2022 Sea-Doo FISH PRO TROPHY 170 vs. Yamaha FX HO w/Rec Deck/JetFish Package

How do these PWC fishing platforms stack up?

Personal watercraft have become a unique fishing platform, a comparatively pint-sized craft that can nonetheless fish both inshore and off. A PWC offers a unique, up-close-and-personal experience landing a fish that anglers will never experience on a larger boat and can quickly “run-and-gun” between spots. They also cost a fraction of the price of larger boats, are far more fuel efficient, and can easily be trailered and stowed.

Currently, Sea-Doo is the only PWC manufacturer to produce dedicated fishing models — the FISH PROs — but recent accessories introduced by Yamaha have made the FX platform a worthy fishing contender as well. Here’s how the two craft compare in the key categories anglers demand.

Stable Platforms

A key component of any PWC used for fishing is a large, stable, fuel-efficient platform at the craft’s core. Both the 2022 Sea-Doo FISH PRO Sport and Yamaha FX HO are based on their builders’ flagship models with non-supercharged engines, the 146.8” Sea-Doo GTX 170 and 140.9” Yamaha FX HO. Engines, in the FISH PRO’s case the 170hp, 1,498cc Rotax 1630 ACE and in the FX HO’s case the roughly 180hp 1,812cc Yamaha High Output, are comparable in terms of power and without the fuel-hungry superchargers of their more powerful siblings, capable of extended range.

Take note of each craft’s aft platform. The Sea-Doo GTX features a larger stock platform than the Yamaha FX HO, but the latter can be accessorized with the new-for-’22 RecDeck, a 6’-square bolt-on platform that sits atop the stock platform. The RecDeck is covered in EVA nonslip, adds a three-step telescoping boarding ladder and incorporates Yamaha’s existing water spout for added visibility on the water.

Both offer the room and the stability to be used as a casting platform. The real estate on both platforms can also be used to outfit the respective craft with accessories, the Sea-Doo via pop-up LinQ cleats, the Yamaha via a diagonal track system.

Coolers/Livewells/Rodholders

The 2022 Sea-Doo FISH PRO TROPHY includes a 13.5-gallon LinQ cooler with EVA-covered cutting board atop the lid, tool pocket, and five clip-in rod holders that can be positioned around the perimeter. It mounts easily to the LinQ cleats and can be removed just as easily when not in use.

For 2022, the flagship TROPHY adds a feature fishing consumers had been requesting, the conversion of that cooler into a livewell. Fed via a new pump and quick-disconnect water hose, the livewell can run continuously or on/off in timed segments. The water supply hose also can be disconnected from the cooler to be used as a raw-water wash down to hose down the area after cleaning fish on the cutting board.

Yamaha offers two accessory fishing packages, both fitted to the RecDeck. The $510 JetFish Package includes an Engel 45 (11.25 gallon) JetFish branded cooler that mounts directly atop the platform, two track-mounted rodholders, two RAM-mount cupholders,  as well as the tie-down straps, fishing rod retention straps and four track eyelet mounts to secure all of the items. The $1,224 Premium JetFish Package includes these same basic items, but positions the cooler atop the included Multi-Use Rack (alone a $612 option), an adjustable rack system that mounts atop the RecDeck and can accommodate multiple size coolers, cargo, or even an accessory lounge seat.

Both coolers wisely open toward a fisherman in the saddle, making it easy to grab bait or toss in your catch.

GPS Fishfinders

For 2022, the Sea-Doo FISH PRO TROPHY includes a 7” touchscreen Garmin GPS Fishfinder with regional map token for enhanced detail. Yamaha offers a choice of accessory units, a more affordable RAM-mounted Garmin Striker 4 that mounts via console cupholder mount or larger 6” Garmin that can be mounted, like the Sea-Doo, on the console.

Both models opt for a thru-hull transducer, eliminating the need to have any external hardware outside the hull.

Sea-Doo Extras

With its dedicated fishing focus, the 2022 Sea-Doo FISH PRO TROPHY adds several additional items to further target the serious angler.

Most prominent is a raised, swiveling casting chair, formed by taking the removable aft section of the saddle and positioning it atop a removable pedestal. The higher perch provides increased visibility and comfort (and lets the angler kick up their feet on the cooler). To better power the washdown pump, as well as optional Bluetooth sound system and optional 7.8” color display, Sea-Doo has also added a dual, 650-watt battery system to ensure riders don’t get left stranded by an exhausted battery. The Sea-Doo FISH PRO TROPHY also includes angled footrests atop the gunwales for those sitting sideways on the saddle and quick-draw grapnel anchor within easy reach of the saddle.

The TROPHY also includes a nod to fishing in weed-prone waters, the Intelligent Debris-Free Pump System. Should the pump clog, the driveshaft can be disconnected at the push of a button and reengaged in reverse to effectively push out clogs the way they came.

The Fish Story

The closest apples-to-apples comparison pairs the stock 2022 Sea-Doo FISH PRO TROPHY ($17,799) against the Yamaha FX HO outfitted with the RecDeck ($1,020), base JetFish Package ($510), and larger 6” GPS Fishfinder kit ($918), a package that totals $16,747. The roughly $1,050 premium for the Sea-Doo is fair given the livewell, washdown, fishing seat, and touchscreen GPS.

That makes the buying decision more of a personal preference between Sea-Doo and Yamaha, and perhaps thoughts on a larger, but bolt-on platform versus a smaller, stock platform.

Both machines, however, undoubtedly will let you tell some serious fish stories…and provide an intimacy to your catch that few on conventional fish boats will ever experience.