Suggesting the use of PFD's to canoeists / boaters / fishermen is like suggesting helmets to motorcycle riders... the ensuing debate is almost always spirited. But like bike helmets, seatbelts, and all other 'background' safety devices, chances are you'll never need to find out how good (or bad) they can be. Not wearing one is a calculated risk and a personal choice, and going either way doesn't guarantee any particular outcome.

For me, the redeeming quality is the fact that they do a pretty good job of keeping you afloat and upright all by themselves, while your mind is temporarily focused elsewhere in those critical first few seconds. That's it. After that, any number of things could still make you a statistic, but it's still one more pawn in front of Nature's queen(s), just in case she tries to cheat a little.

I just hope she doesn't try to cheat when I'm in my fishing boat, being the hypocritical PFD advocate that I am...

It's been interesting to read about people's experiences with the other types of PFD's on the market, as my only experience has been with the sub-$20 jackets that haven't changed much since the beginning of time. Perhaps this year I will upgrade my PFD along with my canoe... I think the self-inflating models are out of my price range but some of the others look more comfortable than what I've got now.

db, you've got the right idea with the painter line. A PFD and a ditch kit are good, but a way home is even better. Do you just tie it to your ankle or something?