We personally use the Kawasaki LX-X ,this is the big 3 seater, with a 78 litre petrol tank. Kawasaki is the industry's innovation leader introducing the concept in 1973. This therefore goes with out saying, as to which engines you would want to entrust your life with when it comes to tackling the mighty ocean.

Finding the right craft.

When looking for a suitable water vehicle, two important factors need to be taken into consideration - stability and fuel consumption. Listed below is an excellent example of a complete set up on the jetskifishing PWC.

The new Jetskifishing Kawasaki LX - X (2009)

PWC 1,498cc 4-stroke Naturally Aspirated

This was chosen because of my past experience of hundreds of accumulated hours on the water. Also for the renowned Kawasaki reliability and service agents throughout the country should there be a fault. The huge 78 litre fuel tank is a bonus, as I get around 5 hours riding on a good day. Also with the fibreglass hull, it is extremely stable when drift fishing or in rough weather. I looked at options for fishing accessories for personal water crafts and found nothing practical available. This prompted me to develop the "Ultimate Rod Holder" kit, this is practical and could allow other people interested, to enjoy this style of PWC fishing.

The PWC

Is a 2009 Kawasaki LX -X, 1498cc, stock standard 3 seater model, this comes with plenty of storage up front and also under the back seat. After much discussion with the team at Kawasaki NZ, I decided to go with the luxury model, achieving the additional back support with the padded seats. The LX - X  is very fuel efficient, with sufficient power being 160 horsepower to accomplish my out wide trips. In fact I find it rides a lot softer than a boat and I would go out in weather, that I would not feel confident to take a small size boat out. Power is instant!

Trailer

DMW single axle multi roller with winch and the optional jockey wheel.

Fish finder / GPS

Raymarine A50D, (supplied by Lusty & Blundell) this was chosen because of its clarity, ease of use and the fact that it is semi water protected. The transducer is fitted in hull of the ski and display on the  custom stainless bracket above the steering column, so no additional screws have been fitted. It also has a trip meter etc so one can quickly check fuel usage and distance traveled. I will be installing another battery, to be fitted near the original. This so the fish finder has a dedicated battery to ensure the Kawasaki will start and not run the main battery flat.

Ultimate Rod Holder

From measuring the fall away from the back of the ski to where I intended to sit while fishing, this is a product available online and also through associated retailers. With two angled rod holders and three extra straight up and down, being used for a net or gaf. The "Ultimate Rod Holder" and fittings where designed so they can be easily removed within 1 minute, for general PWC fun. You will have no fish smell associated with your PWC, as the Igloo 68 litre marine white chilly bin is removable for washing etc.

Tackle

I use mainly Daiwa Rods & reels with soft plastic baits, but when targeting King fish or large Snapper I have a Daiwa Monster Mesh with the Saltist 30T reel. I also use a Berkley accessories for tackle, along with the Gulp soft bait range . Top Catch supply the terminal tackle and the tackle box is stored under the rear seat. Still I have ideas for improving and other projects are in the making at present.

Extras

Also under the hatch is a standard Fire extinguisher tube, a Raymarine VHF, flares for safety are stored in the forward compartment. There is also an Eveready Dolphin lantern stored in the forward hatch. My drogue sea anchor is stored just under the rear seat and normally out of the way, this is clipped onto the ski rope loop by a stainless steel caribbean clip, to reduce drift speed. My Cell phone is stored in a waterproof Dive bag specifically designed to withstand depths to 30 metres, (I hope I never need it that far down) and is usually stored where it can be accessed if need be in the glove compartment. As you can see I have done just about all I can with the Kawasaki to make my fishing experience comfortable and safe, I chose a Kawasaki PWC as I like the solitude of the water after a busy week, I can launch and retrieve it by myself, use it for small game fishing and hunting snapper kingfish etc. The beauty of my Kawasaki is I can very quickly convert it to tow Wake boards, water-skiers, or just go out and cruise or have fun wave jumping. It is versatile, very economical and fun as well as multi purpose. The whole family will enjoy your fishing tool. It comes into its own when fishing soft baits and white water, why spend hours getting to where you want to go by paddling a Kayak, when with a Kawasaki you can get there first and be home with a feed of fish while the others are still thinking about the long journey ahead. Enjoy the Kawasaki fishing experience as I have, with the easy life of jetskifishing.
Check out the full range at the Kawasaki Website www.kawasaki.co.nz