"Why Don’t You Just Buy a Boat?" — Why I Fish Offshore from a Jet Ski
After posting a YouTube video showing my Yamaha FXHO fishing setup, I expected a few reactions. One comment stood out: “Why don't you just buy a boat!", coming from an anonymous keyboard warrior.
It made me think — why choose a PWC for serious offshore fishing over a boat? And if I were designing the ultimate fishing jet ski from the ground up, what would it include?
Over time, my Yamaha WaveRunner has evolved into a purpose-built fishing platform. It’s fitted with fishing pods, Garmin GPS/sounder, 25W marine VHF radio, dual battery system, and a range of accessories designed specifically for offshore fishing. This setup wasn’t built overnight — it came from real-world fishing, trial and error, and advice from other experienced jet ski anglers.
Why Fish from a Jet Ski?
Aside from the obvious benefits like easy towing, launching, storage, and fuel economy, a jet ski offers incredible versatility. You can fish offshore reefs, troll for pelagics, work shallow water, and even fish in surf zones that would be unsafe or impossible in a boat.
In summer, I troll offshore for species like Spanish Mackerel, often landing fish over a metre long. All year long you can find local reefs holding snapper, kingfish, amberjack, cod, and mulloway. I often tow the trailer to different locations in search of the next trophy fish!
Jet skis also allow long-distance travel over water more efficiently. It’s not uncommon for my fishing trips to exceed 100 km in a day, often fishing 20 km or more offshore. Fuel economy is something definitely needed to be considered these days. Comfort aside on windier and wet days, the jet ski is a very versatile craft.
One of the biggest advantages is the ability to traverse and fish shallow water, even white-water areas in surf for species like tailor — something most boats simply can’t do safely.
Bar crossings are really a breeze on a jet ski due to the speed and maneuverability of the watercraft in the strong currents and shallow water found on coastal and river bars. heir enclosed design keeps water from flooding the hull when taking on braking waves, and with some experience you can ride out in far larger swell than the majority of boats would even attempt. If a wave approaches that is going to break too soon, you can turn around quickly and wait it out. Due to the acceleration and speed you can achieve, you can also pick your way out between the broken sections of the waves. Boats do not have anywhere close to this ability once the swell gets a little "hairy"! They need to stick to the deeper channels, using the lulls between the sets of waves- if they come!
Safety is Everything Offshore
The biggest limiting factor for offshore fishing is safety. When fishing long distances offshore, stability, reliability, and communication become critical.
A serious fishing jet ski should include:
- Added stability for swell and surf
- Long range fuel capability
- Dual battery setup
- Reliable marine radio
- Adequate safety gear storage
- Rod holders and tackle storage
Manufacturers have started recognising this growing market. The Sea-Doo FishPro was an important step, offering a ready-to-go fishing platform. Now Yamaha and Kawasaki continue to develop purpose-built fishing PWCs with safety and functionality in mind.
Fishing Pods – Stability and Safety
One of the most important additions to my setup is a set of "fishing pods" called Tubbies. These fibreglass pods mount securely to the ski and dramatically improve both storage and stability.
More importantly, they add buoyancy. Even if the hull fills with water, the pods provide positive flotation. They also:
- Improve stability in rough water
- Provide leg protection from sharks
- Offer a large increase storage capacity
- Keep the rear swim platform clear
- Make re-boarding easier
These safety benefits alone make them one of the most valuable upgrades for offshore jet ski fishing.
Communication and Emergency Equipment
Handheld VHF radios are typically 5W and limited to line-of-sight communication. Offshore, that range can be insufficient.
For peace of mind, I installed a 25W fixed-mount marine VHF. This provides significantly improved range and reliability. I also always carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) on my PFD as a backup emergency device.
When fishing remotely offshore, redundancy is critical.
Building the Ultimate Fishing Jet Ski
If manufacturers were designing a fishing PWC from scratch, there are several features that would make a big difference.
Better Transducer Mounting Options
Sounder performance is critical for offshore fishing. Many PWCs suffer from aerated water caused by jet wash, which reduces sonar performance.
Factory-designed transducer mounting points could:
- Improve sonar readings
- Protect the transducer
- Allow sidescan use
- Improve temperature accuracy
- Reduce installation complexity
This alone would dramatically improve fishing performance.
Spot-Lock Positioning
Spot-lock technology is common on boats using GPS-controlled trolling motors. This allows anglers to hold position over reefs or fish schools.
A future fishing PWC could use:
- GPS spot-lock capability using engine power and steering. Yamaha Helmaster is such a system already on the market to control the outboard motors. Could it be adapted for the jetski market?
- Quiet stealth positioning using factory-supplied battery powered trolling motors
- GPS controlled trolling or drift control
- "Man-overboard" wrist straps instead of having solid tethers or "keys"
These would be a game changer for offshore fishing from a jet ski.
Factory Fishing Accessories
Manufacturers could also offer:
- Stonger integrated rod holders
- Dual battery kits
- Wet and dry storage
- Navigation lighting mounts and kits
- Electronics mounting systems for Sounders and other accessories
- Locking straps to hold seats and hatches more securely, even in the event of a roll-over in big surf.
These accessories already exist in the aftermarket, but factory integration would make setup easier and safer.
Why Fishing PWCs Are Growing
Jet ski fishing continues to grow rapidly. Social media groups, YouTube channels, and offshore communities are expanding each year.
A fishing PWC offers:
- Lower running costs
- Easy launch and retrieval
- Offshore capability
- Access to shallow areas
- Solo fishing capability
- Compact storage
- An adventure each time you go out!
For many anglers, a jet ski isn’t replacing a boat — it’s offering a different and highly capable fishing platform.
Final Thoughts
Fishing from a PWC offers serious offshore capability in a compact, efficient platform. With the right setup, safety equipment, and accessories, a jet ski can become a serious offshore fishing machine.
As manufacturers continue recognising this growing market, we’re likely to see more factory-designed fishing PWCs with improved safety, stability, and fishing features.
I am also looking forward to seeing and maybe testing Yamaha's Crosswave, a new class of crossover jetski/boat, rumoured to be selling in Australia late in 2026!
Until then, custom setups like this continue to push the limits of what’s possible offshore.
Watch the video on this topic:
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About the Author
Paul Hayes is the creator of Jetcast, a YouTube channel and online store focused on offshore jet ski fishing, marine electronics protection, and real-world fishing gear. After spending nearly 10 years fishing offshore from personal watercraft around Australia, Paul combines hands-on experience with detailed product testing and practical fishing techniques designed for harsh saltwater conditions.
Through Jetcast videos, guides, and product reviews, he aims to help more people safely experience the excitement, freedom, and adventure of offshore fishing from jet skis and small watercraft.