Koh Lipe: Sailfish Fishing Full Day, Live Bait Drifting – An Authentic Marine Adventure
Fishing in Koh Lipe offers something more than just catching fish — it’s about connecting with the sea, the local culture, and the thrill of the chase. This full-day sailfish fishing tour, hosted by Family Song Tours and Travels, promises a genuine experience with seasoned local anglers, a chance to fish in the Gulf of Thailand’s abundant waters, and the opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood on the beach.
What We Love About This Experience
First, we really appreciate the authenticity of fishing with local sea gypsies, whose knowledge and skill add a special charm and credibility to the trip. Second, the all-inclusive approach, with hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, and even fish cooking, simplifies planning and ensures a hassle-free day. Lastly, the flexibility in techniques and the focus on big-game fishing, like sailfish, makes it appealing for anglers seeking a true challenge.
A Potential Consideration is the weather dependence — sea conditions can alter departure times or lead to rescheduling, which could be inconvenient for travelers with tight schedules. Also, the strict no-refund policy might be a concern for those hesitant about weather unpredictability or last-minute changes.
This tour suits adventure seekers, avid anglers, or those wanting to experience Koh Lipe’s marine life in an active way. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or a curious traveler, this trip offers a blend of authentic fishing and culture in a beautiful setting.
- Good To Know
- Diving Into the Full Day of Sailfish Fishing
- Starting the Day: Pickup and Preparation
- The Itinerary: From Bait to Big Fish
- Techniques and Equipment
- The Big Catch: Sailfish and Other Species
- The Lunch and Drinks
- Weather and Rescheduling Policies
- What You Can Expect Throughout the Day
- The Price and Its Value
- Is It Worth It?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Best Of Ko Lipe!
- More Fishing Tours in Ko Lipe
- More Tour Reviews in Ko Lipe
- Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Ko Lipe we have reviewed
Good To Know
- Authentic Local Experience: Fish alongside seasoned sea gypsies who know the waters intimately.
- Full-Day Excursion: Enjoy approximately 7 hours of fishing, including bait collection and big-game targeting.
- All-Inclusive Convenience: Hotel pickup, lunch, drinks, and fish cooking are covered, reducing extra planning.
- Flexible Techniques: Options include trolling, live bait drifting, jigging, popping, and spinning, depending on your interest.
- Weather Considerations: Departure times may change based on sea conditions; bad weather can lead to rescheduling or refunds.
- Cost and Equipment: Prices are designed to reflect value, with extra gear and fish purchases available but at additional costs.
👉 See our pick of the Best Tours In Ko Lipe
Diving Into the Full Day of Sailfish Fishing

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ko Lipe
Starting the Day: Pickup and Preparation
The experience kicks off early with free hotel pickup around 9 am, a thoughtful touch that avoids the hassle of navigating to the meeting point. You’ll meet at Family Song Koh Lipe Tours and Travels, located at the Family Restaurant on Pattaya Beach, with coordinates provided for ease. From there, a comfortable ride to the boat sets the tone for the day ahead.
The Itinerary: From Bait to Big Fish
Once aboard, the day’s rhythm begins with collecting live bait using Sabiki rigs — a skill that’s part of the fun. As one reviewer pointed out, “We caught enough bait early on,” which is crucial since live bait drifting is the primary technique for targeting sailfish here. Using live bait in drifting around Koh Adang, the guides aim to attract these swift predators.
Expect to spend the first part of the day finesse-fishing with Sabiki rigs and leads, honing your bait collection skills. As the bait is gathered, the action shifts toward big game — sailfish, known for their spectacular leaps and fierce fight, are abundant in these waters. The guides are experienced in choosing the best fishing spots, which they believe increases your chances of a successful catch.
Techniques and Equipment
The tour offers a variety of fishing techniques, including trolling, jigging, popping, and spinning, with gear provided based on your paid options. You’ll be given two Sabiki rigs, two leads per angler, and two jigs or poppers, but extra gear and lures are available for purchase if desired. Equipment is high-quality, but damage or loss will incur charges, so treat the gear with care.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Big Catch: Sailfish and Other Species
The highlight is undoubtedly the chance to catch sailfish, prized for their agility and size. The trip guarantees an authentic experience, with guides eager to help you land big fish if luck is on your side. Some reviews mention catching fish that are then cooked at the Family Restaurant during high season, giving you a memorable meal of your own catch. The restaurant is open only during high season, so timing is key if you hope to savor your fish.
The Lunch and Drinks
Included in the package is a lunch-box with rice, fruit, water, soft drinks, and ice, which is perfect for refueling during the day. The focus on simplicity keeps you energized without heavy fare, allowing you to stay alert for the fishing action. If you manage to catch enough fish and want to cook it, the restaurant offers a BBQ service — a delightful way to enjoy your efforts right on the beach.
Weather and Rescheduling Policies
Sea conditions can influence the trip, and departures might change depending on tides and weather. The policy states that bad weather like waves and wind might lead to rescheduling or refunds, but cloudy or rainy days are not necessarily considered bad weather. It’s wise to keep flexible plans, especially during the high season when seas are generally calmer.
What You Can Expect Throughout the Day

