My friend Dave Mull and three of his fishing buddies survived a harrowing experience a couple of years ago on Lake Michigan. It was a wake-up call for everyone and many people who know Dave. I know it caught my attention.
The party of four was fishing approximately five miles offshore and had a tangle at the back of the boat. Everyone moved to the stern to help, which left little freeboard. A rogue wave washed over the stern and instantly filled the boat. You would think the boat would incorporate flotation into the hull, which would be the story's end. This boat was not equipped to handle such a wave, and it went bow up almost instantly and sunk within seconds. Everyone was in the water before they knew what had happened. Fortunately, one of the adults grabbed a life jacket and got it on the youngster on board. Everyone else was left to fend for themselves.
The group was quickly separated. Mull grabbed a cooler that floated by and clung to it for nearly four hours before a passing boat saw him. Fortunately, the lake temperatures were moderate. Once rescued, Mull explained that others were in the water, and by God's grace, his friends were eventually rescued. It was a situation that almost had dire consequences. And it could have been avoided.
Mull later admitted that he had an inflatable life jacket but was not wearing it. That was my wake-up call. How often had I been out fishing or waterfowling alone and not had my Onyx Inflatable Life Jacket? That was stupid! Especially since the inflatable life jackets are so comfortable and easy to wear. I vowed right then and there that I wasn’t going to let myself be put in a situation like my friend Dave because chances are good the consequences would turn out differently.
70% of the boating accidents in the country are fatal drownings. In 87% of those cases, the person didn’t have a life jacket. Most people don’t wear life jackets because they are cumbersome and awkward. That’s true with conventional life jackets. However, inflatable life jackets are incredibly lightweight and thin. You hardly know you have one on. There have been many occasions when I pulled the boat out, tied it down, stored the gear, jumped in the truck, and realized I still had my inflatable life jacket. They are that comfortable! When I hand an inflatable life jacket to someone who hasn’t worn one before, and we get it properly adjusted, the one thing they immediately say is, “I have got to get me one of these!”
If you think about it, bass fishermen might risk ending up in the water more than any other angler category. They’re almost always standing up while fishing, moving around the boat, leaning over the gunwale to lip and net fish. Bass boats are not known for having the most freeboard either. You can see that it would be easy to trip over a rod, cleat, or tackle box, get tossed overboard by an unseen wave from another boater, fall while reaching for those pliers, or have your partner whack you across the forehead with an over-exuberant hook set. Bass anglers also use boats that travel at high rates of speed. It is not unheard of to suddenly hit a wave wrong or run over a floating log and end up in the water. These are scenarios where an inflatable with automatic operation can save your life.
There are plenty of options for inflatable life jackets, depending on your personal needs. For example, Onyx Outdoors has a complete line of inflatable life jackets, belt packs, and flotation jackets for everyone from bass tournament anglers to paddle boarders to waterfowlers.
Onyx’s premier inflatable is the A-33 In-Sight Deluxe Tournament Automatic Inflatable Life Jacket. The A-33 automatically inflates upon immersion in water or when the wearer pulls the inflate handle. The jacket is also equipped with backup oral inflation. The In-Sight window on the jacket tells if the product is armed and ready for use. The soft extended neoprene neckline and padded air mesh back provide all-day comfort. The durable material resists tearing and punctures, and the reflective material on the jacket allows for greater visibility.
The A-24 inflatable life jacket has models that feature the In-Sight window, automatic/manual or manual operation, reflective piping, and a comfortable, lightweight, low-profile design.
Another option is Onyx’s M-24 Inflatable SUP Belt Pack Life Jacket. Like the full-sized vest-type, inflatable life jacket, the belts have the optional In-Sight window, manual inflation, exclusive hydration pouch, a zippered pocket for convenient storage, D-ring attachment, and marine whistle. The comfortable, lightweight, low-profile design is perfect for stand-up paddle boarders providing safety without compromising movement.
You might want to go one step further if you’re out in the elements in early spring or fall fishing, waterfowling, or pushing the limits on ice-fishing excursions. Full flotation jackets offer safety, warmth, and comfort combined into one garment. Onyx Flotation Jackets have a jacket's comfort, fit, and warmth while providing the safety of a life jacket. An insulated jacket provides better protection against hypothermia than a traditional vest-style jacket, which is essential in cold water. The jackets are lined with fleece, have a high collar that protects against chilly winds, and include a fleece-lined chin guard. Models are available with optional hoods. A heavy-duty, full-front zipper with a dual storm flap repels wind and water. Raglan sleeves offer a full range of movement, and a watertight neoprene inner cuff and adjustable elastic outer cuff keep water from running down to your elbow.
It is a good idea to inspect your life jackets at the beginning of the fishing season, if not several times throughout the year. Check the life jacket for fit, aging, fading, and tears. Pay special attention to the straps for signs of wear or fatigue. Make sure the buckle is functioning correctly. If the jacket is dirty, wash it with mild detergent and allow it to dry away from direct sunlight. Check the charge indicator if it has one and notes the status. Ensure the indicator is “green”; otherwise, replace the cylinder. Remove the cylinder and check for signs of corrosion. Check expiration dates. Use the oral tube to inflate the life jacket manually and leave it for a minimum of 12 hours or immerse the jacket under water and check for signs of leaks. Replace the bobbin/pill on automatic models if necessary.
The great thing about inflatable life jackets is one size fits all, so you don’t have to carry a bunch of different-sized jackets, but you need to adjust the straps to ensure the jacket fits each individual. When in doubt, read the instructions or contact the manufacturer.
Consider Dave’s story your wake-up call. Do not go on the water this year without a proper flotation device. The options are lightweight and comfortable, so there’s no excuse. It doesn’t take a life-threatening incident, like my friend Dave Mull experienced, to convince us that it is better to be safe than sorry.
