Phuket Bottom Fishing and Spinning Day Tour in the Andaman Sea

When it comes to fishing tours in Phuket, this particular experience promises a day packed with excitement, scenic ocean views, and the chance to land some impressive catches. While the concept sounds fantastic—guided fishing, snorkeling, and a tropical setting—the reality might fall short of expectations. We’ve taken a close look at what’s on offer, including genuine feedback from past travelers, to help you decide if this trip is worth your time and money.

What we like about the tour?
First, the all-inclusive package offers equipment, transfers, and meals, making it straightforward for first-timers and casual anglers alike. The location around Racha Islands is appealing; these waters are known for year-round fishing with a variety of species. Lastly, the midday onboard lunch is a great touch, giving you a break from fishing and a chance to relax under the sun.

The potential downside?
A significant concern raised by reviewers is the quality of fishing and the overall interest of the spots visited. Several past guests have found the experience to be disappointing, especially regarding the success rate of catches and the fishing conditions. This means if your main goal is high-quality fishing, you might want to explore other options.

Who is this tour best suited for?
It’s ideal for travelers who want a comfortable, guided day on the water with some scenic views and light activity, rather than serious anglers chasing trophy fish. Families with children aged 7 and up, or those simply interested in relaxing on a boat with some underwater activities, should find it suitable. Those seeking a memorable fishing experience with guaranteed big catches might want to look elsewhere.

Good To Know

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Equipment, meals, and transfers are included, simplifying the day.
• Scenic Location: Cruises around Racha islands promise beautiful views and tropical scenery.
• Fishing Variety: Target species include tuna, barracuda, snapper, and possibly sharks or marlin depending on luck.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers report poor fishing success, with only tiny fish caught.
• Group Size & Timing: Small groups of 3-8 travelers, starting early at 8:50 am and lasting around 8 hours.
• Additional Costs: Extra transfer fee applies if your location isn’t within the main pick-up zones.

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An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Departure & Setting

The tour begins with hotel pickups from key areas like Patong, Kata, and Karon, ensuring convenience for many travelers. The journey from Phuket’s shoreline to the cruising area begins around 8:50 am at the Chalong Pier. The boat trip takes you approximately 18 kilometers south to the waters around the Racha islands—Racha Yai and Racha Noi. These islands are celebrated among locals and travelers alike for their year-round fish populations and stunning scenery.

Travelers will love the views of turquoise waters and the sense of adventure as the boat slices through the waves. The boat itself is equipped with quality fishing gear, along with masks, snorkels, and life jackets, making it suitable for both fishing and snorkeling activities.

The Fishing Itinerary

Once out on the water, the crew—comprising an experienced captain and seasoned fishermen—guide guests toward promising fishing spots. The itinerary includes both trolling and bottom fishing, targeting species like tuna, dorado, trevally, cobia, mackerel, and barracuda. Be prepared for the possibility of encountering larger game fish such as sailfish, marlin, or sharks, though this is largely dependent on luck and conditions.

Past reviews, however, paint a less-than-rosy picture here. One reviewer called the fishing “null and void,” citing no interest in the spots visited and a lack of sizeable fish. They described the day as “7 hours of trolling with not a single fish caught,” which certainly dampens expectations for serious anglers. Another guest noted “fishing plumb and miracle 2 fish of 20 cm,” highlighting how unproductive the trip can sometimes be.

The Midday Break & Lunch

What keeps the day enjoyable even if the fishing is slow is the onboard lunch. Guests are served freshly prepared Thai dishes, along with seasonal fruits and beverages. The reviewer appreciated this touch, noting it allows travelers to relax and recharge before the afternoon session. The boat often offers time to swim or lounge, giving everyone a chance to cool off and enjoy the tropical environment.

Afternoon Activities & Return

Post-lunch, the tour continues with more fishing, giving guests another shot at landing a fish or simply soaking in the sun. The journey back to Ao Chalong Pier is a leisurely cruise, often accompanied by the setting sun. The quiet beauty of the ocean at dusk is a highlight, even if the day’s fishing results are modest.

Practical Details & Considerations

The tour’s price of around $77.34 per person includes most essentials—gear, lunch, drinks, and transfers. However, there is an additional round-trip transfer fee of 200 Baht if you’re staying outside the main pickup zones. The tour is limited to 10 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience.

It’s important to note that children aged 7 and above can participate, although children 7-11 must pay the adult price if they want to fish. Pregnant women or those with certain health conditions are advised to skip the trip, given the boat’s activity level.

What You Won’t Get

The main drawback—frequently mentioned—is the poor fishing success rate. Several reviews describe fishing as disappointing, with some guests feeling it was “by far the worst” trip they’ve experienced, citing lack of interest or engagement in the fishing spots. If your goal is to land impressive fish or enjoy a productive day, this tour may not match expectations.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits travelers who:

• Want a relaxing day on the water with scenic views
• Are not solely focused on catching fish but enjoy being out in the ocean
• Are traveling with family or beginners who prefer guided support
• Don’t mind modest catches or simply enjoy the experience regardless of success

However, anglers chasing medium to large fish might be disappointed with the results. Those expecting guaranteed big catches should prepare for the possibility of a slow day based on past reviews.

Final Thoughts on Value and Experience

For a roughly eight-hour adventure, this tour offers a well-rounded experience—scenic cruising, light fishing, social time, and a tasty Thai lunch. The convenience of included equipment, transfers, and insurance means you don’t need to worry about extra logistics, making it attractive for relaxed travelers.

That said, the predictability of the fishing success is a concern. If your main goal is to catch a big fish or an exciting variety, you might find this trip lacking. On the flip side, if you’re after a leisurely day in beautiful surroundings with some fishing thrown in, it could work well.

In essence, this tour provides a comfortable, scenic day at sea with a moderate chance of fishing success, tailored more toward casual travelers rather than dedicated anglers.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers free hotel pickup from Patong, Kata, and Karon, making the start of your day smooth and hassle-free.

What’s the meeting point?
You’ll meet at Chalong Pier, specifically at 12 Sunrise Rd, Tambon Chalong, Phuket.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 8 hours, including travel, fishing, lunch, and return to the pier.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, if your hotel isn’t within the main pickup zones, there’s a 200 Baht round-trip transfer fee.

Can children participate?
Yes, children aged 7 and above can join, though those 7-11 need to pay full adult price if they want to fish.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this Phuket fishing tour delivers a scenic day on the water with some fishing potential and picnic-style comfort. It’s best for those seeking a relaxed, guided experience rather than serious anglers seeking trophy catches. Always keep in mind the mixed reviews—some guests have left disappointed—so setting your expectations accordingly will ensure you enjoy your day no matter the outcome.