Phuket Bottom Fishing and Spinning Day Tour in the Andaman Sea

A Closer Look at the Phuket Bottom Fishing and Spinning Day Tour in the Andaman Sea

If you’re considering a day out on the water to try your luck with fishing in Phuket, this tour offers a tempting mix of sea adventure, island scenery, and fishing excitement. It promises a full day of cruising, angling, and relaxing, all with the comfort of hotel pickup and on-board amenities. But like many activities, the experience can vary quite a bit depending on expectations and luck.

What we like about this tour? First, there’s the convenience—your pickup from Patong, Kata, or Karon makes it easy to start your day. Second, you get a chance to fish in the famous Racha Islands area, known for its plentiful marine life. And third, the inclusion of a fresh onboard lunch with fruits and drinks sounds appealing for a full-day excursion.

A potential drawback? Despite the appealing premise, some reviews suggest that the actual fishing experience might fall short, especially for those expecting a high catch rate or thrilling game fish encounters. This could be an important consideration if your primary goal is serious fishing rather than a scenic boat trip.

This tour best suits travelers eager for a relaxed day on the water with some fishing thrown in—perfect for beginners or those happy with the experience, rather than those chasing big catches or top-tier fishing.

Key Points

• Convenience matters: Hotel pickup from key Phuket areas helps streamline the start of your day.
• Marine adventure: The tour takes you around the Racha Islands, known for their abundant fish and scenic beauty.
• Variety of fishing: You’ll try both spinning and bottom fishing, increasing chances of catching different species.
• Onboard amenities: Includes fishing gear, lunch, fruits, drinks, and safety equipment, offering good value for a full-day experience.
• Mixed reviews on success: While some travelers enjoy the day, others report poor fishing results and organizational issues.
• Group size: Limited to 3-8 participants, which can be intimate but also means availability depends on the season.

A Detailed Look at the Phuket Bottom Fishing and Spinning Day Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at Chalong Pier, a convenient location for travelers staying in central Phuket. The starting time is around 8:50 am, ideal for making the most of daylight hours. Guests are picked up from Patong, Kata, or Karon, which are popular tourist hubs. However, there’s an additional round-trip transfer fee of 200 Baht per person if you’re staying in Rawai, Kamala, Surin, or Cheng Talay, so plan accordingly.

The group is small—maximum of 10 travelers—which usually means personalized attention but also requires booking well in advance, about 11 days on average. The tour is designed to last roughly 8 hours, giving plenty of time to explore, fish, eat, and relax.

The Voyage Begins

Once aboard, you’ll cruise toward the Racha Yai and Racha Noi Islands, situated about 18 km south of Phuket. These waters are famous for being reliable fishing grounds, with activity year-round. The boat ride itself is likely relaxing, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sea breeze and stunning island views.

Fishing Expectations

Here’s where experiences diverge. The tour states you’ll be using quality spinning rods, with crew guidance, for both trolling and bottom fishing. The goal: catch species like tuna, dorado, trevally, cobia, mackerel, and barracuda. There’s also a chance—depending on luck and conditions—to encounter larger game fish like sailfish, marlin, or even sharks.

One reviewer, who’s done a dozen fishing trips, called the experience “deplorable,” citing “null and void” fishing spots, no interest in the fishing areas, and a day of seven hours with no fish caught. They managed only two 20cm fish, which hardly qualifies as a rewarding catch. This highlights that, for some, the fishing might be more about the experience than filling the cooler.

Midday Break and Onboard Lunch

After the morning’s fishing, the boat stops for a freshly prepared lunch. The menu includes seasonal fruits, beverages, and a hearty meal, providing a comfortable break amid the sea adventures. Travelers can also take a dip, swim, or simply lounge in the sun—an ideal way to recharge before the afternoon fishing session.

Afternoon Fishing and Return

The boat resumes fishing in the afternoon, giving you a second shot at elusive fish. The journey back to Ao Chalong Pier often coincides with sunset, offering beautiful views on the way in. The entire experience is supported by crew members who are maritime experts and fishermen, aiming to assist beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

What’s Included and What Costs Extra?

For $77.34 per person, the package covers fishing equipment, safety gear, lunch, fruits, beverages, and insurance. This comprehensive package makes it a decent value, especially for travelers who want a hassle-free day on the water. However, note that if you’re staying in certain areas, there’s an additional transfer fee.

Potential Drawbacks

While the tour offers a lot on paper, some critical reviews mention the lack of fish, poor organization, and underwhelming meal quality. One reviewer labeled the experience as “auto-translated” and “deplorable,” suggesting it might not meet expectations for serious anglers or those hoping for a lively fishing day. The small group size means limited flexibility if the fish aren’t biting, and some travelers might find the overall value less appealing if the catch is minimal.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best for beginners or casual anglers looking for a relaxing day on the water rather than a fishing expedition focused on big catches. It offers a scenic cruise with the chance to try different fishing styles, but it’s not guaranteed to produce impressive results.

It’s also suitable for travelers who want a full-day outing, complete with onboard lunch and equipment, without the hassle of organizing their own boat trip. For families with children over 7, the experience can be enjoyable, but those seeking a serious fishing adventure might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts

This Phuket Bottom Fishing and Spinning Day Tour offers a comfortable, scenic, and convenient way to spend a day in the Andaman Sea, with the bonus of trying to catch some fish. Still, the mixed reviews highlight that it isn’t a guaranteed success — especially for anglers expecting big game or abundant catches.

The value lies in the all-inclusive nature, ease of access, and the chance to relax on a boat surrounded by island scenery. But if your main goal is a rewarding fishing trip, you might find this tour somewhat disappointing or inconsistent.

For those looking for a laid-back day with a bit of adventure and beautiful views, this could be worth trying. If you’re more serious about fishing or want a guarantee of a good catch, exploring other options or local charters might serve you better.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, free pickup from Patong, Kata, and Karon is included in the tour price. Additional transfer charges apply if you stay in Rawai, Kamala, Surin, or Cheng Talay.

What is the tour duration?
The full trip lasts approximately 8 hours, providing plenty of time for fishing, relaxing, and enjoying meals.

What fishing methods are used?
You’ll be trying both spinning and bottom fishing, guided by knowledgeable crew members to increase your chances.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch with seasonal fruits and drinks is provided onboard, along with safety equipment and fishing gear.

Can children join?
Children aged 7 years and above can participate, but those who want to fish must pay the adult price. Non-fishing children can opt for the child rate.

What species of fish might I catch?
Possible catches include tuna, dorado, trevally, cobia, mackerel, and barracuda. Larger game fish like sailfish or sharks are possible but depend on luck.

Are there any weather-related cancellations?
Yes, if weather conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled, with options for a different date or a full refund.

What is the group size?
Limited to 3-8 participants, which provides a more intimate experience but requires early booking.

Is this tour suitable for serious anglers?
Probably not. The mixed reviews and reports of limited catches suggest it’s better suited for casual or first-time anglers wanting a scenic day rather than a fishing-focused adventure.

In summary, the Phuket Bottom Fishing and Spinning Day Tour offers a straightforward, scenic, and family-friendly day on the water, with the chance to fish and relax. While the experience’s success can vary wildly depending on luck and expectations, it remains a convenient way to enjoy the sea and islands around Phuket—just go in with realistic hopes for a trophy catch.