MOST IMPORTANT Kayak Fishing Accessory

[@scotthanaman7849]

I call it a PFD/ high vis to other boaters. Bright orange stolqist love it

[@CobyMiller-xc1rz]

Life Jacket. Thanks for the video. I love that you make these videos and so many you tubers emphasize the importance of always wearing a pfd, and wear them in their videos. Sets a great example. I flipped my kayak this week in cold water and had no problem getting back in and back to shore, largely thanks to my pfd. Accidents happen in a fraction of a second and the pfd keeps you afloat while you’re brain figures out what happened and what to do next.

[@timhammers6925]

Just found your channel great information. Going to by my first kayak (used Bonafide) tomorrow. We called them Life Jackets

[@arthurshupe7411]

Great information. Life vest. I like the Onyx inflatable. Look cooler, it gets really hot here in Florida.

[@scotthurley4967]

I call mine the life jacket. Awesome video. Also thanks for your service!!

[@604ASK]

Currently using a Mustang Elite 28 for my life vest. Would like to see breathable panels that allow airflow like on hiking backpacks.

[@PudgyPastures]

Another excellent video, Chad! Growing up we just called them "life jackets" but after getting into kayak fishing years ago I now call them "PFD's". I do like the "prevention from drowning" moniker though!

[@davemull4789]

I have a well-used Kokotat Leviathan that I call Ol’ Floater. She’s getting on the tired side!

[@jamesbrownlie4400]

I call mine my KFV keepy floaty vest

[@ChadHooverFishing]

I like it!😜

[@arthurbulsing9524]

Great video Chad love your work. I have chosen an manually inflatable PFD, i don't like the bulky feel of a constant buoyancy vest probably comes from wearing the big yellow ones in my child hood era out on the water and the same with ditch training in the Navy here in Australia. I personally would love a self inflatable PFD but can not find one that you can get wet AKA fall of the yak and not have it deploy straight away, i think a form of disolvable timer that was able to be replaced after a dip or annually to keep you comfortable as well as safe. If i have to name my PFD I think i would call it a coffin stomper cause to use it keeps the coffin away, but to not brings the coffin your way.

[@CrackingBass]

No clue what brand mine is (it’s old), but I call it a life jacket. My ideal PFD is very small & thin in the front because PFDs get in the way like crazy when fishing.

[@markmiddleton9336]

Hi Chad another Navy guy here , here’s an idea why not suggest the PFD companies add a lanyard already on or in PFD , for the phone like a rogue tether ect ? I have a NRS Raku . Love it .

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Because they have to do a full process for approval for modifications and it’s not something that most (or any) company will do for a feature that they can’t make four to five times back on it to account for retail and distribution

[@markmiddleton9336]

@@ChadHooverFishing well I guess kool for the tether companies which I like , but I assume they could if they wanted too . If I The PNW give me a shout I fish with KFNW events ya should come up . Was Navy rescue a rate ? I was a BMC got out on disability.

[@markmiddleton9336]

Bless bro your content and videos great .

[@FishingChad]

Love watching your videos! I Typically just call it PFD😂. In a lifejacket, I’m looking for something that will be able to hold my phone! I really want one of the NRS fishing PFD’s!

[@chadwiley6799]

NRS lifejackets are great!

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@raygissendanner1476]

Thank you for your service and great tips has to be more comfortable

[@BGkayakfishing]

I am currently using a bass pro shop pfd and it has worked but I’m am wanting to upgrade to a NRS Chinook soon! I got my son a small pfd to wear so he can go out with me but it doesn’t fit him well. I think making your own pfd would be awesome but let’s make more equipment for kids/toddlers to wear as well. Us as adults have a huge selection of gear to keep us safe but there isn’t a market that I have found for keeping our future generations safe as well. I call them life jackets!

[@johnlong8157]

Ive always just call them life jackets!! Just another great informative video sir. Thank you!!! Always love your content,you truly keep helping us all to be better and SAFER anglers. I currently have been wearing a BPS brand PFD but need to upgrade for sure!!!

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thank you!!

[@joshuaw.658]

I call it PFD or Life jacket. I currently use the NRS Chinook. I haven't done much research on the types or styles offered from different brands but would love to find one better than the chinook if it exists.

[@roberttolley5055]

Sir i cant swim, what kayak pfd can i get that wont break bank, with a little storage in it. Thank you

[@ChadHooverFishing]

NRS Chinook or Stohlquist PiSeas or Fisherman

[@roberttolley5055]

Thank you

[@josephlabranche4799]

It's my preserver. I like the Old Towne Lure Angler II life vest. 👍🏻

[@Totalnorthernoutdoors]

I always say life jacket. I switched to onyx a couple years ago and really like them.

