Name is Louis, I've been jet skiing 20+ years and have had the following skis:
1986 Kawasaki X2
1987 Kawasaki 650sx
1988 Kawasaki 650sx
2004 Yamaha FX 140
2006 Yamaha FX HO 50th Anniversary
2008 Yamaha FX SHO Cruiser

So far been out 2 times and have had success both times.

First time came back with 4 grouper and the second came back with 5 blackfin tuna.

I have a homemade setup using a 70qt cooler w/4 pvc rod holders all secured with galvanized and stainless hardware.

My current ski is a mildly modified 2010 Yamaha FZR

Here are some pics of my fishing setup.




And this is what I do when I am not fishing on it.

Here's some of the gear that I carry...

Avet SX on 6'6 Offshore Angler Extreme Jigging rod 20lb test
Avet LX on 6'6 Offshore Angler Extreme Jigging rod 30lb test
Shimano Torsa 20 on 7'0 Star Plasma rod 65lb Pro Power braid
Van Staal 300 on 6'6 Star Stellar Lite Jigging rod 20lb test

Hi I'm William and I'm also new to jetski fishing , that looks like a great setup , I'm wondering when there is too many rods to fish with .

Willygt1234 wrote:Hi I'm William and I'm also new to jetski fishing , that looks like a great setup , I'm wondering when there is too many rods to fish with .

Honestly, I only fish with 1 at a time. I was trolling with 2 for the first time this weekend and when a tuna hit, my first thought was that the damn fish was going to swim into the other line and cause all sorts of havoc. After bringing in the fish, I reeled in the other rod and decided that I would from now on bring 2 and have one as a backup.

This is the first jet ski i owned, i got it for Christmas! But i am a avid fisherman and spear-fisherman. Ive seen all kind of set ups and some seem pretty expensive. What is the most practical way to go. I like fishing the flat in Tampa and now i would love to start trolling the channels and the gulf. Any recommendations? Also i have a 2004 Yamaha xlt800. Is this gonna be good for what im looking for. I haven't even taken it out yet been too busy with work but im going to get it ready quick, just need some helpful hints through others experience.

Fishkilla wrote:This is the first jet ski i owned, i got it for Christmas! But i am a avid fisherman and spear-fisherman. Ive seen all kind of set ups and some seem pretty expensive. What is the most practical way to go. I like fishing the flat in Tampa and now i would love to start trolling the channels and the gulf. Any recommendations? Also i have a 2004 Yamaha xlt800. Is this gonna be good for what im looking for. I haven't even taken it out yet been too busy with work but im going to get it ready quick, just need some helpful hints through others experience.

Realistically, my setup cost me a total of about $60 (cost of cooler, pvc, straps, and hardware). If you are near St. Pete, shoot me a message, I know where you can get a killer setup at a great price new!

I recently saw a diver at the boat ramp with a nice setup to haul scuba gear on a jetski. He had a rack to put the tanks just like how we hold our cooler. The only thing is really to bring a rope and small buoy to tie off to some kelp. If you want to kick it up a notch, rescue sleds are great for holding extra gear. The sleds are usually pricey, though.

HawaiianShorts wrote:I recently saw a diver at the boat ramp with a nice setup to haul scuba gear on a jetski. He had a rack to put the tanks just like how we hold our cooler. The only thing is really to bring a rope and small buoy to tie off to some kelp. If you want to kick it up a notch, rescue sleds are great for holding extra gear. The sleds are usually pricey, though.

Did you get any pics of the guys ski with the dive gear on it? I would def be interested in trying to add that to my ski for times when I'm not fishing!

Nope sorry. I was too busy talking to the guy. But I'll do some search.

ErcWrestlr wrote:

HawaiianShorts wrote:I recently saw a diver at the boat ramp with a nice setup to haul scuba gear on a jetski. He had a rack to put the tanks just like how we hold our cooler. The only thing is really to bring a rope and small buoy to tie off to some kelp. If you want to kick it up a notch, rescue sleds are great for holding extra gear. The sleds are usually pricey, though.

Did you get any pics of the guys ski with the dive gear on it? I would def be interested in trying to add that to my ski for times when I'm not fishing!

Eric, a couple of us have been thinking about getting our diving certification and diving off the ski..