How to Store Tackle and Gear in Your Life Vest

Storage space is a problem if you use a kayak, pedal, inflatable, or super small Jon boat as your fishing platform. All of your absolute necessities can be stored in your life vest or as the Coast Guard calls it, your personal flotation device (PDF). Not only does this save you space but it insures these necessities are available in the unfortunate event you and your boat part company.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Recognize that the items required by Coast Guard regulations are a type I, II, III or V PDF and a readily available noise maker (horn or whistle) in the boat. The best for a fisherman is a type III PDF. Many varieties are available in any store carrying fishing equipment. Get a cheap plastic whistle with a cork ball and a lanyard for the noise maker, it won't rust or corrode. The whistle only has to be on the boat but put it in your PDF.
2. Remember that you want your type III PDF to have a minimum of four large pockets (many have two additional smaller pockets on top of the breast pockets). The pockets need to be equipped with either plastic zippers or Velcro fasteners so nothing falls out.
3. Hold items in your life vest. In order of priority: 1) A cheap, small, self-righting ball compass with a safety pin attached (see "Navigate in the Fog" for more details). 2) A tube of combination insect repellant and sun screen. 3) A plastic spice container containing a couple of extra lures with leaders attached and a razor blade or small knife. 4) An extra pair of fishing pliers with lanyard. 5) An extra stringer. 6) 6 to 10 oz. plastic container of water. 7) Small flashlight. 8) an extra spool of line (150 yards or less).
4. Pack a sandwich. There should be room left to store this in your vest too.

Tips & Warnings

• Put everything that is going into a single pocket inside a zip lock freezer bag.