Fish stories start at 8 a.m. This Phuket Andaman Sea tour mixes guided trolling and bottom fishing with an island stop at Koh Racha Yai, plus snorkeling gear and a Thai buffet-style lunch. I especially like that the day is built around convenience (hotel pickup/drop-off) and that you’re not showing up empty-handed—bait, lures, and fishing tackle are handled for you.

One thing to keep your expectations grounded: catches are never guaranteed, and even the trolling part can depend on season and what the fish are doing that day. If you’re chasing a very specific big-game target, real-world results can vary—some days are tuna-heavy, other days can be slow.

Key things to know before you go

• Hotel pickup + drop-off makes a full 8 hours on the water feel doable
• Trolling, bottom fishing, bait, and lures are included, so you spend less time prepping
• Koh Racha Yai is your main island stop, with a fishing window and snorkel gear provided
• Lunch is Thai buffet-style and is frequently described as plentiful (though portions can vary by day)
• Max 15 people keeps it more personal than the cattle-call style tours

Price and logistics: what this tour gives you for about $104

At $104.17 per person for an ~8-hour outing, this is priced like a real day trip, not a quick half-day “try fishing” session. You’re getting a lot baked in: boat cruise, trolling and bottom-fishing gear, lures and bait, snorkeling mask and snorkel, water and soft drinks, lunch, plus a professional local guide. For Phuket, that kind of all-in setup is often where the value is—less hassle, fewer extras to buy, and more time actually fishing.

Pickup is a big part of the comfort. You can be collected from many central Phuket areas (Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai, Naitharn, Chalong, Kalim), and pickup timing can run 30–90 minutes before the 8:00 a.m. start depending on where you’re staying. If you’re farther out, transfers cost extra (for example Surin/Bangtao/Kamala have an added per-person or group fee), so check your exact pickup zone early.

One practical note: the tour only runs when weather and sea conditions allow it. That matters in the Andaman—high waves can turn a “relax and fish” day into a rough ride. If you’re the type who gets sick easily, plan for the fact that sea conditions can change fast.

From Chalong to Koh Racha Yai: your main action block

The day starts at 8:00 a.m. from Phuket, with you heading out by boat from Chalong pier across the Andaman Sea toward Koh Racha Yai. This is the itinerary’s anchor stop (about 2 hours there), and it’s where the guide aims to place you at a fishing spot with the best odds.

What I like about the way the day is structured is that it respects your limited time. With fishing tours, the biggest waste is often cruising around while nothing much is happening. Here, the guide is expected to pick the fishing location while also coaching you on what to do once you’re there.

From the included snorkel gear to the island setting, Koh Racha Yai is clearly more than a scenic break. Even if you’re mostly there for fishing, expect the day to include at least one swim/snorkel moment once you reach the island area.

Fishing setup: what trolling and bottom gear means in real life

This tour is sold as big game fishing and trolling, plus bottom fishing. And in practice, that translates to having a guide, a boat, and the right tackle on hand—so you’re not learning equipment basics while the best bite might be happening.

You’ll be provided with:

• trolling gear
• bottom fishing gear
• lures and bait

That’s a big deal because a lot of people underestimate how different “getting a bite” can be from “actually catching.” Reviews reflect that the guides work hard to keep people fishing and moving through the day, but the sea doesn’t promise results. One important expectation-set: while the tour description includes big-game possibilities, you can still end up with smaller or different species depending on day and season.

A couple of on-the-water realities show up in feedback:

• Some days can be strong for tuna (including skipjack tuna).
• Other days might produce only limited bottom fishing or no bites at all.
• Snorkeling conditions can affect what you see, even if the gear is provided.

So think of this as a serious fishing outing with guided help, not a guaranteed trophy day.

The guide factor: when names like Eddie matter

A good guide can turn a frustrating day into a fun one, even if fish are shy. One review specifically calls out Eddie as knowledgeable and entertaining, and that kind of energy matters when you’re learning techniques on a moving boat.

What you should take from that: the guide isn’t just there to hand you a rod. You’ll get tips on how to target species you’re likely to find in these waters—tuna, mackerel, razorfish, and other local fish are mentioned as part of the experience focus.