[@bridgelaurie9490]

I’ve always called them life jacket it’s what my dad called them. PFD is always weird to me

[@ChadHooverFishing]

😜

[@JasonGoodwin-lj1tu]

MY grandad always said grab Your Mae west.Thats what ive always called it.Miss that man

[@miketurpin7379]

I call it a life jacket or PFD. I use chinook’s.

[@JimmyDay-lc8lh]

Great video Chad! I call mine a life jacket. I am a firm believer in wearing one in a kayak. I lost my best friend who fell off of his cabin cruiser and drowned. Please everyone wear your PFDs. And teach people to use them. Share my story if it helps. I talk about it to any of my kayaking friends. Thanks again Chad!

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thank you

[@rogerwilliamson5886]

PFD 👍🏻. I have NRS Chinook but would love to upgrade to the NRS Raku someday. Great video thanks for info.

[@RATyson]

Hey Chad! I just found your channel, and the first thing I noticed was you SAR patch. Were you an AW? When did you go through NACCS/SAR school? I was NACCS class 8808. And thanks for all of the info!

[@ChadHooverFishing]

I was not. I was a SAR Swimmer before it all converted to AW’s. I was an AT until I got commissioned.

[@RATyson]

@@ChadHooverFishing awesome. Thanks for jumping out of perfectly good aircraft to yank folks from the grasp of death. I was a P-3 AW from the late 80's to early 90's. Stationed at NAS JAX for the most part.

[@madhunter_87]

Agree 💯 all I have is a whistle on my PFD, stay light as possible lol

[@backwoodsmedic1142]

Life jacket. I use the nrs shinook.

[@exiquiogamezjr.4962]

I use a old town PFD it goes on before it doesn’t come off till after we’re done

[@TheWolfar15]

Great video defintily picking up several of those line cutters. I run the chinook and have always called them foam jackets idk why something i think someone called them when i was a kid.

[@southwestindianaoutdooradv4714]

I normally call it a life vest. Recently went on a kayaking trip with my sons and my 6 year old turned his kayak over. He was wearing his PFD and I had him in my kayak within a minute. We also talked about what to do in case of a flip before the trip and besides the initial shock he did awesome!

[@KCJonesn2Fish]

I grew up referring to a PFD as a life jacket. So I still refer to it as such. I currently use a bass pro shop life jacket as I fish of an inflatable stand up paddleboard. I’m looking to get an NRS Raku as my next PFD.

[@jaymcwethy9026]

i call my PFD Frank, that is what it prefers. He's pretty grumpy and I sure could use a new one though

[@noelvallance7526]

Great video - Great message. I have a collection of jackets with most recent purchases being a couple different NRS versions. Wants - more D-rings. Seems like there are never enough and not in the right spot. Key points to hit on - Front floatation, whatever one you choose it needs to have enough floatation to hold you(and whatever you have on) chest up with your face out of the water even if you are unconscious.

[@saltwaterdawgoutdoors2190]

All excellent points my fishing PFD is an NRS Chinook

[@Adventures101.]

NRS OS PFD for us

[@michaelm5203]

Life jacket. Or my little buddy. Grew up on the river and in lakes. Saw many times where they saved someone.

[@trasteragaming]

Life jacket or Salvavidas in spanish. I keep mine with just essentials. Wistle, knife, pliers and lure scents bottle.

[@lowlifeangler]

Thank you for the Video. I have an older Cabelas Anglers PFD. I always wear it. I carry my Rogue phone leash. Whistle, knife , fishing license. Rest of my tool in a waterproof pouch beside my seat. I also have a Yakattack light up flag pole so I don't get ran over my recreation boats.

[@gagetaylor769]

Life Vest! Have an Onyx MoveVent and it’s the first thing I grab when loading the truck for a trip on the water. Great video and I appreciate you using your platform to share this very important message.

[@RoyHarp-e9h]

I recently upgraded my PFD to a Stohlquist Keeper, I really like the ring cutter and knife that you are using and may switch to that myself.

[@matttheobald9285]

Body buoy

[@ChadHooverFishing]

That’s a good one

[@matttheobald9285]

@@ChadHooverFishing Thanks, I love your videos. I’ve learned a lot from you and I appreciate everything you have done.

