Q: What is the best PFD that doesn’t get in the way until you need it? I use a chest pack and so far, I have not been able to find one that doesn’t become unwieldy.
—Bill McDonough, via email
A: Anglers know the value of preparation: Good drifts don’t just happen, and neither does safety. Bill's question caused us to dig into one of the more overlooked pieces of gear in a fishing setup, the personal flotation device (PFD). What should anglers prioritize? How do you find the best balance between safety, comfort, and fishing functionality?
We reached out to Johnnie Trujillo, manager of the Boathouse at Anglers Allin Littleton, Colorado. Johnnie spends his days outfitting paddlers and anglers alike, and his perspective on fishing-specific PFDs is rooted in real-world experience. Here’s what he had to say.
Read the full answer here