Phuket Fishing Charters
Phuket fishing charters head into the Andaman Sea for sailfish, marlin, tuna, dorado, and wahoo, with reefs and islands producing snapper, grouper, trevally, and barracuda.
Top Rated Charters in Phuket
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Phuket, TH Fishing Guide
Phuket is Thailand’s premier saltwater fishing hub, with a large fleet of sportfishing boats based in Chalong Bay, Patong, and Rawai. The island sits right on the edge of the Andaman Sea, so charters have quick access to both inshore reefs and offshore pelagic grounds. Half-day trips typically stay around nearby islands like Racha Yai or Coral Island, producing reef fish such as snapper, grouper, queenfish, and trevally. Full-day trips run farther out to Racha Noi, Phi Phi Islands, or offshore banks where sailfish, marlin, dorado, and tuna patrol. Multi-day expeditions reach the Similan and Surin Islands, offering untouched waters and trophy pelagics.
The structure here is varied—fringing reefs, steep drop-offs, and offshore current lines all within range. Inshore, limestone islands and coral reefs provide excellent bottom fishing for snapper and grouper, as well as action from barracuda and trevally. Offshore, currents draw in migratory species, with sailfish and dorado common much of the year and marlin showing up in deeper water. Because the Andaman drops steeply, boats can often start trolling pelagic waters less than an hour from the marina.
Seasons are defined by the monsoons. The northeast monsoon (November–April) is the peak fishing window, with calm seas and excellent offshore action for sailfish, marlin, dorado, and tuna. The southwest monsoon (May–October) brings rougher seas but strong reef and inshore fishing, with trevally, snapper, and grouper very reliable. Barracuda are present year-round, striking both bait and lures. Phuket also hosts international fishing tournaments, highlighting its role as Thailand’s offshore capital.
Techniques are diverse. Offshore trolling with skirted lures and rigged ballyhoo targets sailfish, marlin, and dorado. Wahoo are taken on high-speed trolling rigs. Tuna respond to trolling, live baiting, and jigging around current lines. Inshore, cut bait, squid, and vertical jigs produce snapper and grouper, while heavy poppers and stickbaits are thrown for giant trevally. With options for casual reef trips, serious offshore hunts, and even liveaboard expeditions, Phuket delivers the most complete fishery in Thailand.
Fishing Seasons in Phuket
Spring (March–May)
Spring brings warm, calm seas with excellent offshore opportunities. Sailfish and dorado are abundant, tuna bite well offshore, and marlin begin to show up on deeper ledges. Inshore, trevally and snapper stay active on reefs, making mixed trips productive.
Summer (June–August)
Summer falls under the southwest monsoon, which can limit long offshore runs, but reef and inshore action is excellent. Snapper, grouper, and barracuda bite aggressively on bait rigs and jigs. On calm days, tuna and dorado are still taken offshore. Trevally hit topwater lures around island channels, adding sport on light tackle.
Fall (September–November)
Fall transitions into calmer seas, and offshore action kicks up again. Sailfish and dorado appear in good numbers, and wahoo strike along offshore drop-offs. Reef fishing remains steady, with grouper, snapper, and trevally all feeding heavily. This is one of the most balanced seasons for both offshore and inshore trips.
Winter (December–February)
Winter is peak season in Phuket. Calm seas and clear skies allow consistent offshore trolling for sailfish, blue marlin, tuna, and dorado. Wahoo also peak along drop-offs. Reef trips continue to produce snapper, grouper, and trevally around the islands. Many multi-day trips run to the Similans this season, offering pristine fishing grounds.
Gamefish in Phuket
- Sailfish – 60–100 lbs. Offshore year-round, strongest in winter and spring, taken trolling rigged baits and skirted lures.
- Blue Marlin – 150–400 lbs. Peak in winter and spring offshore, caught trolling large skirted lures and skipjack.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 20–80 lbs. Offshore in spring and winter, taken trolling, jigging, and live baiting around currents.
- Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) – 10–25 lbs. Peak in winter and fall, offshore near floating debris and weed lines.
- Wahoo – 20–40 lbs. Offshore in fall and winter, best on high-speed trolling rigs.
- Giant Trevally (GT) – 20–80 lbs. Found around reefs and island drop-offs, year-round, taken on heavy poppers and stickbaits.
- Snapper – 2–10 lbs. Common on reefs and wrecks, strongest in summer and fall, best with cut bait.
- Grouper – 10–30 lbs. Reef resident year-round, targeted with live bait and vertical jigs.
- Barracuda – 10–25 lbs. Present year-round, taken on trolling lures and drifted bait around reefs.
Phuket Fishing FAQs
Where do Phuket charters depart from?
Most boats leave from Chalong Bay, with some based in Patong and Rawai. Longer liveaboards depart for the Similan and Surin Islands.
What types of trips are common in Phuket?
Half-day trips target reefs for snapper, grouper, and barracuda. Full-day trips troll offshore for sailfish, marlin, tuna, and dorado. Multi-day expeditions explore remote islands.
Do I need a fishing license in Thailand?
No personal fishing license is required when fishing with a licensed operator, though marine parks may require entry permits.
When is the best time to fish Phuket?
December through April is peak offshore season for sailfish, marlin, dorado, and tuna. Summer monsoon months favor reef and inshore fishing.
What techniques are used by Phuket captains?
Offshore trolling with skirted lures and rigged baits is standard. Reef trips use cut bait, squid, and jigs, while popping and stickbaiting target GTs.
What species can I catch nearshore?
Snapper, grouper, trevally, queenfish, and barracuda dominate the reefs and island drop-offs.
How close is the fishing to shore?
Reefs are reached in 30–40 minutes, and offshore pelagic grounds start within 1–2 hours of Chalong Bay
How many anglers can fish on a Phuket charter?
Smaller boats carry 2–4 anglers, while larger offshore vessels can take 6–8 or more.
Are combo fishing and snorkeling trips available?
Yes, many operators combine fishing with snorkeling or island-hopping for mixed groups