The Best Life Jackets for Fishing
We compared the most comfortable life jackets for fishing all day long, because a jacket you actually wear is the one that saves lives.
Our #1 pick
MUSTANG SURVIVAL
Best Inflatable 🇨🇦
$355.93
Most fishing-related drownings involve someone who was not wearing a life jacket. In the spring and fall, cold water makes falling overboard especially dangerous: the right life jacket is one that’s comfortable enough to wear at all times.
In Canada, boats must carry one approved life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) of the correct size for each person on board. Always check the Transport Canada approval mark on the label before purchasing: a model approved only in the United States is not valid in Canada. Approved inflatable PFDs are intended only for people 16 years of age and older who weigh more than 36.3 kg.
Fishing jackets feature pockets for lures and tools; kayak models have a cutout in the back to fit over the seat. Our selection includes options for these uses, as well as children's sizes.
MUSTANG SURVIVAL
Mustang Survival MD201603191 M.I.T. 100 Automatic Inflatable PFD - Admiral Gray
A very slim inflatable life jacket from the Canadian brand Mustang Survival: you almost forget you're wearing it while fishing, and it inflates automatically upon contact with water.
Pros
- Very lightweight and unobtrusive
- Automatic inflation
- Specialized Canadian brand
Cons
- For ages 16 and older only
- Replace the cartridge after use
Manufacturer description
- •Exclusive Membrane Inflatable Technology (M.I.T.) creates a lightweight, flexible fit
- •Automatically inflates upon water immersion
- •Also includes manual inflation cord
- •Provides 28 LBS of buoyancy when inflated - 1.5x regular foam PFDs
- •Compatible with Re-Arm Kit D (model #MA2014)
Specifications
- Color
- Gray
- Size
- Universal Adult
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Stohlquist
Stohlquist Men's Swim Vest, USCG and Transport Canada Approved PFD, Adjustable Safety Jacket for Water Sports Kayaking Boating Fishing Swimming - XXL (46"-52")
A simple, comfortable foam jacket, advertised as approved by Transport Canada: no maintenance, nothing to reset, perfect for wearing all day while out in a rowboat.
Pros
- Certified by Transport Canada
- Foam flotation, maintenance-free
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Not much storage space
- Warmer in the summer than an inflatable
Manufacturer description
- •US Coast Guard & Transport Canada Approved: USCG and Transport Canada Approved with a buoyancy of 16 lbs. 4 oz., crafted with soft foam for maximum comfort and safety.
- •Ergonomic and Adjustable: Features an ergonomic WRAPTURE shaped torso, adjustable 1-1/2" webbing shoulder pulls, and a cross-chest cinch harness for a secure, non-ride-up fit.
- •High Visibility and Durability: Made with a durable 400D nylon outer shell and a 200D nylon inner liner, equipped with 3M reflective material on the front and back.
- •Functional Design: Includes ventilated shoulder and back pads, large zippered pockets, an entry grip tab at the zipper base, and a 4-way accessory lash tab on the back for added convenience.
- •Enhanced Ventilation: Designed with open sides for better airflow and a mesh-back that accommodates tall seat backs, complete with a sturdy #10 YKK zipper with a non-corroding slider.
Specifications
- Color
- Dark Red
- Size
- Adult XXL
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Onyx
Onyx Kayak Fishing Life Jacket, Oversize, Tan
A fishing jacket with a high, cut-out back, designed for use in kayaks, featuring pockets and tool loops.
Pros
- Comfortable with a kayak seat
- Plenty of storage space
- Great freedom of movement
Cons
- Verify Transport Canada's approval of the model
- Higher price
Manufacturer description
- •Low profile, paddle specific foam design | Pockets designed for your essential gear
- •Six adjustment straps to cinch vest up for a snug fit | 2” woven elastic attachment points
- •High foam back accommodates high back seats | Hanging loop for drying
- •Breathable mesh lower back | Lash tab for small accessories
- •Comfortable neoprene shoulder pads | 400 denier nylon oxford | U.S. Coast Guard approved and Transport Canada approved
Specifications
- Color
- Tan
- Size
- ADLT OVS
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
MUSTANG SURVIVAL
Mustang Lil' Legends Youth Foam - Imperial Red - Youth
A children's jacket from Mustang Survival, featuring a floating collar and a strap between the legs to keep it in place.
Pros
- Designed for children
- Safe Handling
- Canadian brand
Cons
- Choosing the Right Weight Range
Manufacturer description
- •Mustang Lil Legends Youth Foam - Imperial Red - Youth [MV356002-277-0-216]
Specifications
- Color
- Multicolor
- Size
- Youth
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Onyx
ONYX MoveVent Curve Paddle Sports Life Vest, Yellow, X-Large/XX-Large
A breathable, open-weave foam jacket: a great choice for hot summer days on a rowboat or canoe.
Pros
- Well-ventilated
- Comfortable
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Verify Transport Canada's approval of the model
Manufacturer description
- •Mesh in lower back fits high back seats;
- •Heavy-duty nylon fabric for durability
- •Adjustable side belts
- •Shoulder adjustments with neoprene comfort pads
- •Soft, lightweight flotation foam
Specifications
- Color
- Yellow
- Size
- Adult XL/2XL
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Fox 40
Fox 40 Classic Safety Whistle, Neon
A audible signaling device is required on board small boats. This ball-less whistle works even when wet; it attaches to your jacket.
Pros
- Works when wet
- Very powerful
- Almost free
Cons
- None
Manufacturer description
- •Fail - safe design eliminates the pea, creating a high-pitched penetrating, omnidirectinal sound
- •No moveable parts to jam, break or freeze
- •115 decibels - The harder you blow, the louder the sound
- •3-Chamber pealess
Specifications
- Color
- Neon Yellow
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
MUSTANG SURVIVAL
Mustang Survival MA2014 Re-arm Kit for MD2015 and MD2017
A replacement cartridge and trigger to restore an inflatable life jacket to working order after it has been inflated. Check for compatibility with your model.
Pros
- Put the jacket back into use
- Easy to install
- Cheaper than a new jacket
Cons
- Each kit is only compatible with certain models: check your jacket's model number
Manufacturer description
- •Manual Activation
- •USCG Type III/Type V Commercial
- •500 Denier Cordura Outer Shell
- •Exclusive Membrane Inflatable Technology Inflation Cell
- •Provides 26lbs of Buoyancy
Specifications
- Color
- One Color
- Size
- One Size
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.