For a novice fisher, there are many reason why gearing your PWC to go fishing is a good idea. The practical reasons are that a PWC requires no crew, launching is much easier than a boat, and the clean-up time is shorter. Once you have equipped your PWC and gained experienced, PWC fishing becomes very efficient, so much so that if you have an hour free in your day, you can always go fishing. Further, the blistering speed at which the PWC can travel dramatically reduces travel time to fishing locations with more time to fish.
For the experienced fisher, the PWC offers access to waterways where many boats cannot easily go. Out on the PWC, you are very close to the waterline and open to nature. When you do hook a fish, your bent rod tip will most likely be beneath the water’s surface making for some exciting action. While lending itself to some great photo opportunities, being so close to water can create some intimidating situations when you land a serious-size fish.
There are many factors that make a PWC a successful fishing craft. The turbulence and noise in the water while trawling is minimal because the propeller, which is in a housing (impeller), and the exhaust are only a foot below the water’s surface. With an outboard motor, the propeller and exhaust are at least a metre below the water’s surface.
Additionally, a PWC is very easy to manoeuvre in and out of the surf which makes fishing offshore a pleasure. Technically, once a large fish has been hooked, retrieval is made easy. Being light in the water, the PWC is pulled around by the fish while reeling in, and eventually the fish and craft meet half way. Once the fish is close, there is no need to worry about your line getting caught on props or outboard motor “legs”.
Most riders are looking to join like-minded people for PWC social events. Beyond PWC trekking together, riders are now joining one another for a fishing adventure and finding great enjoyment and success doing so. Here in South East Queensland, an increasing numbers of PWC’s are being used for fishing on the Broadwater, Moreton Bay, out at sea, and on the rivers and canals. You can find groups online or by asking your local PWC and fishing tackle agents.
Recommended PWC for Fishing
You will need a suitable PWC with the recommended minimum specifications, powered by a 155-HP, naturally aspirated 4-stroke engine, and designed as a 3-seater. The PWC can be fitted with rod holders, storage units or an icebox. Ideally, the PWC should be coupled with a trailer that can be launched and retrieved in tidal areas on sand that is fitted with an appropriate-size winch and pivoting rollers.
Shoreline Tubby Fishing Pods.
With more and more anglers using a personal watercraft as a versatile alternative to the traditional fishing boat, the Shoreline Tubby should be a serious consideration.
Constructed with reinforced fibreglass, the Shoreline Tubbys are bolt-on pods that sit on either side of the watercraft, giving the PWC a new lease in stability and extra storage space. These Tubbys transform a PWC into a more fishing-focused watercraft and have proved popular among fishermen in Australia.
Editorial by Andy Kancachian
(May-Aug2017)
