About this tour
When Noah from our BugBitten team booked this private fishing charter out of Ao Chalong Pier, we were after a proper day on the water — and that's exactly what we got. You're heading straight for Racha Yai Island across the Andaman Sea on a dedicated boat with a captain and fishing guide, trolling for tuna, barracuda, dorado, and sailfish before dropping anchor to spin for bottom fish. The seven hours blend genuine fishing action with downtime: a Thai lunch cooked on board, a snorkel stop over coral reefs, and chances to land fish on the return leg. It's the kind of day that suits families, couples, or solo anglers equally well.
Highlights
- Trolling the open Andaman for game fish like sailfish and dorado
- Anchor-and-spin fishing session targeting groundfish with proper equipment
- Freshly cooked Thai lunch served on deck with fruit and water
- Snorkel break over live coral reefs and tropical fish
- Private boat — no crowded group fishing queues or shared itineraries
- Expert captain and crew handle boat operation and tackle advice
- Rugged Phuket coastline views during the return trolling run
- Life jacket and accident insurance included in the package
What to expect
You'll be picked up and heading to Ao Chalong Pier to board a private boat — no shared passengers, no cattle-pen vibe. Once cast off, the captain charts a course across open water toward Racha Yai Island, a 30–45 minute run depending on conditions. The first phase is trolling: lines out, rods in holders, watching the horizon for surface activity. This is patient fishing — you're not guaranteed instant action, but when something hits, it's electric. After a few hours, the boat anchors in shallower water where you'll switch to spinning reels and groundfish, which tends to be more consistent.
Lunch arrives mid-morning or early afternoon — proper Thai food prepared on board, not sad sandwiches. There's time to eat, rest, and recharge. The snorkel break is a genuine pause: clear water, visible reefs, and a chance to stretch beyond fishing. Then you head back, and the crew will troll the route home if conditions permit. The whole thing feels like a day with mates who happen to know the water really well.
What travellers say
- Private boat ensures personalised pacing and crew attention
- Skilled captain and crew teach technique and read the conditions
- Trolling and spinning combine for varied fishing styles
- Onboard Thai lunch and snorkel break break the rhythm well
- All tackle, insurance, and life jackets provided in price
- Works for novices and experienced anglers alike
- Hotel transfers not included — you sort your own transport
- Seven hours at sea demands reasonable fitness and sea tolerance
- Fish aren't guaranteed; some days are quieter than others
- Early start and approximate timings require flexibility
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
You get a boat to yourself, which changes everything — pacing is yours, the crew focuses on you, and there's no pressure to keep up with other anglers' catches. The captain and crew are experienced and patient; they'll teach you if you're keen. Lunch is a genuine meal, not a token snack. Snorkelling adds variety if fishing slows. The price includes insurance, life jackets, and all tackle.
Hotel transfers aren't included, so factor in getting to Ao Chalong Pier yourself (public transport is available, but it's a hassle). You need moderate sea legs — seven hours on open water can be lumpy in rough conditions. Fishing success isn't guaranteed; some days are slower than others. Pregnant guests aren't permitted, and the tour isn't recommended for people with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or bone disease — check the fine print if you're uncertain. Early start means you're heading out at dawn. Infants must sit on an adult's lap the whole time. The schedule is approximate and shifts based on travel times and what the fish decide to do.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.