Thread: Boat setup - onboard necessities

Re: lifejackets, pros and cons with each design. Foam jackets are awkward and a bit warm in summer, but no doubt, less to worry about. We like our manual inflatable jackets. You have to be aware of fish spines puncturing the bladder, so no cuddling fish for trophy photos (just hold them out, closer to the camera!). I service the jackets once a year, it's not hard. Check they stay inflated and there is no rust on the mechanism/CO2 bottle. My 10 year old son goes in a foam jacket though.

Re: knives. I use a short, stout knife to iki fish. Handles on knives are more ergonomic than iki spikes and the broader blade provides more margin for error. Knife goes in holder on bait board when not in. use. Like Bradp , I use scissors for cutting bait rather than a knife.