Big game fishing in Phuket starts with a boat ride. This all-day Andaman Sea tour mixes trolling and bottom fishing with a snorkel stop near Koh Racha Yai, plus a calm, pickup-to-drop-off flow. I also love the easy hotel pickup from many central areas, and the fact that the crew provides the tackle so you are not hunting for gear. I especially liked the Thai buffet-style lunch and the soft drinks and water kept coming during the day.

Here’s the tradeoff to think about up front: catching big fish is not guaranteed. When the water is rough or conditions turn cloudy, the experience can shift toward smaller catches, more basic bottom fishing, or even a day with no bites.

Key things to know before you book this Phuket fishing tour

• Koh Racha Yai fishing time: Stop is planned for about 2 hours with line-casting and guidance from the boat crew
• Trolling and bottom fishing included: You get the gear, lures, and bait, so you can fish as the crew switches tactics
• Snorkeling gear is included: Mask and snorkel are provided, so you can take a dip when conditions allow
• Lunch is part of the deal: Thai buffet-style lunch plus drinking water and soft drinks
• Small group size: Maximum 15 travelers, usually a more personal feel than big party boats
• Sea conditions can change everything: Weather and tide can affect whether the tour runs, what you do, and what you catch

Andaman Sea day trip from Chalong Pier, with Racha Yai as the anchor

This is built for one thing: a full day on the water chasing species in the Andaman Sea, based on what the crew finds. The day’s centerpiece is a planned fishing stop at Koh Racha Yai, reached by boat from the Chalong pier area. You start with a morning pickup and then get into the rhythm of fishing and breaks at sea.

One thing I really like about this style of tour is that it is not a half-day hustle. You get time to rotate between fishing approaches during the 8 hours, plus a snorkel window and a proper lunch. That matters in Phuket, where travel time and sea conditions can stretch your day if you are not careful.

Do not expect a scripted aquarium moment. In real life, your catch depends on season, current, and water clarity. You might also spend some time anchored among other boats during lunch hours, which can feel busy if you are looking for quiet.

Price, value, and what $104.17 buys you in Phuket

At $104.17 per person, you are paying for more than a boat. You are buying a package: transport, fishing tackle, snorkeling gear, and food, all rolled into an 8-hour day.

Here is how that value tends to land for most people:

• Gear and bait are handled for you. That is a big deal on fishing tours because it removes the awkward part where you scramble to rent or buy everything last minute.
• Lunch and drinks are included. Fishing days can run long, and getting fed onboard saves you time and money.
• Professional local guide plus a small group (up to 15) usually means you can ask questions without waiting your turn.

There are extra costs for some neighborhoods, so do the quick math based on your hotel area. Transfers are included for many central Phuket zones, but if you are staying farther out, expect extra pickup fees from Surin, Bangtao, and Kamala (200 Baht per person), Panwa (1200 Baht per group), or Rawai, Yanui, and Naithorn (800 Baht per group). If you are already planning to do lots of paid tours, this one can still be a good deal because it includes the basics you would otherwise pay for separately.

Pickup timing, boat comfort, and how the day actually starts

This tour starts at 8:00 am. Pickup can be 30 to 90 minutes prior depending on where you are staying, and it is available from many central areas including Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai, Naitharn, Yacht Club, Ban Krating, Chalong, and Kalim Beach.

You will board a modern, comfortable boat after pickup, and you should plan for a full day on the sea rather than a quick spin around the bay. Several reviews pointed to smooth operations and a crew that keeps things moving, even when conditions are not perfect.

Quick practical tip: bring the basics listed for the tour, including a swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, change of clothes, and sunglasses. If you forget any of these, you will feel it fast once you are out on the water. Also note that alcohol and controlled substances are prohibited, so this is more of a fishing and snorkel day than a party boat.

The Koh Racha Yai fishing stop: trolling, bottom lines, and real odds

The day’s first named stop is Koh Racha Yai, scheduled for about 2 hours. The crew chooses a fishing spot there, and your job is to cast and fish with the help of the guide. The species target includes tuna, mackerel, razorfish, and other local fish.

The tour includes trolling and bottom fishing gear, along with lures and bait. That is important because it changes the experience from beginner fishing to hands-on fishing, where you are actually using the right technique for what the crew sees happening below the surface.

Now, the part you should take seriously: “big game” is a promise of effort and gear, not a guaranteed haul. Some people had a great day with tuna. Others reported conditions that limited bites, smaller fish catches, or focus on bottom fishing rather than the bigger-name targets. Rough seas and cloudy water can also reduce your snorkeling enjoyment and your fishing success.

A helpful way to think about it is this: you are not just buying a fish. You are buying a chance to learn the area, work the lines with a guide, and fish multiple approaches during a full day.

Snorkeling gear at Racha Yai: fun when visibility cooperates

Snorkel gear is included, specifically a snorkel and mask, so you are not scrambling at the last second. The tour includes a snorkel and swim break, and Koh Racha Yai is a natural place to do it.

In reviews, snorkeling got mixed results. Some days, people saw good water life and enjoyed the island swim. Other days, water clarity was poor or conditions did not provide much to see, even though the gear was there.

