Anyone know anything about a possible rule (?already in place) requiring any boater on the river to wear a life jacket at all times (Ie even when fishing with outboard off). I have heard this rumor from at least 3 people but have not seen anything here so I figured I would ask around. Thanks.
It is true, starting this year, for kids 13 and under.
See this discussion we had earlier this month. If you have any questions, please post. I have had indepth discussions with the coast guard regarding the new law.
New Life Jacket Law Discussion
Jon J.
Life jackets have really come down on price too. I just bought 4 new ones, vest style, at Gander Mt. for 15.99 each and Walmart has some for alittle bit less I noticed. 
Thanks, Bill
Keep in mind that Coast Guard Patrolled waters include the Mississippi River, St Croix River, Minnesota River, Lake of the Woods, the Great Lakes and several other Large inland lakes.
Jon J.
According to what is printed in Jon J’s post #33089, the jackets are required only when the vessel is underway.
It’s still not clear to me whether an electric trolling motor constitutes “underway.” When I’m in current, kids in my boat have to wear their jacket at all times regardless, but it would be nice to know for when I’m fishing in the backwaters.
Common sense tells me it means underway with the big motor. And not trolling with the big motor either. But it will probably have to be tested in court, so more than likely that situation will be left up to the water patrol and how they see it verses your interpretation.
I remember watching the news a couple of years ago, after they had pulled two bodies out of Bald Eagle Lake, and the quote from the Ramsey County Sherriff was: “I’ve never pulled out a dead body out of the water that was wearing a life jacket.” Now I think he’d know. It just makes sense to have one on. Not only have they come down in price, but they are much more comfortable, and less restrictive than they used to be.
Steve
I agree with Steve on this one(man it pains me to admit that)Just kidding. Steve and I fished some pretty big and rough water last summer where a life jacket was a must. After you get used to it you hardly notice your wearing one and if you have kids in the boat it just makes sense to have it on them, better to be safe and enjoy your time in the boat then to have a tragedy take place. I once sank a boat while motoring to an outpost type island campsite in Canada. I had my life jacket on, however my buddy did not ,the look of panic on his face was something I won’t soon forget. Luckily he was able to grab ahold of the boat and no one was injured or killed. Just like wearing a seat belt in a car ,how many of you do it now and don’t even think twice about it? Same with a life jacket once you get used to it.
Todd
I have no problem with wearing a life jacket with the big engine on, nor do I have a problem with a child wearing one at all times. I dont really want to have to wear one while bass fishing in the backwaters especially when it is 100 degrees in the shade. I am in full agreement with wearing one while using the outboard- most tournaments have that rule as well. Thanks for the info.
Hey, Baron
I know what you mean about the life jacket in the summer, especially when casting!
That said, I realize that I’m an example to my children, so I have a summer life jacket I use. It’s made out of a mesh similar to the lining in most guide wear rain gear. It’s very light weight and breaths so that I can stand the full July sun when panfishing with the kids. The mesh kind aren’t that expensive – about $30 thru Cabela’s or 20-25 at Walmart.
There’s also those inflatables, but they’re expensive, have to be repaired if you ever use them, can be difficult to deploy quickly (non-auto ones) and can accidentally deploy.
I know my thoughts are a little differant on life jackets, but I thought I would share them anyway. When I had a round bottom 14′ fishing boat, it was real easy to wear a pdf all the time. Now, with a 17′ Lund, it’s a little harder, but I still wear one…all the time. There’s a couple reasons for this.
When I’m out fishing with someone, if they fall in, chances are that I won’t have to get wet to help them out, UNLESS the reason they fell in was because they blacked out or happen to hit there head ( It may sound like I’m a little over conserned here, but it’s happened to me…without drinking). In this case, time is in short supply. I wear one when I’m alone because, no one else is around to help me out.
Also, not too many people wake up in the morning knowing that they will need a pdf that day…if I did, I would stay in bed. 
I checked out the inflatables at Cabelas about a year ago. The salesman actually talked me out of buying one of them. First off, I was concerned about the collar. There is a seam that goes around your neck and it “looks” like it could be uncomfortable.
The salesman explained that the auto inflate disc needs to be replaced once per year (about $10) because of humidity.They “should” be checked after each use for punctures. If your hook happens to poke it, you will only have a relitivley short time before it deflates and leaves you pdfless. I guess I’m in favor of maintanance free. The full recharge kit is $15.
When I don’t want to wear a pdf in the boat because it’s hot, I attach it to my belt loop and let it hang. Like I said, If I knew when I was going to need it, I would only wear it then.
Chances are, I will never need one, but I haven’t caught my biggest fish yet…I want to ensure that I will be around for this to happen!
Great post. We all say it won’t happen to us. Kinda like seatbelts. You just need to get in the habit. Let’s all stay safe and fish until we die of old age!! 
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