call the local Coast Guard extension office or take to the local Conservation Officer. I'm sure they should know. I'll also check out the various styles.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Definitely the kill switch along with good comfortable pfd. I'm older now nifty I'm alone n running I wear kill strap. Keep my auto on the entire trip.👍

Alaska Charlie

You might want to rethink that camo life jacket. It sure would be sad to desperately need help and people can't find you because they aren't able to see you!

Commander Bell Loc: Lafayette Indiana

Thanks Justoldjim and Alaska Charlie about the Camo coloring. I guess I was thinking cool, not safety. I will definitely go with the more visible color. Possibly hunter orange.

Gmchief Loc: New Hampshire coast

Orange works. Look at lifeboats on ships and survival suits. Works in the woods too. Another thing to think about is a personal locator you can wear. Especially if you fish offshore by yourself.

Sport Loc: Sacramento county north. California

I completely agree. Yumyum yellow, bright orange, please find me quick.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Commander and others reading this, if you put your response under quote reply rather than quick reply, a part of the posts you are replying to will appear above your response. Then we will know who you are responding to. Just a friendly FYI

Commander Bell Loc: Lafayette Indiana

Thanks! I'm new to this site, and didn't know that.