Life jackets

Do any of the other shore/rock anglers use life jackets? I haven't seen others wearing them, but for those of you precious people who do can you recommend one?

Hi Kiwibob

Use an automatic rock fishing and a plain one in the surf, when I feel brave enough to try to stand in the surf... bought the automatic online from the UK, which was still cheaper even allowing for the exchange rate and P&P. If you do a search (next to memberlist above) you will get old threads on this.

An automatic is also handy if you go boat fishing as it is a lot less bulky...

HTH...

I use a manual one. I have had the odd slip on the rocks that resulted in me getting wet. An Auto would have fired causing an expensive cartridge replacement. With the manual you have to pull the cord. Autos have the advantage of firing if you hit your head and they can self right you as well. If you are going for an auto get one for yachts. These at least requite a 5 second emmersion before firing.

Kev

a few points on life jackets. 1. is't very hard to inflate a manual jacket if your slip from a rock or boat and end up unconscious. 2. a replacement bottle and automatic unit will only cost about €25. 3. before you start using your jacket it's a good idea to manually inflate and leave up for a day or two to make sure there are no leaks in it.

Kiwibob

I had trouble ordering lifejackets from England for the club last year, the problem came about after 911 when flight companies refused to carry certain items which include gas canisters. After searching high and low I came across a place which was very reasonable right on my own door step (Swords). It's a company that was only mail order but have now set themselves up in a shop unit. I can mail you with their phone number and address if you like ( It's not fair to the web site to publish this info here).
Damien

Damien,

You could pm me with that contact info if you want as I'm in swords too.

I searched the database for life jackets and I got some useful info although I'm in a bit of a quandary, I think I'll go for an automatic jacket with a 5 second immersion before firing, but would it be overkill to go for the 250N over the 150N ?

Hi Guys ,
Dtsacs - wonder if you could pm me those details if those guys still do mail order within ROI .
Kiwijbob - what did you go for and how did you get on ?

The missus is insisting I get one as a friend took a tumble and cracked a couple of ribs . Could have been a lot worse .

Cheers
nick

I'd recommend a Sigma or Crewsaver auto-inflate model. They're very compact when not inflated. Paid about ?50 new each for the ones I got off some guy's Ebay store. Hell of a lot cheaper than what you pay in any shop in Ireland... Wouldn't be without one now.