Good post, we all need to remember our life jackets. A while back, I went and got one of the mustang hydrostatic auto inflatable jackets and it goes on when I leave the dock and generally does not come off until I get back. I decided you are probably as at much risk while fishing as you are while moving. I will admit I have fallen in while fishing, but fortunately never have while under power. I got to studying what if you hit your head or otherwise get hurt or just disoriented, things could end badly. I know some make the argument that the auto vests dont offer any impact protection and while that is true, most of us pull regular life jackets off when we stop and thus are unprotected while fishing. However, those auto vests are comfortable enough to wear all the time. I do realize there is a slight possiblity the thing might not go off, however I will make my choice and know my risk and feel better that I have a jacket on all the time. One laying in the seat sure is not going to help when you are looking up at the boat. The auto vest does have a couple of added benefits, it is a bright color when open and it provides a lot more bouyancy than standard jackets. Everyone has to decide for themselves. Hopefully we all make the right choice for ourselves.Last edited by Fisherman74 on January 15th, 2009, 8:41 pm, edited 2 times in total.
