The person who invented the concept of jet ski fishing is a genius.
I like to imagine it was some drunken visionary, tinkering like a mad scientist in their shed, who stumbled upon the idea of mounting a rod holder on a PWC.
Compared to fishing boats, jet skis are cheaper, easier to maintain, faster, more agile, and can take you to places you otherwise wouldn’t reach. It’s a no-brainer.
Regardless of its origins, jet ski fishing gained enough popularity for Sea-Doo to identify a gaping hole in the market and launch the dedicated FishPro model in 2019.
The Sea-Doo FishPro validated the previously ad hoc genre and gave customers an off-the-shelf alternative to customising their skis with aftermarket parts.
Fast forward to 2025, and Kawasaki and Yamaha have followed suit with their own fishing skis, while the FishPro now constitutes a whole range of models.
Sitting in the middle of that range is the FishPro Trophy, arguably the pick of the bunch thanks to its versatility and value for money.
The 2025 Sea-Doo FishPro Trophy starts at $30,599. It sits above the entry-level FishPro Sport ($26,899) and below the new FishPro Apex ($35,999). There’s also a FishPro Scout model sold overseas, but that version is not currently available in Australia.
For the price tag, the FishPro Trophy comes equipped with five rod holders, a Garmin fish-finder and GPS, a swivel seat, a livewell bait tank, an anchoring system, a bench seat, gunwale footrests, and Sea-Doo’s Tech Package – which includes a full-colour display, audio system, and a USB port.
Under the seat is a 170hp Rotax 1630 ACE engine. It's matched to the proven ST3 hull which is designed for rough water handling, stability, and offshore performance.
The premium price of the Apex model reflects its upgraded 300hp engine, windshield, and additional performance features. The Sport, meanwhile, lacks a livewell system, swivel seat, and the Tech Package.
As for the competition, the Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S Angler is similarly priced but falls short in horsepower and lacks both a livewell system and audio. The Yamaha JetFish is also in the same ballpark and offers slightly more performance and unique features of its own – though still no livewell tank.
As someone who identifies as a casual fisherman at best, the thing I loved most about the FishPro Trophy was its versatility.
While the ski is more than capable of handling serious offshore fishing expeditions, it can also be used for more leisurely adventures – even if you don’t pack a rod.
The Garmin FishFinder doubles as a navigation tool, allowing you to explore unfamiliar waterways with peace of mind, while the bait tank can double as a cooler. The Trophy also includes a cup holder, room for one or two passengers, plenty of waterproof storage, and extra space on the rear deck for another cooler, jerry can, or bags – perfect for a camping trip.
But fishing is the name of the game, and the Trophy excels here. The swivel seat is a great spot to cast from, and the livewell system is both effective and easy to use. Once you're done, you can unplug the hose and use it to rinse off the rear deck – a handy feature if you've been cutting bait or handling your catch.
There’s loads of storage, so you can bring all your gear, and the smartphone connectivity and audio system help keep you entertained and connected.
Also impressive is the handling. Despite being a large ski, Sea-Doo’s hull design and power delivery make it extremely agile. The adjustable trim system helps dial in stability and cornering across various conditions.
Comfort is another win. There's plenty of room to move on deck and deep footwells that help keep you grounded and prevent accidental dips into the water.
The FishPro Trophy ticks almost every box, but there are a few small gripes worth mentioning.
Firstly, the 170hp engine can feel a bit underwhelming if you're used to Sea-Doo’s more powerful offerings. It’s far from slow, but if you’ve ever ridden the 300hp supercharged platform, the difference is noticeable. That said, for its intended purpose, 170hp is more than enough, and if you want more power, you can always step up to the Apex.
Another minor issue is the swivel seat. It’s a simple three-step setup, but doing it while balancing on the ski can be a bit fiddly – especially if there's someone else on board.
Also, for safety reasons, you can’t ride faster than idle speed while the seat is assembled, so if you want to relocate quickly, you’ll need to pack it away first.
And while the Trophy is designed for stability, I found it a bit wobbly when standing to fish, as a bigger bloke. I could still move around just fine, but it took a bit more balance. I even tipped it enough for water to enter the footwells, and the only way to drain it was by doing a rapid take-off so the water rushed out the back.
But again – I'm being picky.
There are plenty of reasons to consider the FishPro Trophy. If you're a keen fisherman looking for a compact, agile, and well-equipped vessel, then this is a strong contender.
As far as jet ski fishing goes, few ready-made options offer the same level of value and versatility.
The engine and hull alone make it a winner, but add in the plethora of premium features fitted as standard, and the FishPro Trophy becomes hard to look past.
Engine: Rotax 1630 ACE
Power: 170hp
Length: 373cm
Height: 115cm
Dry weight: 407kg
Fuel capacity: 70L
Passengers: 3 (272kg total)
Front bin storage: 96L
Total storage capacity: 149.9L
Warranty: One year (BRP limited warranty)
Priced from: $30,599 excluding trailer and registration
Supplied by: Melbourne Sea-Doo