This ain’t your daddy’s fishing trip. 

Lazing on a mossy riverbank, casting out over tree-shaded waters, watching the red and white bobber weave through the swirling eddies, waiting for the telltale tug on the line … those days are not gone. 

Sunshine breaking through pre-dawn fog, steam rising from the silvery current that laps against your waders as you load your line and send the tiny fly in a smooth arc to land with marksman accuracy … those days are not gone, either.

But there is definitely a new kid on the block, and as PWC fishing continues it’s steady climb in popularity, nearly every corner of the PWC industry is taking note. From major PWC brands staking their model lineups around skis specifically geared toward fishing aficionados and pros, to aftermarket parts, accessories and gear lines aimed squarely at the growing number of PWC fishermen (and women and children), to recreational groups, events and even competitions created and hosted specifically to cater to this new breed of anglers –  PWC fishing has definitely become mainstream. 

And the trend is far from insular to the U.S. – as evidenced by the creation of New Zealand’s first ever Sea-Doo Social Club.

This March, the Club is hosting “the world’s biggest ever Sea-Doo fishing Community catch-up,” complete with an early-morning ride and a ‘carpark meet up’ where everyone can meet and chat about all things Sea-Doo fishing. 

You can check out the full press release and video below, along with a ride-along video from Andrew Hill Adventure Fishing of a fishing expedition on Sea-Doo’s new 300-horsepower Fish Pro Apex. You can even find more information on Sea-Doo accessories that match perfectly with a PWC fishing adventure, such as the LinQ cooler side mount that securely attaches a camera adapter or rear light pole.

Join me for New Zealand’s first ever Sea-Doo Social Club. This is the world’s biggest ever Sea-Doo Fishing Community catch-up. If you own a Sea-Doo rigged for fishing, we would love you there! Please register to join us for our Sunday March 16th event in Auckland. We already have 96 people signed up! For the first 120 who sign up, they will receive a cool Sea-Doo merch pack – be one of the next 24 registrations to receive this awesome pack. The event includes a brief early morning ride for some on-the-water video and photos opportunities of our massive fishing community together (for this milestone). We are also having a ‘carpark meet up’ with all our guests’ vehicles and skis, where we can meet up and chat all things Sea-Doo fishing. Included in your registration is the brunch – we have Phat Uncles Burgers on location and Toops Real Fruit Ice Cream, come and enjoy!

This year has already seen some epic catches from our community and a lot of people are now taking delivery of their 2025 Sea-Doo units around the world. I am loving the new Sea-Doo FISH PRO Apex. See my first fishing adventure on this 300-horsepower fishing weapon. 

See the latest Signature Series accessories (like the) LinQ Cooler Side Mount that securely attaches the camera adaptor or rear light pole. Love Surfing? We have an awesome accessory for you! The Ultimate Tow Sled Mount.

One of the most famous quotes from Muhammad Ali goes like this: “The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses—behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.” It’s a wonderful reflection on how the time we spend outside of any activity can be the most important part of truly enjoying it—and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to PWC care. We’re already a few months into winter, so this is an important reminder to keep up with proper PWC maintenance throughout the off-season.

Lately, Cycle Springs PowerSports has been emphasizing one of the most essential ways to maintain your Yamaha’s performance: Yamalube Fuel Med Rx, “the vital first step in proper winter storage.” Yamaha’s Fuel Med Rx is a specially formulated solution designed to combat fuel degradation and protect your fuel system from corrosion.

However, some of us aren’t just focused on maintaining our PWC—we’re looking for an upgrade. For that, Cycle Springs is promoting the Yamaha JetBlaster PRO, built for excitement with a sleek design and high-performance features. Its tall, wide handlebars provide superior control, while foot chocks ensure stability during freestyle maneuvers. The custom-tuned electric trim allows for easy adjustment between cruising and tricks, and the durable SMC hull with a 3-part polypropylene deck enhances agility and rider comfort. It’s a great opportunity to upgrade as we get ready for spring!

Whether you’re a racer who needs top-tier jet ski maintenance during the off-season or an enthusiast who values long-term care, Cycle Springs PowerSports has you covered with Yamalube Fuel Med Rx. But if you’re looking to take things up a notch, don’t miss their Yamaha JetBlaster PRO lineup for new speed and precision in the coming season!

The all-new Yamaha JetBlaster broke Sea-Doo’s nearly decade-long reign of the Boating Writers International Innovation Awards, winning the Personal Watercraft division of the 2025 awards.

During the early-morning awards breakfast held yesterday, Feb. 13, the Jet Blaster model series was recognized for its “cutting edge” three-piece deck design and top-of-the-line performance.