Early Morning: Pickup, boat boarding, bait collection — this is where your adventure begins. The guides, often called “local sea gypsies,” are praised for their expertise and hospitality, making you feel comfortable right from the start.
Late Morning to Early Afternoon: Active fishing with drifting live bait, trying different techniques, and exploring the best spots around Koh Adang. Some reviews mention the guides’ tips and patience, making it suitable even for novice anglers wanting to learn.
Afternoon: The hunt for sailfish heats up. If successful, you’ll experience the thrill of fighting these swift fish, often under the watchful eyes of experienced guides. The possibility of cooking and enjoying your catch adds a rewarding finish to the day.
Late Afternoon: Return to Koh Lipe as the day winds down. If you’ve caught enough, enjoy a beachside dinner featuring your fish, or head back with plenty of stories and photos to share.
The Price and Its Value

The tour’s price reflects its all-inclusive nature — hotel pickup, fishing gear, bait, lunch, and fish cooking. For anglers, especially those keen on big-game fishing, this offers great value. The focus on authentic guides and techniques means you’re paying for a genuine experience rather than a generic fishing trip.
Extra costs include the purchase of fish if you want to keep it, which ranges from 300-400 THB per kg, or a whole sailfish at around 1200 THB. Gear damage or loss, extra lures, and special techniques like vertical jigging or popping involve additional fees, but these are clearly communicated upfront, avoiding surprises.
Is It Worth It?
Considering the quality of guides, the chance for a true big-game fishing thrill, and the opportunity to cook your catch, this tour offers excellent value for those passionate about fishing or seeking an active day out. The inclusive approach simplifies logistics and encourages you to focus on the experience rather than the details.
Final Thoughts

This Koh Lipe sailfish fishing tour balances adventure, culture, and practicality. The chance to fish with local experts, combined with the chance to enjoy freshly cooked seafood on a tropical beach, makes for a memorable day. While weather can influence plans, the flexibility and transparency of the policies are reassuring.
It’s a fantastic choice for anglers looking for a challenging, authentic experience, or travelers who want to step beyond snorkeling and island-hopping into the world of big-game fishing. The emphasis on local guides, combined with a well-rounded package, ensures you’ll leave with more than just memories — you’ll have stories and maybe even a prize catch.
Koh Lipe:Sailfish Fishing full day,live bait drifting.
Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel pickup, bait collection, fishing gear, a lunch box with rice, fruit, water, and drinks, and fish cooking if caught in high season.
What fishing techniques will I use?
You may fish using trolling, live bait drifting, jigging, popping, and spinning. Equipment provided depends on the paid technique, with options for extra gear at additional cost.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Fish belong to the boat, but you can buy your catch at 300-400 THB per kg or a whole sailfish for 1200 THB. Fish cooked on-site is free for one portion if caught during the trip.
What if the weather is bad?
Trips may be rescheduled or refunded if sea conditions are unsafe. Cloudy and rainy weather are not considered bad, but strong waves or wind will impact plans.
Is there a limit to the fishing techniques or gear?
Yes, two Sabiki rigs, two leads, and two jigs or poppers are included per person. Extra gear and lures must be paid for separately.
How long does the trip last?
The full day lasts approximately 7 hours, departing at 9 am and returning around 5 pm, depending on sea conditions.
Can I book this tour last minute?
Yes, you can reserve and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip. However, some techniques like vertical jigging require a deposit of 5000 THB per angler.
Is it suitable for families or non-anglers?
It’s primarily designed for anglers, and pregnant women are advised not to participate. However, non-anglers can enjoy the scenery and beach while others fish.
How many people are in each group?
The experience is offered as a private group, ensuring personalized attention from the guides and a more intimate setting.
This fishing trip to Koh Lipe offers a real taste of local life and big-game excitement, wrapped into a well-organized package. Whether you’re after a trophy fish or just want to experience the thrill of chasing sailfish on open waters, this tour delivers a hearty dose of adventure in a stunning setting.
You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby





























