If you’re considering a day on the water off Phuket, the Game Fishing and Trolling Boat Trip offers a chance to chase some big fish in the tropical Gulf of Thailand. This eight-hour excursion, organized by Nikorn Marine, promises a blend of fishing, sightseeing, and relaxation, all wrapped into one adventure. It’s a popular choice for travelers wanting a taste of local marine life and a break from the busy beaches.
What we particularly like about this trip is the opportunity to fish in Racha Island’s stunning waters, with the added perk of a fresh sashimi lunch made from your catch. Plus, spending time swimming in crystal-clear waters is a real highlight. On the downside, some reviews point out that the fishing can be hit-or-miss, and gear might be a bit worn. Still, if you’re someone who loves the idea of a full day on the water, this tour could be a good fit—especially for fishing enthusiasts or families seeking a mix of activity and leisure.
- Key Points
- An Honest Look at the Phuket Game Fishing Experience
- The Fishing – A Mixed Bag
- The Island & Snorkeling
- The Return Journey
- Who Will Enjoy This Trip?
- Practical Details & Tips
- Authentic Experiences and Genuine Feedback
- Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
- FAQ
- Our Top Picks in Phuket
- More Lunch Experiences in Phuket
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Phuket
- More Tour Reviews in Phuket
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Phuket we have recnetly reviewed
Key Points
- Authentic fishing experience with the chance to catch tuna and mahi.
- Beautiful island scenery and opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
- Includes a fresh sashimi lunch prepared from your catch.
- Guides are friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the experience.
- Weather and tide conditions influence the success of fishing and activities.
- Good value for a full-day trip combining fishing, sightseeing, and relaxation.
👉 Check out our guide to the 18 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Phuket
An Honest Look at the Phuket Game Fishing Experience
The eight-hour tour kicks off early in the morning, with pick-up from a variety of locations around Phuket—Kata, Rawai, Chalong, Karon, and more. This flexibility is helpful, allowing you to start your day comfortably from your hotel. The pickup process is straightforward, with drivers waiting no longer than 15 minutes after the scheduled time—making early mornings less stressful.
Upon arriving at Ao Chalong Pier, the real adventure begins. The boat departs around 8:30 AM, heading towards Racha Yai Island, famed for its clear waters and beautiful scenery. The boat itself is equipped for trolling and bottom fishing, with the guide providing instructions in English, Chinese, or Thai. However, some reviews suggest the gear can be a bit old and challenging to use—one comment mentioned a reel held together with a zip tie, which might cause frustration for those hoping for a smooth fishing experience.
Ready to set sail again? More boat adventures we've reviewed in Phuket
The Fishing – A Mixed Bag
The core activity is trolling the waters for big-game fish like tuna and mahi-mahi. The itinerary notes that bottom fishing will also be available, with spinning reels or handlines depending on your skill level. We loved the idea of trying both methods, but some guests, like Megan from Australia, reported disappointing results: “We heard every excuse under the sun as to why no fish” and only caught a small tuna after hours of trying.
The reviews suggest that fishing success varies greatly based on weather, tide, and luck. Several guests found the gear difficult to reel in, and baiting was inconsistent. Notably, some guests were expecting more consistent catches or a more modern setup, which might impact those looking for a serious fishing trip. Yet, others, like Tobias from Germany and Alexander from Germany, raved about their success, catching several tuna and mahi-mahi, and even enjoying sashimi made fresh onboard.
The Island & Snorkeling
After about 4 hours of fishing, the boat arrives at Racha Yai Island for lunch and relaxation. The buffet lunch features fish caught earlier, prepared into sashimi— a highlight for those who enjoy fresh seafood. One guest mentioned that two tuna were turned into sashimi on the boat, a memorable treat.
You’ll have around 45 minutes for lunch, providing enough time to savor the meal and chat with fellow travelers. Afterward, there’s optional time for swimming or relaxing in the clear waters—bring your swimwear and towel! The island is known for its stunning water quality, making swimming more than just a dip; it’s a chance to unwind after a morning of fishing.