[@matttheobald9285]

Hey Chad I got and email from you supposedly saying you would like to talk with me. It told me to text you and that didn’t work and I replied to the email and it said email not found? Is this a scam??

[@johnwhite993]

Thanks Chad. I like the nrs chinook pfd. You 100% correct on don’t overload your pfd. Love all your videos. Just moved to Scottsboro and hope to come up and hang out sometime

[@stephanietidwell6132]

It's a life jacket and I don't get in my kayak without it on. I've seen alot of kayaker without one on. I try to persuade them to wear one.

[@roberthart4976]

Life Jacket. I use the inflatable but considering switching the old school. What kind you recommend for a kayak.

[@tannerh87]

its a PFD when youre using it for safety and a floatation diaper when youre drinking at the lake coved out.

[@henrymullian638]

I have a NRS Chinook in Red. The OG of PFDs 🙂

[@giovannicontreras61]

Life jacket! Just got my first fishing kayak last week- so this was very helpful! In the market for one; was considering the NRS Raku 😅

[@fishing-and-flushing.outdoors]

Life jacket always were it no matter what water am on some kind of light would be a good option for those long paddle back to the boat ramp.

[@troychaffin3049]

I've been calling my PFDs 'Sea Bass' .. short for 'Kick his ass, Sea Bass!'. Started when I was kid when Dumb and Dumber came out.. not sure why but it just stuck. I've been using an Astral lately. Just the basics, line cutter, whistle, and phone tether.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Astral makes some great stuff

[@LetsGetGoing317]

Always called it a life vest till I started kayak fishing couple years ago & now am use to saying pfd. I get on to my son all the time about it because he goes float tubing with friends & never wears one just attaches it to the tube

[@yfdmikesmith]

Life jacket,, But now will be known as prevent from drowning

[@AustinHooverFishing]

Little more incentive to wear it just off the word choice🤙🏽

[@BucktailFishing]

Life vest. I have the NRS Raku and it gets it done. I used to be one of the “nah, I’m a good swimmer” people. Some Knuklheds convinced me to start wearing mine instead of using it for a seat back cushion.

[@JStarFishing]

I just call it a life jacket, but now thanks to kayak community a PFD. I normally wear an Onyx A/M 24, but I use a traditional Ascend PFD for the river.

[@Downs719]

I just call it my vest!!! Plain and simple. That Velcro idea is sweet I’m going to add that to my vest.

[@MikeyB1964]

Life jacket here in Michigan. I’ve had mine way too long. It’s definitely old school. Used to call it my sweat lodge😂

[@JoshB-Fishin]

I’ve always called it a PFD, unless I’m in my white water boat. Then I refer to it as my green jacket, but that’s more the model type from Astral that denotes their rescue vest.

[@chrisfreeman6540]

Life jacket mine is a cheap one I do like the one you got mine is similar but quite a cheaper

[@OnlyFins]

Personal Furnace device. I've recently developed some kind of medical issue that makes me constantly hot. I really struggled with heat on the kayak last year. I would love to see a pfd that has similar features to yours, yet sheds body heat instead of retaining it.

[@CarlRottman25]

Always been a life jacket, but when I was little I’d call the big orange ones “creamsicles”

[@Jason.Oliveria]

I just call it a life jacket. I use an Old Town Lure Angler II. Thanks for showing that SOG rescue knife! Ordering one now.

[@BANFISHINGOKIE]

Nice video Chad, I am looking to find a good one myself because I am plan on get a kayak this year hopefully 😅

[@lilbugr1462]

Growing up it was always called a life jacket. I now refer to them as PFDs. When I started kayaking I bought a Lotus Designs Lola. One small pocket, we'll see if it works for me now that I'm fishing out of a SS127. Would love a new PFD and a new one for my buddy would make happy as his is older than dirt.

[@ernestovalentin6597]

I CALL IT MY FISHING BUDDY, and Chad, please make sure you have big dude sizes please 🙏

[@tigers3321]

Well, my non kayak buddy (boater) and I were on a small private lake. He looked over at me and said, "Are you not burnin' up in Hero Hauler?". From that point on, my vest is the Hero Hauler 😂. A feature that may not be practical but cool.... a built in hood in a zipper so I don't have to put on a jacket during rain...

[@scottkessler9602]

I have an old NRS Chinook, and I call it a life jacket.

[@gijoe_fishing]

I call my Mustang Elite a life jacket. I wish it had more storage like yours but it’s lightweight and comfortable. Love the SOG knife you carry. 🔥🔥

[@christopherblevins1968]

I call it my life vest 'cause a jacket has sleeves! Thanks for showing your setup. You've given me some update ideas.

