Jet Ski (PWC) Fishing?

[locini]

Just wondering if anyone has ever tried it up here?

There seems to be a good bit about it on the web, with a lot of folk modifying, adding removable rod holders, bait boxes, fishfinders, VHF. etc to their 2-3 seater jet ski's, which fairly interests me.

http://www.jetskifishing.co.nz/

I realise you would have to of course pick your days up here for safety and stability, just wondering if anyones had a go??? Seems a lot cheaper alternative to buying a small boat, faster to get you to your marks, and having a got bit more fun in the whole process.

Any thoughts?

[thebigman]

Have seen a lot of video footage of guys using then down under. Think I prefer a bit more plastic around me ;-)

A lot of those guys fish from a mothership with the jet skis so help is near by.

[locini]

BigMan.

Yea im a bit like you - Have always used boats and find it quite a strange although very interesting concept.

However having thought about it - In a flexible enough dry suit & LifeVest, and adequate instrumentation/Gear (VHF, GPS, Flare & Mobile) surely you must be safer than a small pleasure boat? Having all that power and monouverability to deal with any challenging sea's? As far as i can see it the two worst cases are A) Fall in and B) Complete engine failure.

In either case having the appropriate gear you have the same coverage if not more to get you out of potential trouble and raise the alarm. All electronics can be placed in waterproof pouches.

[Ricco]

Thought it looked verhy dodgy myself. Not a lot of room, potential for dropping rods, gaff, etc overboard. In danger of drifting into danger whilst you are focussed on the fish - skipper on a boat watches out for that sort of thing. Mind you, I would like to try fishing from a kayak - there are specialist ones available and people do so around the UK.

[locini]

skipper on a boat watches out for that sort of thing.

Not on a small pleasure boat he doesn't. I was the skipper,fisher,netter all rolled into one on my last boat ;-)

I agree compaired to a charter boat it is a lot less safe as they are heavily safety regulated for public use, have loads of safety gear, and you have someone quallified & dedicated just to navigating, and keeping an eye on weather, currents, sea states. However im on about small personally owned pleasure/recreational boats less than 15-20 foot, which dont have the luxury of a dedicated quallified skipper.

Surely Kayak fishing cant be very safe, with the same if not worse problems you mentioned above for a ski - Im no expert but would you not be better with a bit of power, that doesn't tire out (Arms v's Engine) - Theres very strong currents out there, and they can become stronger within minutes. If i had to choose between a ski or a kayak in a unplanned force 4 there would be no competition. The ski's are designed to jump and ride waves and have adequate power (60+mph) to get you out of trouble quickly.

[Ricco]

I thought they might be safer since they are specifically designed for light fishing, with everything in front of you - rod rests, fish and bait wells, etc