Ultimate Full-Day Big Game Fishing & Trolling Tour

The main attraction here is simple: you spend a full day on the Andaman Sea, moving between fishing grounds near Koh Racha Yai and trying for tuna, mackerel, razorfish, and other local fish. I like that all fishing gear, bait, and lures are included, and I also like the chance to swim and snorkel instead of sitting on the boat with a quiet fishing line. The main caution is important: the name promises big game fishing, but the catch can be small, the sea can be rough, and trolling may not be productive or available in every season.

I also appreciate the hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, and maximum group size of 15. That makes the $104.17 price easier to understand, especially if you would otherwise need to arrange transport and rent equipment. Still, this is a fishing trip first, not a guaranteed trophy-fish charter. You need to be happy with a day on the water even if the fish fail to cooperate.

Key points at a glance

• Koh Racha Yai fishing grounds: The trip heads from Chalong Pier across the Andaman Sea toward one of Phuket’s better-known island areas.
• Trolling and bottom fishing: The crew supplies rods, bait, lures, and tackle, but the exact fishing method depends on conditions and season.
• Eddie and the boat crew: Eddie has been praised for being entertaining and helpful, while the wider crew earns strong marks for smooth service.
• Thai buffet lunch included: Food is served during the island stop, with drinking water and soft drinks available throughout the day.
• Snorkeling break: A mask and snorkel are included, though visibility and marine life can vary sharply with weather and water conditions.
• Pickup from much of Phuket: Central Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai, Naitharn, Yacht Club, Ban Krating, Chalong, and Kalim Beach hotels are generally covered.

Setting out from Chalong at 8 a.m.

Your day begins with an 8 a.m. start, though hotel pickup can come 30 to 90 minutes earlier. That window matters. If you are staying near Chalong, you may reach the pier fairly quickly. From farther north or west, you should be ready early and expect a longer morning before the boat even reaches open water.

Pickup is offered from many central Phuket areas, including Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai, Naitharn, Chalong, and Kalim Beach. Extra charges apply from some outer areas: 200 baht per person from Surin, Bangtao, and Kamala; 1,200 baht per group from Panwa; and 800 baht per group from Rawai, Yanui, and Naithorn.

The transfer is useful if you do not have a rental car or want to avoid finding Chalong Pier yourself. It also means the day is fairly structured. You are not simply meeting at the dock whenever convenient, so keep breakfast light if you are prone to seasickness and bring the items you need before leaving your hotel.

The boat ride toward Koh Racha Yai

From Chalong Pier, the boat crosses the Andaman Sea toward Koh Racha Yai. The crossing is part of the appeal, but it is also the part most affected by wind and waves. Some days offer an easy ride. On others, the open-water journey can feel rough, particularly for anyone unused to boat travel.

The boat is described as modern and comfortable, with room for a maximum of 15 people. That is a reasonable group size for a shared fishing trip. You should have a better chance of getting help with your line than on a crowded party boat, and the crew can keep the day moving without trying to manage a very large crowd.

One practical detail is the footwear rule. Shoes may be collected and stored so nobody slips on the boat, which means you should expect to spend much of the trip barefoot. Bring a towel and a change of clothes, and keep your phone and other valuables protected from spray.

The boat carries drinking water and soft drinks throughout the day. Alcohol and controlled substances are not permitted, so this is a focused outdoor activity rather than a floating beach party.

Fishing near Koh Racha Yai

The planned fishing stop near Koh Racha Yai lasts about two hours, though the total time spent fishing can change with sea conditions, the season, and the crew’s judgment. The guide chooses a location and helps you use the provided trolling, bottom-fishing gear, lures, and bait.

The target list includes tuna, mackerel, razorfish, and other local fish. The word big game can set the bar too high, so I would treat those species as possible targets rather than promises. Catching a large fish is never guaranteed, and some outings produce only small groupers or skipjack tuna. On some days, nobody catches anything.

That uncertainty is the central issue with this trip. If your main goal is to land a large tuna, sailfish, or wahoo, you may prefer a private charter designed around a specific season and species. This shared excursion gives you access to equipment, a guide, and a full day at sea for a moderate price, but it does not give you control over the fish population, water conditions, or seasonal runs.

Trolling is especially dependent on timing. One outing took place outside the best trolling season, which meant the fishing did not match the guest’s expectations. The operator has also acknowledged that seasonal conditions can change what is offered. Ask about the current trolling season before booking if catching a large fish is your main reason for going.

Bottom fishing gives the day a second option. Instead of waiting only for a fast-moving fish, you may fish closer to the reef for smaller species. That can make the trip more active, but it is not the same as big game fishing. Set your expectations accordingly.

Eddie, the crew, and the hands-on help

A good crew matters on a fishing trip, especially if you are new to trolling or bottom fishing. Eddie has been singled out for being entertaining and helpful, and the crew as a whole has earned strong praise for professional, hard-working service.

