Charter Fishing in Thailand
Thailand offers fishing across offshore Gulf and Andaman waters, inshore coastal flats and reefs, and freshwater rivers and lakes.
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Thailand Fishing Guide
Thailand’s fisheries are split between two coasts: the Gulf of Thailand to the east and the Andaman Sea to the west. The Andaman, with ports like Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Lanta, offers access to deep offshore grounds where sailfish, marlin, tuna, and dorado migrate. The Gulf, stretching from Pattaya to Koh Samui, is better known for sailfish, mackerel, barracuda, and reef species such as grouper and snapper. Inland, reservoirs like Ratchaburi and Bung Sam Lan are world-famous for giant freshwater species, including arapaima, Mekong catfish, and giant snakehead.
Seasonal bite patterns follow monsoons. The dry season (November to April) provides the calmest seas and best offshore action for sailfish, marlin, tuna, and dorado. The wet season (May to October) sees rougher seas in some areas but excellent freshwater fishing in stocked lakes and rivers, plus steady inshore reef action. Sailfish are caught year-round, with peak runs off Koh Tao and Koh Samui in the Gulf. Giant snakehead in rivers bite best in hotter months, while arapaima and catfish are available year-round in managed lakes.
Thailand’s charter industry is well developed. Phuket is the offshore hub, with fleets of sportfishing boats offering half-day, full-day, and multi-day trips to the Similan Islands and beyond. Pattaya and Koh Samui run coastal trips for sailfish, mackerel, and barracuda. Freshwater fishing is just as big, with guided day trips to stocked lakes outside Bangkok producing exotic trophy fish. Boats range from local longtails and converted skiffs to full sportfishers equipped with trolling gear.
Techniques include trolling lures and rigged baits offshore for marlin, sailfish, and tuna; jigging and popping for giant trevally; and bottom fishing with cut bait for grouper, snapper, and cobia. Inshore, live bait and plugs produce barracuda and queenfish. Freshwater anglers rely on fly fishing, spinning tackle, and heavy bait rigs for giant catfish, arapaima, and snakehead. Thailand demands adaptability—anglers may troll offshore one day and wrestle a 200 lb Mekong catfish the next.
Fishing Seasons Thailand
Spring
March through May sees hot, calm weather, ideal for offshore action. Sailfish and tuna are strong in both the Gulf and Andaman, while dorado appear in growing numbers. Freshwater fishing peaks for snakehead in rivers, with catfish and arapaima active in lakes. Offshore trolling and inshore light tackle are both productive.
Summer
June through August is wet season, with rougher offshore conditions, especially in the Andaman. Gulf waters remain more accessible, with steady sailfish and mackerel fishing. Freshwater fishing thrives, with arapaima, catfish, and carp highly active. Most anglers focus on lakes and reservoirs during this period, while inshore reef trips continue with snapper and grouper.
Fall
September through October continues wet-season patterns, but offshore fishing begins to improve late in the season. Sailfish runs strengthen in the Gulf, while dorado and tuna appear offshore. Freshwater remains productive, especially for catfish and snakehead. Reef fishing continues steady, with jigging effective around structures.
Winter
November through February is prime offshore season. The Andaman coast produces marlin, sailfish, tuna, and dorado in excellent numbers, while the Gulf sees massive sailfish schools. Freshwater fishing remains strong, though most attention shifts offshore. This is Thailand’s busiest charter season, with trolling dominating offshore trips.
Top Fishing Regions
Phuket & Andaman Sea
Phuket is Thailand’s offshore fishing hub, with access to marlin, sailfish, tuna, and dorado. The Similan Islands and offshore seamounts produce big-game catches in winter and spring. Reef fishing for grouper, snapper, and trevally is steady year-round. Charters range from day trips to multi-day liveaboards.
Pattaya (Gulf of Thailand)
Easily accessible from Bangkok, Pattaya offers coastal fishing for sailfish, mackerel, barracuda, and reef species. Offshore trips target dorado and tuna in season. Many charters cater to tourists, with half-day and full-day outings common.
Koh Samui & Koh Tao
The Gulf islands are known for their seasonal sailfish runs, along with mackerel, dorado, and barracuda. Inshore reefs provide snapper and grouper. Charter fleets are smaller than Phuket but productive, especially during peak sailfish months in winter.
Krabi & Koh Lanta
Krabi’s inshore waters produce trevally, queenfish, and barracuda, while offshore trips target marlin and tuna. The area is less crowded than Phuket but offers excellent reef fishing and island-hopping charters.
Bangkok & Ratchaburi Lakes
Just outside Bangkok, stocked fishing lakes like Bung Sam Lan and IT Lake Monsters provide world-class freshwater action. Anglers target giant Mekong catfish, arapaima, and carp year-round, with guides supplying heavy gear.
Northern Rivers & Reservoirs
Reservoirs and rivers in northern Thailand hold snakehead, tilapia, and catfish. Local anglers often use lures and bait rigs, with snakehead fishing best in the hot season. Guided trips are available but less commercial than southern charters.
Top Gamefish in Thailand
- Sailfish – 40 to 120 lb. Abundant offshore, especially in the Gulf of Thailand, year-round with peaks in winter and spring, targeted by trolling and live baiting.
- Blue Marlin – 150 to 500 lb. Found offshore in the Andaman, best November to April, taken by trolling lures and rigged baits.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 20 to 100 lb. Offshore Andaman waters, best in winter and spring, targeted by trolling, jigging, and live bait.
- Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) – 10 to 30 lb. Offshore both coasts, peak winter, caught by trolling and casting.
- Giant Trevally (GT) – 10 to 80 lb. Found around reefs and drop-offs, best in dry season, targeted by popping, jigging, and live bait.
- Grouper – 5 to 40 lb. Common along reefs, available year-round, taken with cut bait and vertical jigs.
- Mekong Catfish – 50 to 200+ lb. Stocked in lakes near Bangkok, caught year-round, targeted with heavy bait rigs and strong tackle.
- Arapaima – 50 to 200+ lb. Found in managed lakes, caught year-round, targeted with fly, lures, or bait.
Thailand Fishing FAQs
Do I need a fishing license in Thailand?
For recreational fishing, no license is required for saltwater or stocked lakes. Some reservoirs may require local permits.
What is the best time to fish in Thailand?
November to April is prime offshore season for marlin, sailfish, tuna, and dorado. Freshwater fishing is consistent year-round, peaking in the rainy season.
Where are the most popular fishing spots in Thailand?
Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Krabi, and Bangkok’s stocked lakes are the main hubs for sportfishing.
How long are typical fishing trips?
Half-day trips target reef species or lakes, while full-day charters run offshore for pelagics. Multi-day liveaboards explore remote islands.
What gear should I bring for fishing in Thailand?
Most charters provide heavy trolling and jigging gear. Anglers may bring popping rods, fly tackle, or specialized gear for giant catfish and arapaima.
Are there regulations on keeping fish in Thailand?
Catch-and-release is common for billfish, GTs, and lake exotics. Reef species may be kept within limits, but many charters encourage release.
Is Thailand fishing family-friendly?
Yes, lake trips for giant catfish or half-day reef charters are ideal for families. Offshore big-game trips are more demanding.
Can I fish from shore in Thailand?
Yes, especially for barracuda, trevally, and queenfish around beaches and piers. Access varies depending on tides and local conditions.
How much does a fishing charter cost in Thailand?
Half-day reef trips start around $150–$250, while full-day offshore trips range $300–$700. Freshwater lake trips cost $100–$300 depending on target species.