We get a lot of new members to this group ask to tag along on fishing trips with the more experienced, and it's part of the great social aspects of this sport. I have many great friends that have come from this over the years. I still get asked at least once a week to tag along.
Why It’s Not Always Easy
It's often difficult to organise these meetups for newbies as most of us more experienced are fairly spontaneous, making the decision to go out and where to go out at last moment. We are probably keen fisherman first more so than a jetski rider who fishes, so keep that in mind.
This requires being a weather guru (or perhaps psychic!) to look for the right time to go out several days ahead. The BOM isn't always right. The fish don't always bite every day. None of us claim to be experts or "know-it- alls", but we make decisions on the best days and then the locations based on what we have experienced in the past.
In my case I look at the weather, tide ,and swell conditions from north as far as Noosa and south to Brunswick Heads, and make decisions on where I am fishing for not only weather but reports I get on what is biting. In other words I am not the most reliable person to approach for coming out unless you don't mind being very spontaneous too and are prepared to go out of your comfort zone and do the highway miles.
The Best Way to Meet Fishing Buddies
To make things a little easier in my local area, we created a Facebook Messenger group to help connect people with similar fishing goals, styles, locations, and experience levels. It’s a great place for newcomers to introduce themselves, share where they live or fish, ask who’s heading out, and let others know when they’re available. Members can also post reports, tips, techniques, and of course show off the fish they’ve caught. I’d highly recommend it as one of the best ways to build lasting fishing friendships and find reliable long-term fishing mates.
The Hidden Responsibility of Leading
Please understand that there is also an unwritten burden of care and responsibility that goes along with having less experienced Jetfishos tag along. You have to keep an eye on the people for safety reasons, and at the same time you still want to have a good day out yourself and share the experience.
So newbies please take note that it is not personal, just that being the 'leader" or "tour guide" has some responsibilities that some may or may not be willing to take on every trip.
How to Be Invited Back (Important!)
If you want more people willing to take you along—and invite you again—these things matter.
- Be on time for departures. Come early in fact. It can might take 15-30 minutes to get the ski onto the water at the ramp, so come early enough so that you do not delay others in the group.
- Make sure you have got the right safety gear, so if things do go bad you don't necessarily need to rely on others to rescue you! This makes it easier and safer for all.
Is your ski completely reliable? If not, do not even think about coming along. You can spoil everyone's day. I realise that things go wrong, but lets all start with a level playing field of a well-maintained ski.
- Carry a VHF radio, preferably installed 25w unit as handhelds are only good for very short distances. This is important not only for safety but just for communicating during the day. Unless you want to stick like glue to another rider, it is far better to be able to do your thing but still keep in touch.
Phones work up to a certain distance offshore, but don't rely on them. You very quickly lose sight completely of other fishos on a drift when there is a small amount of swell too.
- Wear a PLB on/in your PFD. Make sure it has been registered correctly with local authorities (AMSA in Australia). Test your PLB every couple of months too. Locally here we legally need to carry these for any trip more than 2nm (3.7km) from shore in open waters. That is every trip I do for instance.
- Join any "Waterside Assist" available in your fishing areas so that you can be towed back if something happens. In Australia the Volunteer Marine Rescue services have recently been funded by government and offer this service for free.
- Carry a battery jumpstarter kit -and know how to use it on your ski. Batteries are sometimes hard to get to, and on a rocking ski in the sea can make it also more difficult. Do a rehearsal of what to do if needed.
- Carry all legally required safety gear. Check flares are not expired. We often are stopped for random checks, even when out at sea. It is embarrassing for the more dedicated members to have newbies tag along that are not doing the right thing. We want to grow the sport and not perpetuate the poor PR that rec riders have with their element that ignores the laws.
- Carry a good tow rope around 20m with strong carabiner and a way to get it fastened to the front of your ski without getting into the water. Lots of sharks around these days! (See "Anchor/dock Tether from Jetcast website)
- Tether everything, or you will likely lose something overboard while riding. Most times that will be your favourite rod/reel combo! Just remember that anything you drop is likely to end up in the water too! See Jetcast Bungee Tether and Stainless Tethers
- Many of us like to leave the ramps before dawn to fish offshore. You may need navigation lights to leave at the same time as your buddies. Check the legal requirements for mounting.
- If you are prone to motion sickness in any form: car, plane, sea etc, please take precautions. This normally means taking pills at least the day or two before and day of the trip.
On multiple occasions we have had new guys get seasick so badly they have to be accompanied back to the ramp- which will spoils your fishing buddy's day too!
- Don't use an anchor until you really know what you are doing! On two occasions we have had newbies suck the anchor up and were completely disabled. Most places we go are too deep for anchoring anyway....
Plenty of other advice we can give, but if you do all or at least most of the above, you'll make for a better fishing buddy, and one that is far more likely to be invited back next time!
Final Thoughts
Everyone starts somewhere, and most experienced riders are happy to help the right people. If you show up prepared, reliable, safe, and easy to fish with, you’ll quickly become someone others want on future trips.
That’s how communities grow—and how fishing mates are made.
Want to Learn Faster?
If not already, please also review the "PWC Fishing School" playlist videos (specifically the prep and safety videos) I have posted on the Jetcast YouTube channel:
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 more than 7 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.