[@kingbronco6398]

The most effective PFD is to not fall in

[@AustinHooverFishing]

I think you’re on to something!😉

[@ChadHooverFishing]

There a lot of dead people that thought the same thing.

[@kingbronco6398]

@@ChadHooverFishing they fell in

[@smdeutsch]

It’s always been a life jacket since I was a kid. My kids know wearing one on a kayak is not up for debate. A buddy (paddling one of my kayaks) wasn’t going to wear a life jacket on a trip one time. I told him that was fine & to put my boat back on the trailer. “You don’t have to be like that!” I told him, “You’re right but I won’t watch you drown this way”. He put the jacket on & we had a great trip. (last time we ever had that discussion)

[@garysapper8716]

Used to have a pfd with 9 pockets! Sun wore it out since I'm on the water in FL about 20 hrs a week. Always have a small knife, needlenose on a lanyard in a holster. I use a $7 walmart air horn (whistle sound doesnt carry on ocean). Next most important device is anchor - on the Gulf, wind can take you far away very quickly. Every year kayak renters drop a paddle when a boater throws a wake and coast guard has to rescue them.

[@raygissendanner1476]

The one thing that will safe your life

[@larrythornton843]

I love wearing mine. I keep my motors kill switch to it, spare hooks, simple med kit, pliers, phone, waterproof marker for tournament identification, rouge phone tether, whistle, and some other stuff. Will take it off if I’m in 5 foot or less water if I’m trying to get my ginger tan on. I rock a NRS chin hook that I just simple call a life jacket. Can’t tell you how many times I asked somebody to grab my pfd and they looked crazy at me. Everyone knows lifejacket.

[@bobbyhardin3874]

PFD (I would like the d-rings, loops and attachment holders to be ambidextrous on the PFD - what’s on one side is on the other side, as well.) Some of us are lefties.

[@brianwylie9355]

I call it a life jacket ! Growing up that’s what everyone called them

[@emilypulled312]

Another great video, and this is why I subscribe. Years ago back in the 1980s I was fly fishing in an old town canoe, which was the fad back then. I was fishing a pond in eastern NC that I constantly stocked and fished . This one day I flipped a fly under a bush and a huge catfish took it. In the motion to set the hook against this monster my canoe rolled and went down. This canoe was supposed to be sink proof but I quickly realized it sunk like a rock. After a few barrel rolls on the way to the bottom I was totally wrapped in fly line and tied to the canoe. I managed to get my right hand into my pocket and get my knife and started cutting the line to free myself. I finally cut myself free and managed to get to shore and to my truck and realized my face was blue from lack of oxygen from being underwater for so long. I wasn’t wearing a life jacket and I was closer to death than I had ever been. I lost a lot of gear that day including some custom fly rods. I never went out in that canoe again. To this day when I go out in the boat I always have my safety gear. So for anybody who reads this, take Chads words seriously and wear a pfd, and live another day. I plan to start kayak fishing this spring and an upgrade on my pfd is my first move. Thanks Chad for uploading this, once again brother you have hit home.

[@ChadHooverFishing]

Thanks brother and thanks for sharing this story.

[@rossbickers8649]

A life jacket when I’m talking with the general public and a pfd when I’m talking to canoeist or kayakers. I’d like to see a place for a knife, a phone, an attachment spot for a light on the back, a little pocket for chapstick on one side and maybe a lighter on the other of the upper inside of the pfd would be cool. Most important make extended sizes ( bigger than xxl) and give it more floatation.

[@korywhite2395]

Grab the lifesavers…phrase we would say getting in the boat and now in kayaks..I would love to see an attached stretch cord whistle, the Velcro on the outside and some adjustable straps..currently wearing bass pro adult mesh gray lifesavers. Thanks Chad sending to my friend who just got a kayak!

[@harrymetz5218]

I grew up calling it a life jacket but have being using the term PFD since I started kayak fishing. I have a discontinued model of Magellan Outdoors from Academy but have been thinking about upgrading. However, in February 2022 I flipped my kayak and my head barely got wet. Considering I am 300 lbs, I have to say my opinion of my PFD has been enhanced. If I am on the kayak, the PFD is on me.

[@randyaustin6193]

Life vest. Hybrid between life jacket and fly fishing vest. Just got a NRS in and ready to hit the water with it.

