Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 160LX-S Angler: A Game Changer for Weekend Fishing Trips
Have you ever dreamed of turning your everyday fishing trips into high-speed, adrenaline-pumping adventures? If you’re someone who loves both the thrill of jet skiing and the calm of casting a line into the water, the Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 160LX-S Angler might just be your perfect catch.
This unique watercraft blends the excitement of a personal watercraft (PWC) with the practicality of a fully-equipped fishing boat. Yep, it’s as fun as it sounds—and incredibly convenient, too. So, let’s dive into what makes this new jet ski a serious contender for your next fishing adventure.
Why Choose a Fishing Jet Ski?
Fishing from a boat has always been the norm. But what if you could slash time spent launching, reduce fuel costs, and reach those tight fishing spots that big boats can’t? That’s where the concept of a fishing jet ski comes in.
The Kawasaki Ultra 160LX-S Angler is designed for the angler who doesn’t want to lug around a massive boat. It offers the agility, speed, and ease of a jet ski—combined with the tools and accessories you need to make serious catches.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior chasing bass or a saltwater enthusiast looking for ocean-side thrills, this personal watercraft checks a surprising number of boxes.
Say Hello to the Ultra 160LX-S Angler
So what separates the Ultra 160LX-S Angler from an ordinary Jet Ski? It’s a fishing-friendly upgrade of Kawasaki’s popular Ultra 160LX-S model. Made in partnership with RecFish—a company known for outfitting watercraft for anglers—this machine is jam-packed with features that make fishing on the go a breeze.
Main Features That Make It a Fisherman’s Best Friend
- Rod holders: Keeps your hands free while you navigate or change tackle.
- A rear cooler rack: Perfect for storing your bait and your catch.
- Storage space: Plenty of room under the seat and in the front compartment for your gear.
- 112-gallon hull: One of the most spacious in its class, giving you amazing stability.
All this without giving up the thrill of jet skiing. Imagine hitting 60 mph on open water—then circling into a quiet cove to cast your line.
Here’s why a model like the Ultra 160LX-S Angler could be considered a game-changer for weekend fishing trips:
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Factory Integration:
Unlike adding aftermarket accessories to a standard PWC, an “Angler” edition typically comes with fishing-specific features designed and integrated from the factory. This often means better fit, finish, and potentially warranty coverage for those components.
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Fishing-Specific Features (Typical):
While specifics vary by exact model year, you’d expect features like:
- Rod Holders: Built-in or strategically placed mounts for carrying fishing rods securely.
- Cooler Mount/Included Cooler: A dedicated space, often on the rear platform, designed to hold a sizable cooler for bait, drinks, or the catch. Some models might even include a branded cooler.
- GPS/Fish Finder Integration: A flat mounting surface or pre-installed bracket near the handlebars to easily accommodate popular fish finders and GPS units.
- Enhanced Storage: Ample waterproof storage for tackle boxes, gear, and personal items.
- Stable Platform: The Ultra hull is known for its stability, especially in choppy conditions, which is crucial for casting, retrieving, and moving around while fishing. The large rear deck provides a good working area.
- Comfortable Angler Seat: Sometimes includes a seat designed for more support during longer periods of sitting or potentially swiveling.
- Trolling Speed Control: Features like cruise control or a no-wake mode can be adapted for slow trolling speeds.
- Performance and Handling: Based on the Ultra 160LX-S platform, it would feature Kawasaki’s naturally aspirated 1,498cc four-cylinder engine (around 160 HP). This provides a good balance of power for getting to spots quickly and fuel efficiency compared to supercharged models. Features like Kawasaki Smart Reverse with Deceleration (KSRD) aid maneuverability around docks or tight spots.
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Accessibility & Versatility:
- Shallow Water Access: PWCs can get into shallower areas than many traditional fishing boats.
- Speed: Quickly cover ground to reach offshore or distant fishing spots.
- Dual Purpose: When not fishing, it’s still a fully capable and fun PWC for recreational riding.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While premium PWCs aren’t cheap, a dedicated fishing PWC can be a more affordable and easier-to-manage alternative to purchasing, storing, and maintaining a larger fishing boat.
Built for Both Speed and Stability
Jet skis aren’t usually known for steadiness at anchor. But Kawasaki made sure the Angler is different. Its larger hull—clocking in at 140.9 inches long and over 49 inches wide—gives it impressive balance, even when you’re standing up to reel in a catch.
If you’ve ever tried to fish from a regular jet ski, you know how challenging it can be to stay steady. This model solves that problem with its size, weight distribution, and hull design.
Under the Hood: A Powerful Punch
Some may ask, “How fast can it go?” Don’t worry, you’ll get your dose of excitement. The Ultra 160LX-S Angler comes with a naturally aspirated, 1,498cc inline four-cylinder engine that pumps out about 160 horsepower. That’s plenty of power to zip across lakes or coastal waters—and still gentle enough to cruise when it’s time to fish.
Practical Fishing Modifications That Matter
One of the standout features is the custom fishing crate mounted on the rear rack. Think of it like a Swiss Army knife for anglers—it even comes with specially designed slots for tackle trays. In short, every tweak on the Angler has a purpose:
- Rear cooler rack: Ideal for storing drinks, bait, or your latest catch
- Flush-mounted rod holders: Secure and easy to access
- Fishfinder options: There’s space for mounting electronic fishfinders and GPS units
It’s truly a plug-and-play setup. You don’t need to make custom modifications or carry a toolbox every time you go out. Just hop on, and you’re ready to hit the water.
Comfort Meets Convenience
Long days on the water can be tiring, but the Ultra 160LX-S Angler keeps comfort top-of-mind. The Ergo-Fit adjustable seating features a thickly padded, three-person seat. While you probably won’t be bringing two friends along for fishing, it gives you room to sit, stand, or even lie back during those long waits for a bite.
You’ll also appreciate the Kawasaki Launch Control Mode when moving through surf or waves. And when the sun’s out, the bright LCD screen is still easy to read—so you won’t be squinting while checking your navigation or speed.
Easy to Tow, Launch, and Store
One of the biggest perks of a fishing PWC is its convenience. Unlike a full-size boat that may require a heavy-duty tow vehicle and a marina, this Jet Ski can be launched at almost any boat ramp—and even stored in most standard garages. That’s a huge plus if you live in a residential neighborhood with limited space.
Who Is the Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 160LX-S Angler For?
This fishing jet ski is perfect for a variety of folks:
- Weekend anglers looking to save time and money on fuel and maintenance
- Urban dwellers who want easy storage and transport
- Adventure seekers who crave a more exciting alternative to the traditional fishing boat
Even better? It’s newbie-friendly. If you’re just getting into personal watercraft, this model offers a fine balance of control, speed, and comfort.
Final Thoughts: A New Way to Fish
If you’re ready to shake up your usual fishing routine, the Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 160LX-S Angler offers a fresh, fun alternative. It’s quick to launch, easy to handle, and built with anglers in mind. From rod holders to a fishfinder mount, this Jet Ski does a lot more than just zip around the lake—it transforms how we think about fishing from a PWC.
So, next time you’re stuck in traffic hauling that big boat, ask yourself: Could a fishing Jet Ski be the smarter move?
Whether you’re cruising along the coast or dropping lines in a hidden cove, this jet-powered fishing machine brings a whole new vibe to angling. One ride, and you might never look at fishing the same way again.
Looking to buy one soon?
Make sure to check local dealers and marine expos for availability, especially if you’re itching to beat the crowds this summer. With its big features in a sleek package, the Ultra 160LX-S is making waves in the fishing world—and they’re worth catching.
Happy fishing! 🎣