Fishing on a Jet Ski? Sea-Doo Fish Pro vs Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S
Jet ski fishing has exploded in popularity across South Florida, and for good reason. With easy access to the Atlantic, the Intracoastal Waterway, and iconic fishing spots like Port Everglades and Hillsboro Inlet, Fort Lauderdale is a prime location for personal watercraft fishing. For those ready to upgrade from the shoreline, two top-tier models dominate the space: the Sea-Doo Fish Pro and the Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S. Both are capable, fishing-ready PWCs—but they approach the experience differently.
At Broward Motorsports Fort Lauderdale, we carry both models and offer custom fishing setups to match your angling style.
Jet Ski Fishing in Fort Lauderdale
Jet skis offer several distinct advantages over traditional fishing boats:
Easier to launch solo
Access to shallow or tight inshore waters
Lower fuel and maintenance costs
Better maneuverability in busy waterways
Ideal for weekend trips through the ICW or nearshore reefs
With so many accessible waterways and year-round fishing weather, it's no surprise that more South Florida anglers are choosing jet skis.
Sea-Doo Fish Pro: Built from the Hull Up for Anglers
The Sea-Doo Fish Pro line includes multiple trims—Scout, Sport, and Trophy—designed specifically for fishing. Most Fish Pro models are powered by a 1630cc Rotax engine, delivering either 130 horsepower (Scout) or 170 horsepower (Sport/Trophy), giving you the right balance between fuel efficiency and performance.
Key Features:
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 6” fish finder/GPS combo (on most trims)
Rotax 1630 ACE Engine: Efficient and reliable power with up to 170 hp
iDF System: Clears intake clogs with the push of a button
13.5-gallon Fishing Cooler: Includes 4 rod holders, tackle tray, and bait prep surface
ST3 Hull: Designed for stability at rest—ideal for casting or reeling in fish
Fuel Capacity: 18.5 gallons
Storage: Up to 39.6 gallons across compartments
Designed for serious anglers, the Fish Pro requires minimal setup. With factory-installed fishing tech and one of the most stable hulls in the industry, it's an ideal choice for inshore and reef anglers who want to spend more time fishing and less time modifying.
Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S: Power, Speed, and Customization Potential
The Ultra 160LX-S is based on Kawasaki’s high-performance Ultra platform, powered by a 1,498cc inline four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower. It features a deep-V hull designed for stability and precise handling in offshore conditions.
While the Ultra 160LX-S doesn’t come with a factory fishing configuration, Broward Motorsports Fort Lauderdale offers a dealer-installed fishing setup. This makes the Ultra a flexible option for riders who want a high-powered PWC that can be tailored for fishing.
Key Features:
160hp 1,498cc 4-stroke engine: Strong midrange performance for offshore runs
Deep-V hull: Excellent control and wave-cutting performance
Fuel Capacity: 21.1 gallons
Storage: 44.5 gallons of total sealed storage
Dealer-Installed Fishing Setup:
Rear-mounted rod holders
Cooler rack compatible with popular fishing coolers
Optional mounting for fish finder/GPS units
Marine-grade tie-downs and gear attachment points
This setup is ideal for anglers who want the freedom to build out their ride with the specific accessories they prefer, or for riders who use their PWC for both fishing and recreation.
Sea-Doo Fish Pro vs Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S: Head-to-Head
Performance & Ride
Sea-Doo: Excellent low-speed control and shallow-water handling; ideal for tight inshore zones.
Kawasaki: Deeper hull is better suited for rougher water and longer offshore runs.
Fishing Features
Sea-Doo: Purpose-built for fishing, with GPS, trolling mode, and cooler system integrated.
Kawasaki: Flexible platform; dealer-installed fishing gear allows you to customize it your way.
Comfort & Storage
Sea-Doo: Open deck and ergonomic seat ideal for standing and casting.
Kawasaki: More onboard storage, extra fuel capacity for longer trips, and a more cushioned ride.
Dimensions & Weight
Sea-Doo Fish Pro Sport: ~147” length | 49.4” beam | Dry Weight: ~858 lbs
Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S: ~140.9” length | 47” beam | Curb Weight: ~1,027.6 lbs
Note on Weight Types: Sea-Doo’s listed dry weight does not include fluids like fuel, oil, or coolant, while Kawasaki’s curb weight includes all standard operating fluids. While this means the actual on-water difference is a bit closer than the numbers suggest, the Kawasaki is still significantly heavier overall.
What It Means:
The Kawasaki’s heavier weight contributes to a smoother, more planted ride in offshore chop, making it a strong performer in rougher water.
On the flip side, the Sea-Doo’s lighter weight makes it easier to trailer, launch, and retrieve, especially for solo riders or those using tighter ramps.
Which Jet Ski Is Right for Your Fishing Style?
Choose the Sea-Doo Fish Pro if:
You want a factory-built fishing machine with minimal add-ons
You plan to fish inshore, the ICW, or reef edges
You want dedicated fishing features like a GPS/fish finder and iDF pump
Choose the Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S if:
You prefer to customize your rig with gear you already trust
You fish farther offshore or in mixed conditions
You want more fuel range and storage capacity
Why Buy From Broward Motorsports Fort Lauderdale?
We carry both Sea-Doo and Kawasaki models, ready to compare side-by-side
Custom fishing setups available for the Ultra 160LX-S — dealer-installed to your specs
Full-service department to install electronics, racks, and marine-grade gear
Genuine parts and accessories in stock for fishing and rec riding
Experienced staff who fish locally and know how to rig a PWC for South Florida conditions
FAQs
How much horsepower do these models have?
The Sea-Doo Fish Pro offers either 130hp or 170hp depending on trim. The Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S puts out 160hp.
How much gear can I bring?
The Sea-Doo offers up to 39.6 gallons of storage. The Kawasaki offers 44.5 gallons. Both models can carry rods, tackle, and a cooler.
Do both models come with a fish finder?
The Sea-Doo Fish Pro includes a Garmin ECHOMAP UHD unit on most trims. The Kawasaki requires aftermarket installation, which we offer in-house.
Are both models stable enough to fish from while standing?
Yes. The Sea-Doo ST3 hull is extremely stable at rest. The Kawasaki’s deeper hull offers excellent balance, especially in choppy conditions.
Is the Kawasaki fishing setup a factory package?
No. It’s a dealer-installed configuration offered by Broward Motorsports Fort Lauderdale and can be customized based on your fishing style.