07-25-2009, 12:36 AM
I have worn one at times in the past, but in general I don't. Most of the reservoirs where I live require you to have one in possession, but not to actually wear it. When I fish places where laws are likely to be enforced, I try to always have one.
I have a Stearns PFD with mesh shoulders and padding (flotation) only where it needs to be. I use this one when I actually intend to wear it.
Since I bought my ODC 420 earlier this year, I have started bringing along one of those bright orange "life vest" style PFDs. This is because the ODC doesn't have any orange on it to satisfy one of the other major regulations down here.
So as per suggestions from this board, I just take the orange PFD and strap it to my seat back. Kills two birds with one stone.
Honestly if I am fishing somewhere where there is no enforcement, I am not likely to even bring one along. I have spent a lot of my life in water bodyboarding, surfing and snorkeling, and I'm pretty confident and comfortable in the water and my ability to swim.
Of course I just jinxed that though by putting it in writing.
[signature]
I have a Stearns PFD with mesh shoulders and padding (flotation) only where it needs to be. I use this one when I actually intend to wear it.
Since I bought my ODC 420 earlier this year, I have started bringing along one of those bright orange "life vest" style PFDs. This is because the ODC doesn't have any orange on it to satisfy one of the other major regulations down here.
So as per suggestions from this board, I just take the orange PFD and strap it to my seat back. Kills two birds with one stone.
Honestly if I am fishing somewhere where there is no enforcement, I am not likely to even bring one along. I have spent a lot of my life in water bodyboarding, surfing and snorkeling, and I'm pretty confident and comfortable in the water and my ability to swim.
Of course I just jinxed that though by putting it in writing.
[signature]