Jet Ski Fishing

Jet Ski Fishing

Jet ski fishing has become one of the most exciting ways to chase saltwater giants, and today’s trip was a perfect example. Less than 24 hours after getting back from a trip, the angler saw slick seas and knew it was time to fire up the ski and head for the offshore rigs. The main target was cobia, a species that had been reported in good numbers. Armed with Buccaneer chartreuse jigs and a 40-pound fluorocarbon leader connected to 40-pound braid, the plan was simple: hook into a monster and maybe even land the first cobia from the jet ski.

With dirty water from recent rains, it was going to be a challenge. After a few casts with no luck on the jig, a switch was made to a Carolina rig loaded with fresh dead shrimp, aiming for mangrove snapper or other reef species. Jet ski fishing demands versatility, and it paid off. Drops around the rig quickly turned up some action. A massive mystery fish ripped off line and broke the leader clean, leaving nothing but excitement and questions behind. Red snapper soon started coming over the side, smaller ones, but good-eating size at around 17 to 18 inches. Every fish fought hard, with the lighter jet ski setup making the battles even more thrilling.

When the snapper bite slowed, the angler turned to an old trick — cutting up pogies and chumming the water. Soon, mangrove snapper began to rise out of the structure, and freelining chunks into the slick produced instant hookups. Big mangroves, some of the largest seen in a while, were hauled in one after another. Using light tackle and a no-weight freelining technique allowed the bait to float naturally, fooling the sharp-eyed snapper even in the muddy water. A shark made an appearance, adding a little drama to the afternoon, but the snapper kept biting, giving up one solid fish after another.

After the action-packed session, it was time to head home and put the catch to good use. Cleaning the mangrove snapper was quick work thanks to a reliable serrated knife and some well-practiced filleting techniques. The snapper fillets were then coated in a flavorful blend of yellow mustard, hot sauce, egg wash, and a seasoned flour-cornmeal mix before being fried to golden perfection. The final product was crispy, clean-tasting mangrove snapper — considered by many to be the best-eating snapper species around.

Jet Ski Fishing isn’t just about the catch. It’s about the freedom, the fast runs across open water, the up-close encounters with big fish, and the fresh meals that cap off an incredible day. For anglers looking for a different kind of saltwater adventure, jet ski fishing offers unbeatable excitement and lasting memories.