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Ao Nang Fishing Charters

Wollongong fishing charters give anglers access to the Tasman Sea’s offshore grounds, inshore reefs, and local estuaries for snapper, kingfish, tuna, and flathead.

Top Rated Charters in Ao Nang

The Andaman Connection
Now Open

The Andaman Connection

Krabi, TH

TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Ao Nang, TH —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.

Wollongong, NSW Fishing Guide

Ao Nang operates as Krabi’s working launch point for serious fishing. The bay is shallow and tidal, but within five miles the water deepens quickly and the bottom turns to coral ridges and rocky ledges. Most charters depart from Nopparat Thara Pier, the main hub serving the Phi Phi and Railay routes. The fleet mixes local long-tails for inshore work and fiberglass sportfishers up to 40 feet for deeper runs.

The fishery is layered. Inside the bay, mangrove-lined channels and mud flats hold barramundi, snapper, and queenfish — best worked on lighter spinning tackle with soft plastics or live prawns. Around the limestone cliffs of Railay and Tonsai, GTs, barracuda, and reef cod hit jigs and trolled lures in the current seams. Offshore, captains run 20–40 miles toward Koh Yawasam, Koh Yawabon, and the edges of Koh Phi Phi Don. The bottom here breaks sharply, producing fertile feeding zones for sailfish, wahoo, and mahi-mahi when the water clears.

Most charters run year-round, but the tone of the trips changes with the wind. From November to April, calm seas and clear visibility make for prime offshore trolling. During the southwest monsoon (May–October), captains shift inshore, working the leeward sides of islands or running up mangrove creeks for sheltered sessions. Squid and cut bait keep the action going when the weather limits travel.

Ao Nang doesn’t have the heavy marlin scene of Phuket, but its mixed grounds and calmer logistics make it ideal for half-day and full-day sport fishing. The area’s smaller coves offer good protection, and tides push nutrients into narrow channels that feed every layer of the food chain. What Ao Nang lacks in big-game prestige, it makes up for with sheer variety and accessibility — every tide brings something worth casting at.

Fishing Seasons in Ao Nang

January – March

The Andaman flattens under the northeast wind. Clear water, long sightlines, and light current make this the peak trolling window for sailfish, wahoo, and mahi-mahi between Phi Phi and Koh Yawasam. Inshore reefs come alive with GTs and coral trout chasing sardine schools.

April – June

Transition season brings brief squalls and scattered rain. Water warms and pelagics move closer to shore. Anglers mix bluewater trolling in the mornings with bottom sessions over coral ledges in the afternoon. Excellent for variety — snapper, trevally, barracuda, and cod.

July – September

Southwest monsoon season. Seas are rough outside, so charters focus on mangrove creeks and nearshore islands in the lee. Barramundi, snapper, and queenfish dominate. Short runs, but steady bites. Good time for light tackle and jigging.

October – December

Winds settle and the water clears again. Wahoo, sailfish, and GTs return to the island edges. Captains resume full offshore trips toward Phi Phi and Racha grounds. Consistent mixed-bag action before the high season surge.

Primarily Gamefish in Ao Nang

  • Sailfish — The Andaman’s signature pelagic near Krabi. Found along offshore current lines from January to April. Excellent surface runs on teasers and lures.
  • Wahoo — Common along drop-offs beyond Phi Phi. Hits high-speed trolling spreads at 8–10 knots. Fast, clean fights.
  • Giant Trevally (GT) — Heavy inshore bruiser. Smashes poppers near cliffs and reefs; peaks around transitional tides.
  • Coral Trout — Brilliant reef predator. Best on slow jigs or live bait near rocky shelves and island slopes.
  • Snapper — Caught throughout the year; reliable in estuaries and nearshore reefs during the monsoon season.
  • Barramundi — Prize in mangrove creeks. Taken on live prawns, soft plastics, or shallow divers. Best during overcast or rising tides.
  • Barracuda — Year-round strikes trolling the island channels; aggressive on metal spoons and plugs.
  • Mahi-Mahi — Seasonal visitor in warm, clear water. Strikes surface lures; great table fish during April–June.

Ao Nang Fishing FAQs

Yes. Most operators provide rods, reels, terminal tackle, and fresh or frozen bait. You only need personal items and sunscreen.
Usually 25–60 miles, depending on conditions. Runs to Racha Noi or beyond can reach deep offshore ridges known for big pelagics.
For reef species, yes — captains often fillet them for guests. Billfish are released unless otherwise arranged for record or competition.
Not automatically. Captains adjust by staying within island shelter. Only sustained storms or unsafe swell stop operations.
Yes. Calm mornings, short inshore runs, and a mix of action species make it suitable for beginners and families.
November through April — the northeast monsoon brings stable seas, high clarity, and consistent marlin, sailfish, and wahoo activity.