Which fishing lifejacket to choose?
For recreational fishing, you need a certified 50 Newton lifejacket to ensure your safety within 2 nautical miles, even if you know how to swim. These 50N versions are different from lifejackets for pleasure boats, and are closer to the category of approved foam lifejackets dedicated to leisure and water sports.
Buoyancy aid vest for recreational fishing activities
Like kayaking, paddling or jetskiing, fishing is a coastal navigation activity that requires an approved lifejacket to navigate on this sheltered and/or supervised stretch of water. This approval is called 50 newtons. This is approved by the Iso 12405-5 standard, and means that people involved in these activities must wear a buoyancy aid. The latter may also be called a buoyancy aid, rather than a lifejacket, since it only provides assistance and does not roll over onto the victim's back. For ease of reference, we refer to them as fisherman's flotation jackets.
So, whether you're out for a day or just an afternoon, the Nautisports team recommends the Plastimo Fishing Vest, as it provides comfort and safety in equal measure. With 6 pockets and a jacket-like fit, it provides a feeling of freedom and pleasure, so anglers are perfectly prepared for the day's fishing. Available from nautisports.com in sizes S and M, L and XL, suitable for children weighing over 30 kg, it costs €69 and can be delivered within 48 hours.
Your approved lifejacket for European waters
It's never a bad idea to remind yourself of the regulations in force for your fishing activity. You won't need the same type of lifejacket for a fishing boat as for a large fishing vessel sailing more than 2 nautical miles away. This means that 100N, 150N or even 275 Newtons approved vests won't be much use. A standard fishing vest should suffice. So, if you're fishing for mackerel or sea bream, you'll need a 50 Newton lifejacket certified to the Iso standard mentioned above.
Lifejackets for fishermen and yachtsmen: prices and sizes on the market
Lifejackets for fishermen are diverse and varied. From the manually-activated to lightweight inflatable lifejackets such as the , nautisports.com has a wide range on offer if you absolutely must have a comfortable, non-bulky lifejacket designed specifically for fishing. What's more, you don't need to buy a special fishing vest.
In fact, as you've read and understood, any type of 50 newton you like can be used on the water. It's all about buoyancy safety, so your vest won't let you drown in the water. Prices range from €30 to €90, with the higher models being the most practical and comfortable for recreational fishing.
Finally, there are children's and adult sizes. However, there are not necessarily sizes for all 50N lifejackets, especially for inflatable lifejackets and lifebelts. Alternatively, for non-inflatable foam models, vests are available in sizes ranging from XS to XXXL (see size guide on nautisports.com).
