Offshore jet ski fishing delivers unmatched excitement—but it demands respect. Miles from shore, safety gear isn’t optional—it’s your lifeline. These 10 essential items are what every offshore PWC angler needs to stay prepared and protected.
1. Mustang Topwater PFD
When you’re fishing offshore on a jet ski, you need more than flotation—you need function. The Mustang Topwater Foam Vest delivers both. Built with tough ripstop nylon, it offers 15.7 pounds of USCG approved buoyancy, along with storage for pliers, a personal locator beacon, or quick-access tools.
The streamlined design stays secure and comfortable in chop or swell, while the front lash tab and drop-down bridge keep essentials within reach. It’s a serious vest for serious anglers—one that won’t get in the way when you’re working a drift or leaning into a fight.
2. ACR Personal Locator Beacon
Cell service cuts out quickly offshore, and when it does, the ACR ResQLink View RLS takes over. This compact, buoyant personal locator beacon connects directly to the global 406 MHz satellite system, transmitting your exact GPS location to search and rescue authorities.
The Return Link Service (RLS) feature confirms your distress signal was received—providing instant peace of mind when every minute counts. With a 5-year battery and no subscription required, it’s one of the most important safety tools you can carry offshore. Clip it to your vest and forget it—until you really need it.
3. ACR LED Flare
Traditional flares are single-use, short-lived, and hazardous to store. The ACR ResQFlare PRO changes that. This high-intensity LED flare is waterproof, floats, and meets U.S. Coast Guard visual distress signal standards (with included daytime distress flag).
Visible beyond 8 nautical miles and rated for over three hours of continuous runtime, it provides a long-lasting, reusable alternative without the risks of pyrotechnics. In an offshore emergency, visibility is survival—and this flare makes sure you’re seen, day or night.
4. Jet Tech Intake Recovery Tool
A blocked intake can bring your ride to an abrupt halt—and ruin your day offshore. The Jet Tech Intake Recovery Tool is a no-brainer for serious jet ski anglers. Made from durable ceramic-reinforced nylon and fitted with a razor-sharp Damascus steel blade, it’s designed to quickly clear weeds, rope, and debris.
Its dual-purpose head lets you easily push or pull obstructions, and its compact design stores neatly on your PWC. When you’re miles from shore, having this tool on hand means more time fishing and less time stranded.
5. Icom Handheld VHF Radio
Offshore, your cell phone won’t cut it. A dependable VHF radio is your essential link to other boats, the Coast Guard, and rescue services. The Icom IC-M94D is waterproof, floats if dropped, and features Digital Selective Calling (DSC) with integrated GPS—allowing you to send an automated distress signal with your exact coordinates instantly.
Beyond emergency use, it provides access to weather updates and communication with nearby vessels, critical for staying aware of changing conditions. When you’re miles from shore, quick and clear communication can be the difference between a minor problem and a major incident.
6. ACR RAW Pro 2 Headlamp
If you’re ever stranded after dark, visibility becomes a matter of safety. The ACR Exposure RAW Pro 2 Marine Headlamp delivers reliable, hands-free lighting in critical situations—whether you’re diagnosing a mechanical issue, checking lines, or signaling for help.
Designed for the marine environment, it’s fully waterproof and compact, with both bright white and red-light modes. The headlamp mounts easily or wears comfortably, giving you clear vision without occupying your hands. In an offshore emergency, it’s the kind of gear that keeps small problems from becoming big ones.
7. Jet Tech Offshore Anchor Kit
If your engine fails offshore, your PWC can quickly become a helpless target for wind, current, and waves—drifting toward hazards or far from your intended location. A compact anchor like the Jet Tech SafeGuard model lets you stop the drift, stabilize your position, and buy crucial time while you troubleshoot or wait for help. Its floating line ensures easy retrieval even in rough conditions, making it an essential tool to avoid dangerous, uncontrolled drift in open water.
8. Jet Tech Rod Holder Leash
In offshore conditions, it doesn’t take much—a sudden swell, a sharp turn, or a hard strike from a big fish—to lose a rod overboard. The Jet Tech Rod Holder Leash is designed to keep your tackle secure by tethering the rod to your PWC’s cleat, adding a vital layer of protection.
Constructed with durable bungee and stainless hardware, it absorbs movement without restricting action. Whether you’re drifting in chop, or fighting a powerful fish, this leash keeps your rod from bouncing loose or getting pulled out of the holder. Offshore, tackle loss isn’t just inconvenient—it’s costly. This simple add-on makes sure your investment stays on board.
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9. KIDDE Mariner PWC Fire Extinguisher
Engine fires on a jet ski are rare—but when they happen offshore, there’s no time to hesitate. The KIDDE Mariner PWC Fire Extinguisher is compact, USCG-approved, and designed specifically for marine use. It mounts within easy reach and delivers fast-acting dry-chemical suppression for flammable liquids and electrical fires.
In a confined space like a jet ski hull, a small fire can escalate quickly. Having the right extinguisher on board gives you the ability to respond immediately—protecting your craft, your gear, and your own safety while you’re far from help.
10. Jet Tech PWC Recovery Tow Line
If your engine dies offshore or you get caught drifting in current, a reliable tow line can be your ticket home. The Jet Tech PWC Recovery Tow Line is built specifically for personal watercraft, featuring a 33-foot floating line in high-visibility red and yellow, rated to 1,102 pounds of tensile strength.
Stainless steel snap hook carabiners make attachment fast and secure, while the compact storage bag keeps it stowed and ready. Whether you’re assisting a buddy or need a tow yourself, this is the kind of gear that turns a bad situation into a manageable one.