That does not mean the crew can guarantee a catch. Their value is in choosing the fishing area, setting up the tackle, explaining the process, and helping you handle the equipment. If you catch a fish, they can help with the practical work. If the fish stay away, their attitude can make the long stretches between bites more pleasant.

The crew also keeps the outing organized. The boat staff handles food, fishing equipment, drinks, and the swimming stop, so you do not need to bring your own rod or know how to rig bait. This makes the trip suitable for beginners and mixed groups where one person enjoys fishing and another mainly wants a day at sea.

Lunch and the break in the water

A Thai buffet-style lunch is included. Reports describe the food as plentiful and well prepared, although one meal was described as more modest, with salad, wings, and rice. The sensible expectation is a practical boat lunch, not a restaurant meal.

The food is one of the stronger parts of the package because it keeps you from needing to buy lunch separately while you are offshore. In one especially memorable detail, freshly caught tuna was eaten raw with the meal. That possibility depends on the catch and preparation, so do not treat it as a guaranteed menu item.

The day also includes time for swimming and snorkeling near the island. Masks and snorkels are supplied, which is convenient if you do not have your own. Still, the water may be cloudy, and visibility can be poor. One outing produced little to see underwater, while another had a good snorkeling stop.

This is why I see snorkeling as a useful bonus rather than the main reason to book. If the fishing is slow, a swim can break up the day. If clear water and coral viewing are your priority, you may want a dedicated snorkeling trip instead.

What the $104.17 price really covers

At $104.17 per person, the cost is fair if you value a full day on the water and want several practical inclusions in one booking. You get the boat cruise, fishing equipment, bait and lures, snorkeling gear, lunch, water, soft drinks, a local guide, and round-trip transport from selected parts of Phuket.

The price is less attractive if you measure value only by the number or size of fish caught. A quiet fishing day can feel expensive, particularly when the trip is advertised around big game fishing. The boat, crew, meal, and transport still have value, but they may not make up for a missed catch if fishing is your only goal.

The group limit of 15 helps. You are not paying for a private boat, but you are also less likely to be packed into a very large crowd. A shared trip at this size is a sensible middle ground for couples, families with older children, and small groups of friends.

Extra transfer fees can change the final cost. Check your hotel location before booking, especially if you are staying in Surin, Bangtao, Kamala, Panwa, Yanui, or Naithorn. The listed price also does not remove the need to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a swimsuit, towel, and spare clothing.

Sea conditions, comfort, and who should skip it

The operator can change the program or cancel the trip because of weather, tides, sea conditions, or safety concerns. No refund is provided for changes made during the program, so you need to accept that the route and activities may not go exactly as planned.

You should have a moderate level of physical fitness. This is an active day involving transfers, time on a moving boat, fishing equipment, and getting in and out of the water. The activity is not suitable if you are pregnant or have back, neck, joint, or muscular problems.

Children aged three and under can join free with a paying adult. Children aged one and under are not allowed. Since the day can include a long boat ride and uncertain fishing time, families should consider whether younger children will be comfortable offshore for about eight hours.

The experience requires at least two participants to operate. A solo booking is possible, but it can be cancelled if the minimum is not reached. In that case, an alternative date or refund is offered.

The cancellation terms are strict: the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. Make sure your plans, hotel, and travel dates are settled before paying.

Is this the right Phuket fishing trip for you?

I would book this tour if you want a reasonably priced shared day at sea with fishing, a Thai lunch, snorkeling, drinks, and hotel transport bundled together. It suits first-time anglers, couples, families with suitable children, and anyone who enjoys being on the water even when the catch is uncertain.

I would hesitate if you are choosing it solely to catch a large game fish. The strongest practical advice is to ask about the current trolling season before booking, then decide if you would still enjoy the day with only bottom fishing, a few small fish, or no catch at all.

For the right mindset, this is a pleasant all-day boat outing with fishing built in. For a guaranteed trophy catch, it is the wrong kind of promise to rely on.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8 a.m. Hotel pickup may take place 30 to 90 minutes before departure, depending on your hotel’s location.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from Chalong Pier and travels across the Andaman Sea toward Koh Racha Yai.

How long is the tour?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours. The fishing stop near Koh Racha Yai is listed as about two hours, though the schedule can change with conditions.

Is hotel pickup included?

Round-trip pickup is included from selected areas of Phuket, including many hotels in Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai, Chalong, and nearby locations. Extra charges apply for some outer areas.

What fishing equipment is provided?

Trolling and bottom-fishing equipment, lures, and bait are provided. You do not need to bring your own fishing gear.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Thai buffet-style lunch is included, along with drinking water and soft drinks during the day.

Can I snorkel during the tour?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, including a mask and snorkel, is included. Water clarity and marine life can vary with conditions.

Is the tour suitable for children and people with health concerns?

Children aged three and under may join free with a paying adult, but children aged one and under are not allowed. The tour is not recommended for pregnant people or anyone with back, neck, joint, or muscular problems, and participants should have moderate physical fitness.