lifejackets!

[The Grebe]

The float coat and the SOSpenders sound like something I will be checking out. I've dumped a couple of boats and that is'nt near as hairy to me as going through the ice, which I have also done a few times.

[2dalake]

mpester,

PFDs are available for infants, keep looking if you didn't find one right away.

I'm a #1 in a canoe, a #3 in my Pike DLX. The kids have to wear it but if it's warm and we're anchored I'll let them take it off, but they have to put it back on when we move again.

[sami0115]

i was looking at the SOSpenders thru Bass Pro (i have some credit to use). there are quite a few brands and styles to choose from. has anyone had experience with a particular one?

[mpester]

New Yankee - I love fishing for panfish. I can catch enough to keep the kid in me happy so I hope I can do the same for Lindsey when she is old enough to fish. I think I may need to get a 6" auger for ice fishing this year so she does not fall in the hole. Just kidding about getting her out fishing this year or next. I would like to get her out on the boat this year if mom will allow it (mom is very, very cautious about the kid).

[New Yankee]

Mpester - I'm with 'ya! Mine are 5 and 6 and just now getting to where they will fish for more than 5 minutes at a time!

I think you'll find the first 2 years goes slow when thinking about them fishing/hunting/playing ball/etc - even though dad would like them to do so they just ain't that interested yet! After that time begins to fly - I'm JUST figuring that out and trying to find those last 3-4 years - can't imagine how fast the next 20 will go....

Mom will remain cautious but loosen up a bit on the second child - our first could hardly touch the ground, the second we simply tried to restrict the amount of dirt he ate..

[Bad Moon]

I am a #1. The life jackets these days are much more comfortable that they used to be.

One thing that always amazes me is when I see a Dad and the kids out in the boat. The kids are all wearing lifejackets but the Dad is not. Don't make much sense to me. If the kids fall over there is a good chance that Dad can rescue them, but what if HE falls in? Scared little kids are not going to be any help.

Be safe. Wear your life jacket. It may not save you but at least it will be easier to find your body.

[AnglerJake]

Normally a #2 - but from now on a #1.

[RocketRich]

Guys, I know what you mean about the bulky life jacket stuff. I just started wearing the Stearns #0575 Inflata-belt Max. You wear it around your waist like a belt and if you fall into the water it auto inflates. No bulk, easy to wear! I was feeling a little guilty telling my kids to wear their jackets and yet the old man wouldn't put his on! I purchased mine through Tom Ryan owner of Oasis Sports in Pequot. He is a good friend and supports and will work with MF'ers. 218-568-4426 email at [email protected]

[muskybuck]

Number one for me, since last summer. My four year old grandson and I were fishing and in about two feet of water for bass next to an island. A wake came in and started rocking the boat and the next thing I know I am going out of the boat like I was leaving the back of a bull at the rodeo. It took forty years for that to happen but it eventually did. I always wear a life jacket now. Also always hook the kill cord to your wrist if motoring around if you are equipped with one.

[muskybuck]

For kids who cannot swim you HAVE to get the life preservers that have the big bulky collar behind the head. This is a must. A regular jacket like the adults wear will float a child alright but they will be face down and drown. The preservers I am talking about have all the floating material on the front of the jacket except for the big collar behind the head. These will actually save the child, not just make it easier to find the body. We found that out buy experience. Luckily we were right there before any harm was done.

[Guest]

I agree with bad moon, todays lifejackets are much more comfortable I have the Stearns competetor series it's very comfy. And after my brother in law and 2 of his friends died last Labor day I go for #1

[soldoncass]

ALWAYS # 1 I don't care how I look to others, My wife would kill me if I drowned without it on, and it puts my mind at ease so I can enjoy my fishing more. # 1 for SURE

[Mykal]

Great topic! I have been a #3 and fish much of the time solo. I remember being out on Mille last November one night and a snowstorm kicked up. I battled fog, big waves, and horizontal snow back to the launch. I could barely see even with the spot light. Man, what an ***** I was. I had 2 life jackets on board and not one on me. I am going to change this today. I don't want to be the guy my wife and daughter read about in the paper.

Thanks.

[GunDr]

I've always been a number 2 and sometimes number one. And...anyone in my boat is the same. Argue with me all they want, I'll leave them at the dock. Reading of all of the drowning this year so far is just foolish. Being dead is not very macho, it's being dead......forever!, No more fishing, no more family. Don't be selfish, continue to share your life, it's way too short as it is.

GunDr

[mpester]

I found two nice lifejackets that are for kids 0-30 pounds. One looks like the kid could survive falling out of the boat in the ocean during a hurricane. The other is less bulky but looks like it will get the job done if the kid were to take a swim by accident. I think I will order the hurricane one to make Mom feel better. I can't wait to teach the kid how to fish and hunt. I hope she wants and likes to do either.

[wolfman-k]

I'm a #2. This year on opener, the other three guys I was with all gave me grief about wearing my preserver, so I told them I only wear it so one of us can identify the others if we have an accident! They put their's on the rest of the week-end, at least!

------------------
Fish now, lie about it later!

[This message has been edited by wolfman-k (edited 07-09-2004).]

[Chev_trucks501]

I definately a 3 except when in a tourney which of course requires it.

Speaking of life jackets one of my friends told me that you do not have to have them out (that they can be in storage?) you only need to have a throwable with in reach. I always thought you had to have both out no matter what... Please Advise

Thanks
Chev

[say_der]

Chev - I know the life jackets can be in storage, and I think the throwable can also be in storage. Last time my friend was checked by the sheriff, he had everything in storage and the cop just made fun of him.

[MNice]

They have to be readily accessibile according to the State booklet. I would think most CO's would interpret this as not being in storage.

[The Grebe]

If you want to find out up close and personal, what is, or is not allowed, take your craft and your present system out on Minnetonka....chances are, you will know in a hurry if you are up to speed!

I'm just kidding around, the sheriffs dept. does what they have to do....lots of boats, lots of people.

[sami0115]

MT:

welcome to the best fishing site in the world! great point regarding practice what you preach.

andy

[Redlantern]

I used to never wear one. Just had it within arms reach. Started hearing more about people drowning who had it within arms reach and I started wearing it more often. Then had a daughter, started taking her fishing to the cabin and other remote areas. Started thinking that, along with setting a good example, if something happened to me, how is she going to survive if I were to drown. I'd rather not wear one, but when other people depend on you, better put one on.

------------------
Erik Torgerson

[MTstringer]

I'm new to the forum and picked this string for my first post. I'm definitely a #1, as are my children and my wife. It doesn't matter how strong of a swimmer you are if the water is cold, you injure yourself, or you're alone. Why chance it? It also sets a good example for our children...practice what you preach.

[Bad Moon]

They do have to be readily available, and NOT just in storage. I was fishing with a guy once and we got checked by the Sheriff Patrol. We had our jackets on or close by, but the throwable cushion was still in its plastic wrap from the store. He made us remove the plastic wrap.
Several times I have been fishing while wearing my jacket, and the Sheriff Patrol just cruises on by. They like to stop boats where nobody is wearing their lifejackets.

[Chev_trucks501]

So does that mean the only the throwable needs to be readily accessable? Or do both need to be out in the open? Looking for first hand knowledge.

Thanks
Chev