2025-26 fishing jet ski buyer's guide

For the first time, all three major jet ski brands – Sea-Doo, Yamaha and Kawasaki – now offer a dedicated fishing model in Australia.

As the pioneer of the segment, Sea-Doo still boasts the most comprehensive range, but Yamaha and Kawasaki have finally joined the fight, launching factory-backed fishing skis aimed squarely at anglers.

After years of development and extensive input from experienced jet ski fishers, Sea-Doo launched the original Fish Pro in late 2018 as a 2019 model.

It arrived with a rear deck extension to accommodate a dedicated cooler box and accessories, multiple fishing rod holders, a factory-fitted navigation unit, a flat seat for easy side-to-side movement, and scuff guards along the edges of the top deck.

The Fish Pro proved so successful that Sea-Doo quickly expanded the line-up to three models.

Unveiled in late 2021 as 2022 models, the range grew to include a budget-focused Fish Pro Scout and a flagship Fish Pro Trophy, while the original model was renamed Fish Pro Sport.

The $22,000 Fish Pro Scout, powered by the 130hp version of Sea-Doo’s 1630cc three-cylinder engine, has recently disappeared from the Sea-Doo Australia website and appears to have been discontinued locally, likely due to limited demand.

The Fish Pro Sport and Fish Pro Trophy both use the stronger 170hp version of the same engine and deliver better fuel efficiency than most skis of comparable size and weight.

If your budget allows, the Trophy remains the standout across the entire fishing jet ski market.

Related: Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy 2025 Review

It adds a pop-up swivel seat (for use when stationary), a large touchscreen Garmin navigation unit, dual batteries, a 50-litre cooler with live-bait well, extensive scuff protection, easy-access front storage, a premium sound system, USB charging and abundant accessory mounting points.

For 2026, the Fish Pro Trophy steps it up again with a massive 10.25-inch touchscreen instrument display in addition to the Garmin, new handlebar toggles and a steering damper. It is comfortably the most advanced fishing jet ski currently on sale.

Sea-Doo Fish Pro pricing (ski only):
2026 Fish Pro Sport: $25,999
2026 Fish Pro Trophy: $32,699
(Excludes trailer and registration)

The Kawasaki Ultra 160 LX-S Angler was unveiled in 2024 as a 2025 model and forms part of a major overhaul of Kawasaki’s jet ski range.

Like the Sea-Doo Fish Pro, the Angler is a complete, purpose-built fishing package straight from the showroom, rather than a base ski with aftermarket add-ons.

Power comes from Kawasaki’s naturally aspirated 160hp 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The Angler is easily identified by its white-and-green colour scheme and arrives with a generous list of fishing hardware already fitted.

Highlights include a rear deck extension with cooler and frame, five fishing rod holders, and a Garmin navigation unit with fish-finder.

However, the Garmin system is not touchscreen-operated, instead using the same push-button interface fitted to the Sea-Doo Fish Pro Sport.

Related: 2026 Kawasaki jet ski range unveiled, including updated STX 160

Unlike the flagship Ultra 160 LX, the Angler misses out on Kawasaki’s four-speaker audio system. Yamaha’s JetFish also lacks audio on current models, while Sea-Doo continues to offer premium sound as standard.

Storage is another compromise. The Ultra’s bow opening is noticeably smaller than the equivalent Yamaha and Sea-Doo fishing skis, while additional space behind the fairings struggles with bulky items.

Interestingly, less than six months after launch, the Angler is already being discounted by $4000 in Australia.

Originally priced from $29,049, the recommended retail price rises to $30,807 once Kawasaki Australia’s $1758 dealer delivery fee is applied.

At the time of publication, a $4000 discount was being offered until 31 December 2025.

Kawasaki Angler pricing (ski only):
2025 Ultra 160 LX-S Angler: $30,807
(Excludes trailer and registration)

Yamaha introduced individual fishing accessories for its FX series several years ago, but in Australia these are bundled into a turn-key package known as the JetFish.

Based on the popular FX HO, the JetFish has been available locally since 2023, with final assembly completed by dealers.

While earlier JetFish editions were limited to select dealerships, the 2025 model is now available nationwide across Yamaha’s WaveRunner network.

The 2025 FX HO JetFish features a flat seat for easier fishing movement and carries over the same rear platform, cooler system, rod holders, depth finder, fish-finder beacon and Garmin touchscreen navigation unit from the previous model.

One notable omission for 2025 is the sound system, which has been dropped entirely.

It’s also worth noting that Yamaha’s 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine is significantly thirstier than the Sea-Doo Fish Pro, something to consider for long offshore runs or full-day trips.

Yamaha JetFish pricing (ski only):
2025 FX HO JetFish: $29,999
(Excludes trailer and registration)

Earlier this year, Yamaha USA unveiled the CrossWave – a hybrid craft that sits somewhere between a jet ski and a small boat.

Powered by a WaveRunner engine and controlled by handlebars, it offers deep footwells and substantial underfloor storage, making it ideal for fishing. Technically it qualifies as a jet ski, although many riders see it as a boat.

The CrossWave is not expected in Australia until late 2026 or early 2027, with pricing likely north of $40,000 – and possibly closer to $50,000.

While it’s encouraging to see Yamaha and Kawasaki embrace the jet ski fishing segment, the Sea-Doo Fish Pro Sport and Fish Pro Trophy remain the most integrated, refined and user-friendly options.

Unsurprisingly, they continue to dominate fishing jet ski sales in Australia.