So I recommend you go into this expecting a swim, not a guaranteed reef show. If you are coming for snorkeling first, you should know that this is fundamentally a fishing tour, and the snorkel time is one part of a larger day.

Lunch on the water: Thai buffet style, plus timing reality

Lunch is included and described as a Thai buffet-style lunch. You will also have drinking water and soft drinks throughout the day, which helps keep energy up while you fish and move around on a boat.

Reviews were positive about lunch for many people, calling it plentiful and well prepared. Other feedback mentioned that lunch could feel minimal on some days, or that there were a lot of boats around during the anchorage, making it feel crowded.

If you are sensitive to noise or prefer quiet, plan to use lunch as a reset rather than a scenic pause. Sit, eat, hydrate, then get ready for the afternoon fishing push.

How “big game trolling” works when conditions shift

This tour is advertised as big game fishing with trolling. In the real world, trolling success depends on when and how the water is behaving, plus what fish are actively feeding.

Some reviews claimed the day did not match the trolling expectations, including notes that it felt more like bottom fishing than true trolling for big game. Others talked about only shallow tuna trolling or smaller catches rather than the bigger species they hoped for.

Here’s the practical takeaway for you: if you want the biggest game targets, you should be mentally flexible. You are booking a guided day with trolling and bottom fishing methods, but the tour cannot control bites, fish migration, or the season. When conditions are off, the crew may still keep you fishing, but the results may trend smaller and more opportunistic.

Also, if you are the kind of angler who needs a guaranteed outcome, this is not that type of tour. Fishing by its nature is chance plus technique, and the technique only goes so far when the fish do not show up.

Boat rules and comfort details that matter more than you think

A few small, real-world details can make or break your comfort on a boat. One review mentioned that guests are asked to remove shoes and keep them in a basket. The reasoning is safety, so you do not slip on deck, but it can still feel odd if you are not expecting it. In that same feedback, there was also mention of shoes getting mixed up on another boat, so keep an eye on your stuff and label your items if you can.

Also expect movement and time sitting for parts of the trip. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan accordingly even though the tour does not advertise motion aids. You will be on a boat long enough that comfort choices matter.

The tour also asks for moderate physical fitness, and it says you should not take part if you are pregnant or have back, neck, joint, or muscular problems. Respect that. Fishing involves standing, casting, bending, and shifting your weight on a moving surface.

Crew energy, guide style, and why this trip can still be great

Even when the fish are quieter than expected, a strong crew can turn the day into a fun story instead of a disappointment. Reviews repeatedly highlighted friendly, hard-working service and professional teamwork.

One guide named in a review was Eddie, praised for being knowledgeable and entertaining. That kind of guide quality matters because fishing days are full of small adjustments, like changing how you cast, how you reel, and how you respond when something nibbles but does not fully bite.

If your goal is to learn the basics of fishing in the Andaman, the guide component is a real asset. You are not just holding a rod. You are getting help with tactics and on-the-spot instruction.

Who should book this Phuket fishing tour, and who should skip it

This is a solid choice if you want:

• A full-day experience rather than a quick morning try
• Trolling and bottom fishing with included gear
• A tour that includes a Thai lunch and a practical snorkel option
• A smaller group size (max 15) and hotel pickup from central areas

It is a weaker match if:

• You need guaranteed big fish. No fishing tour in the Andaman can promise that.
• You get seasick easily and have no coping strategy.
• You have medical limits listed by the tour for pregnancy or back, neck, joint, or muscular issues.

If you are traveling with kids, note that children 3 and younger are complimentary when accompanied by a paying adult, but children 1 and younger are not allowed. The age and safety limits make it important to plan your day around comfort and supervision.

Should you book this tour? My take

I think this is worth booking if you treat it as a guided fishing day with a snorkel break, not as a guaranteed big game trophy hunt. The value is strong because tackle, bait, snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks are all included, and the crew effort can make a big difference even when the bite is slow.

However, be honest with yourself about the main risk: sometimes the fish do not cooperate. Conditions like rough seas, cloudy water, or seasonal timing can lead to fewer bites, smaller fish, or a day that feels closer to bottom fishing than trolling for big targets.

If your priority is the best odds at big game, consider booking with a flexible schedule and choose calm-sea timing when possible. If your priority is a fun, social full day on the Andaman with real gear and real guidance, this tour fits nicely.

If you do book, pack for sun and water, keep your expectations grounded, and focus on learning and enjoying the day on the water, even if the tuna decides to stay shy.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am. Pickup may occur 30 to 90 minutes before the start time depending on your hotel location.

How long is the fishing tour?

It runs for about 8 hours.

Where does the trip fish first?

The itinerary lists a first stop at Koh Racha Yai, where you fish for about 2 hours.

What’s included for fishing and snorkeling?

Fishing gear is included, including trolling and bottom fishing gear, lures, and bait. Snorkel and mask are also included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, described as a Thai buffet-style lunch, plus drinking water and soft drinks throughout the day.

Does the tour offer hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup is available from many central Phuket areas including Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai, Naitharn, Yacht Club, Ban Krating, Chalong, and Kalim Beach. Transfers are extra for some farther areas.

Can I cancel or change the booking?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, including cancellations.