The 7 Best Jet Skis for Fishing [Sea-Doo vs. Yamaha vs. Kawasaki]

Based on our research, the best Sea-Doos, WaveRunners, and Kawasaki Jet Skis for fishing are as follows:

If you want to compare these models head-to-head, this post is for you.

We at JetDrift have compiled all you need to know under one roof!

Which Type of Jet Ski is Best for Fishing?

Unlike their tiny 2-stroke predecessors, modern boat-like jet skis can even be used for fishing tips.

The best jet skis for fishing are arguably the largest touring models and the purpose-built fishing Sea-Doos. To be more precise, the most important characteristics of a fishing jet ski are as follows:

Large, , heavy, and stable runabout platform
Deep-V hull design
High reliability
Powerful 180-310 HP engine
Great fuel range
Comfortable seat
Fishing accessories (GPS/Fishfinder, cooler, rack, etc.)

The general rule is that if you are looking for a fishing jet ski, you should avoid the small, unstable Rec-Lite and Recreation models.

Performance jet skis don’t do a good job here either, since they come with lower reliability and poor fuel mileage. Besides, they are often built on smaller and more nimble hulls tuned for fast cornering abilities.

This is why you should focus on the largest touring models that are built on heavy deep-V platforms. They not only offer much better stability and predictability, but their deep keel can also cut through the chop with ease.

These skis typically house 180-310 HP engines paired with large fuel tanks.

When it comes to PWC fishing trips, reliability and great fuel economy are paramount. This is why many riders prefer naturally-aspirated (non-supercharged) skis.

These models offer less engine power than their supercharged brothers, which translates to fewer malfunctions and better fuel mileage.

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about the best fishing jet skis in detail!

The 7 Best Jet Skis for Fishing

Which Sea-Doo is Best for Fishing?

The three best Sea-Doos for fishing are arguably the Fish Pro Scout, Fish Pro Sport, and the flagship Fish Pro Trophy. As their names suggest, these machines are purpose-built fishing PWCs equipped with a wide range of PWC fishing accessories.

The entry-level model in this breed is the Fish Pro Scout, which is built on the GTI platform and powered by a 130 HP engine.

Compared to its bigger brothers, the Scout is smaller, less stable, and comes with fewer bells and whistles.

In return, it’s much more affordable to buy and cheaper to operate.

1. Sea-Doo Fish Pro Scout specs:

Category: Fishing
Engine: 1630cc, 3-cylinder, Rotax
Hull: GTI
Performance: 130 HP
Supercharged: No
Length: 130.6 inches
Width: 49.2 inches
Wet weight: 891 lbs.
Brake and reverse: Standard
Fuel capacity: 15.9 gallons
Storage capacity: 42.5 gallons
Rider capacity: 3

The mid-range ski in the Sea-Doo Fish Pro family is the more advanced Fish Pro Sport.

This machine is built on the roomy ST3 platform, which is claimed to be the most stable jet ski hull ever. To increase rear deck space, this hull features a special extension on the stern that adds another 10.9 inches to its overall length.

Another key advantage of the Fish Pro Sport is its easy-access front storage compartment and the more powerful 170 HP engine option.

2. Sea-Doo Fish Pro Sport specs:

Category: Fishing
Engine: 1630cc, 3-cylinder, Rotax
Hull: ST3
Performance: 170 HP
Supercharged: No
Length: 146.8 inches
Width: 49.4 inches
Wet weight: 977 lbs.
Brake and reverse: Standard
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons
Storage capacity: 39.6 gallons
Rider capacity: 3

The high-end model in the Sea-Doo fishing family is the Fish Pro Trophy, which is a more featured Sport. Additions to the Trophy include:

Modular swivel seat
Quick-connect Livewell
Unique anchoring system
Advanced (dual) battery system
Optional large panoramic 7.8-inch wide display
Larger Garmin 7-inch Touchscreen Fish Finder & GPS

3. Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy specs:

Category: Fishing
Engine: 1630cc, 3-cylinder, Rotax
Hull: ST3
Performance: 170 HP
Supercharged: No
Length: 146.8 inches
Width: 49.4 inches
Wet weight: 1023 lbs.
Brake and reverse: Standard
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons
Storage capacity: 39.6 gallons
Rider capacity: 3

Which Yamaha Jet Ski is Best for Fishing?

There’s no question that the best Yamaha jet skis for fishing are the FX WaveRunners.

This family includes many great models, but the FX Cruiser HO and FX Cruiser SVHO stand out in the crowd with their comfortable seats and luxury features.

What’s more, these models are available with the RecDeck platform paired with the JetFish package.

The SVHO features a 250 HP supercharged engine while the HO houses a more fuel efficient, naturally-aspirated 180 HP power mill.

Like any other Yamaha WaveRunner,the FX line is known for its legendary reliability, which makes these models a perfect choice for PWC fishing.

The main characteristics of these skis are as follows:

4. Yamaha FX Cruiser HO specs (non-supercharged):

Category: Luxury
Engine: 1812cc, 4-cylinder, Yamaha
Hull: FX
Performance: 180 HP
Supercharged: No
Length: 140.9 inches
Width: 50 inches
Wet weight: 970 lbs.
Brake and reverse: Standard
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons
Storage capacity: 44.5 gallons
Rider capacity: 3

5. Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO specs (supercharged):

Category: Luxury
Engine: 1812cc, 4-cylinder, Yamaha
Hull: FX
Performance: 250 HP
Supercharged: Yes
Length: 140.9 inches
Width: 50 inches
Wet weight: 1001 lbs.
Brake and reverse: Standard
Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons
Storage capacity: 44.5 gallons
Rider capacity: 3

The Best Kawasaki Jet Skis for Fishing

Many riders agree that the best Kawasaki Jet Skis for fishing belong to the Ultra 310 family.

This line was redesigned from scratch in 2022 and returned with an all new platform plus a wide range of innovative features.

These machines share the same supercharged, 1498cc, DOHC, 4-cylinder engine rated at 310 HP. They are built on a heavy deep-V platform, which offers great rough-water handling.

The mid-range ski in this breed is the Ultra 310 LX-S while the top-of-the-line model is the Ultra 310 LX.

6-7. Kawasaki Ultra 310 LX-S and LX specs:

Category: Luxury
Engine: 1498cc, 4-cylinder, Yamaha
Hull: Ultra
Performance: 310 HP
Supercharged: Yes
Length: 140.9 inches
Width: 47 inches
Wet weight: 1065/1089 lbs.
Brake and reverse: Standard
Fuel capacity: 21.1 gallons
Storage capacity: 44.5 gallons
Rider capacity: 3

Takeaways

As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions on the topic.

Which is the Best PWC for Fishing?

Based on our research, the best fishing PWCs in the marketplace are as follows:

Sea-Doo Fish Pro Scout
Sea-Doo Fish Pro Sport
Sea-Doo Fish Pro Trophy
Yamaha FX Cruiser HO
Yamaha FX Cruiser SVHO
Kawasaki Ultra 310 LX
Kawasaki Ultra 310 LX-S

Are Sea-Doos Good for Fishing?

Yes! Contrary to popular belief, Sea-Doos can be used for fishing with certain compromises. The Canadian manufacturer markets a complete line of fishing Sea-Doos, including the Fish Pro Scout, Sport, and Trophy.