The Innovation Awards, managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI), honors manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products for the boating industry to market. The awards are presented at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show and the Minneapolis Boat Show. This year’s awards featured 12 categories, including, among others, Personal Watercraft; Tow Boats; Cuddy Cabin, Bowrider, Deck Boats; Cabin cruisers, Motor Yachts, Trawlers; Center Console/Walkaround Fishing Boats; Fishing Equipment, Gear & Tackle and Consumer Electronics, Mobile Applications and Software.

This year’s Judges’ Committee included seven BWI members with expertise in marine products and equipment. On the committee were chair Tim Murphy and co-chair Ben Stein (co-chair), along with Gary Reich, Kim Knudsen, Tony Esposito, Kate Bush and Kelsey Bonham.

During the awards, Murphy stated, “We live in a time of fundamental change in boating—how we store and use energy, how we control our boats, how we collect and send dynamic information, how we draw in younger boaters and those who haven’t tried it yet. There are so many new ways to enjoy time on the water, and the 2025 Innovation Awards are showcasing those changes as they happen.”

In announcing the Yamaha JetBlaster as this year’s winner of the Personal Watercraft category, Knudsen stated, “Yamaha’s new JetBlaster WaveRunner Series prioritizes practicality and function for consumers, dealers, and service providers. As an entry-level offering, the three-piece deck system and the removable mid-deck makes maintenance and customization easier at all stages. From a performance perspective, the JetBlaster’s lightweight truly delivers a PWC that’s fun for everyone –from first-time riders to adrenaline junkies and performance racers.

The win for Yamaha breaks a nearly decade-long Sea-Doo clench on the Innovation Awards Personal Watercraft category that included (2024) RXP-X, (2023) Explorer Pro 170, (2022) Fish Pro 170, (2019) Fish Pro 155, (2018) GTX Limited, (2017) Spark Trixx.

In 2016, Yamaha got the Innovation Award nod for the TR-1 Marine High Output Engine, in 2015 Yamaha tooke the Personal Watercraft win for the Ride System, in 2013, Yamaha’s 192 Series with Thrust Directional Enhancer claimed the win, and in 2008, the  Wave Runner SHO took the top honor.

 

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2025 Yamaha JetBlaster highlights (Courtesy Watercraft Zone):

Yamaha JetBlaster two-seater (90hp):

• SMC fibreglass hull
• Small LED instrument display
• 5.5-litre glovebox
• Rear deck mats

Yamaha JetBlaster Deluxe three-seater (90hp):

• SMC fibreglass hull
• Small LED instrument display
• 5.5-litre glovebox
• 7.8-litre bow storage
• Two-tone rear deck mats
• Reverse trigger
• Side mirrors
• Rear boarding step

Yamaha JetBlaster Pro two-seater (110hp)

• Lightweight Nano-Xcel 2 hull
• 4.3-inch digital instrument screen
• 5.5-litre glovebox
• Two-tone rear deck mats
• Rear boarding step
• Rear step wedges and adjustable trim to ride on the ‘tail’

Yamaha JetBlaster Pro three-seater (110hp):

• Lightweight Nano-Xcel 2 hull
• 4.3-inch digital instrument screen
• 5.5-litre glovebox
• Two-tone rear deck mats
• Rear boarding step
• Rear step wedges and adjustable trim to ride on the ‘tail’
• Side mirrors

WatCon has recently uploaded a must-see video for any serious jet ski enthusiast. In this episode, shop owner and passionate collector John Zigler introduces the “Butch’s Racing Christy Carlson Old Race Ski,” a true vintage gem from the ’91-’92 racing era.

John’s deep connection to the sport shines through as he details every authentic aspect of this classic piece. The video highlights the hand painted finish, complete with Butch’s original decals and every original sticker—tech sticker included. With Christy Carlson’s name emblazoned on the ski, it stands as a proud reminder of a past era of jet ski racing. For those who may not be familiar, Christy Carlson was a prominent figure in the early days of race jet skiing, and this jet ski from Butch’s shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan is part of the sport’s history.

One of the most intriguing parts of the video is John’s take on restoration. While the idea of reviving old personal watercraft is tempting, he makes a compelling case for preserving these relics in their original state. For him, if you repaint a PWC and restore it, it’s no longer the real deal. He goes on to emphasize that the untouched condition is what gives these old skis their charm and historical value.

John also shares a glimpse of his broader collection, which includes rare pieces like “Harry Goatcher’s West Coast 550 mod boat” and “Chris Fischetti Polaris Octane.” These treasures, along with the legacy of Butch’s jet ski shop underscore John’s dedication to keeping the history alive. What’s more, he highlights that he’s always on the lookout for new additions to his collection!

For dedicated watercraft fans, this video is an invitation to relive the glory days of jet ski racing. Head over to WatCon’s YouTube channel to catch the full feature and join John’s call for preserving these one-of-a-kind classics.