Krabi Fishing Charters
Krabi fishing charters head into the Andaman Sea for sailfish, marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo, while limestone cliffs and reefs hold snapper, grouper, trevally, and barracuda.
Top Rated Charters in Krabi
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Krabi, TH Fishing Guide
Krabi sits on Thailand’s southwest coast, with charters running directly out of Ao Nang, Railay, and nearby piers into the deep Andaman. The seafloor drops quickly just beyond the islands, so boats are trolling pelagic waters within an hour of departure. Half-day trips often stay nearshore around islands like Koh Poda and Chicken Island, targeting snapper, grouper, trevally, and barracuda on bottom rigs and light tackle. Full-day trips push farther offshore toward Phi Phi Islands or the open sea, where marlin, sailfish, dorado, tuna, and wahoo roam current lines and deep ledges.
The structure here is unique. Karst limestone islands rise out of the sea, with reef systems, drop-offs, and sandy flats all close together. Inshore waters are productive for reef species, while offshore grounds give anglers a real shot at pelagics without long runs. Some charters also mix fishing with snorkeling or island-hopping, popular with families.
Seasonal shifts define the fishery. The dry season (November–April) brings calm seas and peak pelagic fishing, with sailfish, marlin, dorado, and tuna offshore. The southwest monsoon (May–October) brings rougher weather but excellent reef fishing, with snapper, grouper, trevally, and queenfish biting well. Barracuda are available year-round, often adding action even on slower days.
Techniques depend on the trip. Offshore boats troll skirted lures and rigged baits for sailfish, marlin, dorado, and tuna. Wahoo are taken on high-speed trolling runs. Inshore and reef trips use bottom rigs with squid or cut bait, plus vertical jigging and soft plastics for grouper, snapper, and trevally. Popping for giant trevally is also popular around reef edges. With its combination of calm nearshore waters and quick offshore access, Krabi delivers a balance of variety and accessibility.
Fishing Seasons in Krabi
Spring (March–May)
Spring is the tail end of dry season, with warm, calm seas and excellent offshore action. Sailfish and marlin remain strong offshore, along with dorado and tuna. Inshore reefs around the islands produce snapper, grouper, and trevally on jigs and bait rigs. Early mornings are best to avoid heat and boat traffic.
Summer (June–August)
Summer falls under the southwest monsoon, which can limit offshore runs but lights up reef fishing. Snapper, grouper, and barracuda bite aggressively around limestone islands. Trevally and queenfish hit topwater lures around current edges. Calm days still allow offshore trolling for tuna and dorado, though pelagics are less consistent.
Fall (September–November)
Fall begins with monsoon tailwinds and transitions to calmer seas. Offshore action picks up quickly, with sailfish and dorado leading the charge, along with wahoo on drop-offs. Reef fishing remains steady, with trevally, grouper, and snapper all feeding hard as waters cool slightly. This is a strong season for both offshore and reef variety.
Winter (December–February)
Winter is the peak season in Krabi. Calm seas and clear skies allow consistent offshore trips. Sailfish are at their best, with marlin and tuna mixed in offshore. Dorado remain thick, and wahoo strike fast-trolled lures. Inshore reefs keep producing, with snapper, grouper, and trevally reliable around the islands. This is the most popular time of year for visiting anglers.
Gamefish in Krabi
- Sailfish – 60–100 lbs. Best in winter and spring offshore, taken trolling skirted lures and ballyhoo.
- Blue Marlin – 150–400 lbs. Summer and winter offshore, caught trolling large skirted lures.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 20–80 lbs. Offshore in winter and spring, taken trolling and jigging near current lines.
- Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) – 10–25 lbs. Peak in winter and fall, caught trolling lures and casting near debris.
- Wahoo – 20–40 lbs. Offshore in fall and winter, best on high-speed trolling rigs.
- Giant Trevally (GT) – 20–80 lbs. Found year-round on reefs and island channels, taken on heavy poppers and jigs.
- Snapper – 2–10 lbs. Common on reefs, best in summer and fall with cut bait or jigs.
- Grouper – 10–30 lbs. Reef resident year-round, strongest in summer, taken with live bait and vertical jigs.
- Barracuda – 10–25 lbs. Found year-round near reefs and drop-offs, taken on trolling lures and bait.
Krabi Fishing FAQs
Where do Krabi fishing charters depart from?
Most charters leave from Ao Nang or Krabi Town piers, with some also running out of Railay or Koh Lanta.
What types of trips are common in Krabi?
Half-day trips focus on reef fishing around nearby islands. Full-day trips head offshore toward Phi Phi and deeper Andaman waters for pelagics
Do I need a fishing license in Thailand?
No personal license is required when fishing with a licensed operator, though some marine parks may have restrictions.
When is the best time to fish Krabi?
December through April is peak offshore season for sailfish, marlin, dorado, and tuna. Reef fishing is reliable year-round, strongest during the monsoon months.
What techniques do Krabi captains use?
Offshore trolling for pelagics is standard, while bottom rigs, vertical jigging, and popping are used on reefs and islands.
What species can I catch close to shore?
Snapper, grouper, trevally, queenfish, and barracuda are common around limestone islands and nearshore reefs.
How close is the fishing to shore in Krabi?
Reef fishing starts within 20–30 minutes, and offshore pelagic grounds are reached in 1–2 hours depending on the target.
How many anglers can fish on a Krabi charter?
Small local boats carry 2–4 anglers, while larger offshore vessels can take 6–8 comfortably.
Are combo trips available in Krabi?
Yes, many operators combine fishing with snorkeling or island-hopping, making them popular for families.