[@669scot]

I call mine "SAVER" 🙂. I like to keep my ID in my saver too! Great video Chad!

[@brngrose]

I call my pfd “life insurance”. I wear my NRS Chinook all the time on the water, no matter if moving or flat. Good tips !

[@tommypowers4197]

Its a life vest. Love to have some velcro from the factory

[@andyandersen863]

I've called it a life jacket since I was 10 years old. But the more I hear personal flotation device that just sounds more professional. Very very good video. Turned 63 on the 12th and I'm trying to save up to get my first kayak. This video helped a lot! Thanks

[@SteveOllice]

I call my NRS PFD my man purse! Like you, I always wear it when I'm on the water and I keep a very similar list of items as you. However, I think I need those line cutters and a phone leash Great vid. Everyone needs to see this and heed your advise!

[@maxcole3930]

I have an inflatable that's in pretty rough shape after over 8yrs of wearing. I'm leaning towards a stars pfd & not an inflatable. Recommendations on decent quality that doesn't get in way on your mind lower back leaning against seat?

[@LukeDehtiar]

I generally refer to them as PFDs, but will often use "life jacket" with my kids. As far as features go, I think the most important features are those that make them comfortable so that I'm inclined to keep it on. Having the foam high on the back so it fits around the high back seats is critical, as are features to keep the wearer cool.

[@lowlifeangler]

A " Life jacket" is the 80s term is when you rent a canoe or small boat from the local small lake. Today it's a PFD when is tactical with safety survival tools Chad Hoover has "THE RAMBO COMMANDO VEST" that floats!

[@VAFSH4LIF]

Another Great video. Was raised calling them Life jackets. Weather is finally getting right in Ohio. Maybe I'll bump into Wendell this season? GOD Bless.

[@StevenLeonhardt]

Have called it a "Life Vest" since the 1960's and fishing with gramps. Currently use the NRS Chinook for my kayak outings.

[@katlivengood2554]

When I'm writing my articles I usually refer to it as a PFD. When I'm talking I call it a life vest or just vest. What I carry? Hooks (usually 3 sizes), small plastic pack, whistle, waterproof flashlight, and my epi. What I wear? Chinook from nrs. What I'd love to see, a slightly smaller float I back to accommodate us short people and a secure way to keep it from pulling up (like belt straps)

[@richardgibson899]

I have a PFD from NRS that I have for years. My wife was buying a kayak and the salesclerk ask about what PFD I had, he told me to get this one because it was made for kayak use. I almost got a fine for not wearing it when the game Warden came around, he just gave me a warning. I now wear it every time I go out. I am very afraid being in a kayak and I see all these idiots in powerboat going hell-bells going from spot to spot. I know all it takes is just a slip up and I might be in the water. I see mine as a life saver and a money saver. You might mention the Coast Guard requires either you have it on or handed, I much have it on!

[@Asandahl2]

The onyx moveVent is a nice budget option. I’ve always called them life jackets and I do prefer the inflatable options but I do acknowledge the downside to that extra comfort

[@chadwiley6799]

My name is Chad also! I usually call my PFD a lifejacket! If I could choose a lifejacket, I’d choose the NRS Raku Fishing PFD. I’d also like your new OG PFD! Keep up the great content!

[@FishingChad]

I want the NRS jacket also

[@ericfehr8632]

I call it a life jacket, the NRS Chinook is what I use, although I am eyeing the Raku. You have my interest with the OG. Great video.

[@westonsmith588]

Life Vest, would like to see pfd that works great for big dude.

[@roberttolley5055]

Will you float with a kayak pfd, if you can't swim? Might sound stupid? But it's a serious question? Thank you

[@garysapper8716]

I recommend you get out of your kayak in chest deep water, test how it feels with your feet off the bottom. Then do a re-entry. Chad has videos on that. When I go out on the Gulf with a newbie, I refuse to go out with them until they show me they can do a deep(er) water re-entry .

[@BenJammin-]

I call mine Life Jacket / Camping Pillow .... lol

[@derickstufflebeam1624]

PFD=Lifejacket for me. In my state it’s only required to be in the craft with you. Not required to be worn. Me, like an idiot stuff mine under my seat. Need to be better about wearing it. Thanks for the vid.

[@chriscomer261]

Always a great video. I believe in the PFD and wear it all the time when I am on my kayak. I call my PFD, my fishing armor. You do not go into battle without your armor and so it is the same with me when I go fishing in my kayak. Unless you have actual video of people falling out, then maybe that would interest them in watching and maybe wearing a PFD.