The Return Journey
At around 1:45 PM, the boat departs Racha Island for the return trip, trolling back towards Phuket. The journey offers more chances to enjoy the scenery, spot marine life, or try your luck at fishing once again. The tour concludes back at Ao Chalong Pier around 4:30 PM, with transfers back to your hotel.
More Great Tours NearbyWho Will Enjoy This Trip?
This tour caters best to travelers who are keen on fishing or willing to give it a shot, understanding that catches can vary. It’s suitable for families with children over 4 years old (not recommended for younger children, pregnant women, or seniors over 65, based on the tour’s restrictions). The inclusion of a scenic island, swimming opportunities, and a fresh seafood lunch makes it appealing for those wanting a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Keep in mind, this trip is weather-dependent, and fishing results are unpredictable. If you’re after guaranteed fish or modern gear, you might find this trip a bit underwhelming. However, if your goal is to experience Phuket from the water, enjoy fresh seafood, and perhaps land a memorable catch, this could be a worthwhile outing.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Phuket
Practical Details & Tips
- Duration: 8 hours, starting early morning.
- What to Bring: Sunglasses, hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and snacks.
- What’s Provided: Lunch (fish caught on board), fishing gear (which may be worn), and boat facilities.
- Important Notes: It’s rain or shine, so pack accordingly. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, children under 4, or those with back problems.
- Pricing & Flexibility: Book now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—helpful for flexible travelers.
Authentic Experiences and Genuine Feedback
The mix of reviews highlights the tour’s strengths and weaknesses. Many travelers appreciate the friendly guides and the chance to catch fish, with some calling it “one of the best fishing tours” they’ve experienced. Others, however, express disappointment in the inconsistent fishing results and the aging equipment. The scenery and island swimming are universally praised, making the day worthwhile even if the fishing doesn’t always deliver.
One traveler summed it up: “The scenery was beautiful, and the host was a nice guy,” but also noted the fishing could be frustrating. This balance is typical—expect a day filled with potential, but with no guarantees.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
This tour offers a solid value for those interested in combining fishing, island scenery, and a hearty seafood meal. It’s especially suited for adventurous spirits, families, or groups who enjoy the unpredictability of fishing and the beauty of Racha Island. The guides generally receive positive remarks for their friendliness and effort, which makes the experience more enjoyable.
However, if you’re looking for a highly reliable fishing trip or modern equipment, you might want to manage your expectations. Weather and luck play significant roles in success, and some gear issues have been noted. Still, the opportunity to try your hand at catching tuna or mahi, enjoy a fresh sashimi lunch, and relax in the sunshine still makes this a worthwhile day out.
Phuket: Game Fishing and Trolling Boat Trip with Lunch
“The whole trip was very well organised, from the hotel pick ups, booking in at the tour operator's office and boarding the boat at the pier. The gu…”
FAQ
Is fishing guaranteed on this trip?
No. Fishing success depends on weather, tide, and luck. Some guests catch several fish, while others catch little or none.
What fish can I expect to catch?
Guests have caught tuna and mahi-mahi. The tour focuses on big-game trolling, but catches are not guaranteed.
Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?
Yes, there is time to swim or relax in Racha Island’s clear waters after lunch, but snorkeling gear isn’t provided.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and snacks. Be sure to wear suitable clothing for sun protection.
Is this trip suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 4, pregnant women, or those over 65. It’s best for families with older kids or adults seeking activity.
How long does the trip last?
The entire experience is about 8 hours, including pickup, travel, fishing, and return.
What about the fishing gear?
The gear is provided but might be older or a bit worn. Some reviews mention difficulty reeling or baiting.
Do I need to pay extra for food or activities?
The buffet lunch is included, featuring fish caught earlier in the day. Additional activities like swimming are optional.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour runs rain or shine. Weather can affect fishing success and comfort, so dress accordingly.
To sum it up, the Phuket game fishing trip blends the joy of trying your luck with the beauty of Racha Island, making it a memorable part of your holiday. It’s a good choice for those who enjoy outdoor activity and seafood, and who aren’t overly concerned about catching the biggest fish every time. Expect a day of scenic views, camaraderie, and perhaps a tasty sashimi or two.
You can check availability for your dates here:
