Rather than waste all of your casting practice by putting on a bulky, traditional PFD, pull on the Mustang Survival M.I.T. 100 Auto Activation Inflatable PFD. This PFD is shockingly slim, but it does have a few requirements. These include that you know how to swim, you're older than 16, and you aren't engaged in high-speed, high-impact water activities (this includes gator-grappling and whitewater 'yaking).

PFDs are different than traditional (and bulky) life jackets because they rely entirely on inflation for buoyancy. If Grandaddy Catfish pulls you out of the boat, the M.I.T. will inflate automatically as soon as it's submerged. Alternatively, you can pull the manual activation handle if you feel yourself starting to tip over the gunwale.

Back on dry land, deflate the vest and head for home. The 500D Cordura fabric provides tough, puncture-proof flotation, and the easy-to-fold design makes the M.I.T. simple to bring with you whenever you head for the water. A clear window lets you check on the status of the inflator, and the comfortable buckle straps won't ride up or let the vest slide over your head when you take a plunge.