If you’re new to fishing, this is the kind of tour where having someone actively coaching you pays off. If you already fish, you still benefit because you’re fishing from a local boat, in local waters, with local tactics—no guesswork on where to go.

Snorkeling at Koh Racha Yai: included gear, variable visibility

Snorkel gear is included (mask and snorkel), and the tour description frames snorkeling as part of the fun. In the real world, visibility can swing. Some days the water is clear and you’ll actually enjoy seeing fish; other days can be cloudy, and the snorkel becomes more about stretching your legs and getting a break from the fishing.

I’d treat snorkeling here as a bonus, not the main reason to book. It’s still worth doing because you’re already at the island, the gear is provided, and a swim break can reset your energy for the next fishing session. But if your priority is guaranteed underwater sightings, Phuket snorkeling conditions are never “set and forget.”

Lunch on the water: Thai buffet-style value and timing

Lunch is included and described as Thai buffet style. Multiple reviews mention the food as plentiful and well prepared, which is exactly what you want on a day that starts early and involves sun, wind, and saltwater.

Still, there are mixed notes. One review described lunch as more minimal on their day, and another mentioned there were lots of boats at the anchorage during lunch. That’s not a deal-break, but it tells you what to expect: sometimes you’ll eat in a lively, shared-water zone, and sometimes the meal pacing might feel more rushed than you’d like.

Practical take: eat when they set it down. Fishing tours often run on tight timing, and you don’t want to waste the prime moment waiting around for the “perfect” lunch bite.

On-board rules and comfort: barefoot shoes, rough seas, and smooth crews

There are a few on-boat details worth knowing so nothing surprises you.

First: shoes off. You may be required to remove shoes and store them in a basket to reduce slipping risk. One review reported shoes being misplaced on another boat, so handle your footwear carefully and double-check it when you get them back.

Second: sea conditions. Reviews mention rough seas on the way out, and cloudy water affecting snorkeling. If you’re sensitive to motion, come prepared mentally and physically.

Third: the crew experience matters. Several reviews rate the crew highly for professionalism and hard work, and staff friendliness shows up repeatedly. Even when fish weren’t biting, the trip still got credit for running smoothly.

And one less-fun rule: alcohol and controlled substances are prohibited. That’s common on fishing tours because safety is the priority when the boat is moving and everyone needs full attention.

Who should book this Phuket fishing tour?

This is a great fit if you want a full day on the water that combines guided fishing with downtime like snorkeling and lunch. It’s also a good pick if you don’t want to figure out tackle, bait, or where to go—those decisions are handled for you.

You should consider a different plan if:

• you need guaranteed big-game results (the tour can’t promise specific fish or sizes)
• you’re prone to seasickness and sea conditions are a concern
• you’re dealing with restrictions like pregnancy or back/neck/joint/muscular problems (the tour advises against participation)

It also suits couples, friends, and solo travelers who are comfortable joining a small group. The tour caps at 15 travelers, which usually means less chaos and more guide attention.

Family note: children 3 and younger are complimentary when accompanied by a paying adult, but children 1 and younger aren’t allowed. That suggests the tour is aimed at kids who can handle a boat day.

What to bring so your day doesn’t feel like a scramble

The basics are clearly listed, and I’d follow them closely:

• swimsuit
• sunscreen
• towel
• change of clothes
• sunglasses

Because shoes may be removed, bring whatever you feel comfortable with for bare-foot time on the boat. You can also help yourself by packing motion-sickness prevention if you know you react to boat rides—sea conditions can be rough depending on the day.

Finally, bring a “day on the water” mindset. When the fish are active, it’s exciting. When they’re not, the best attitude is to focus on what you can control: listen to the guide, take breaks when needed, and enjoy the scenery and snorkeling moment.

So, should you book Ultimate Full-Day Big Game Fishing & Trolling Tour?

If you want a guided Phuket fishing day that includes gear, lunch, snorkeling gear, and pickup, this tour is a solid value for the price point. The strongest promise isn’t a guaranteed trophy catch—it’s that you’ll have the right setup and expert help trying for tuna, mackerel, and other local fish, while also getting an island break at Koh Racha Yai.

I’d book it if:

• you like guided experiences with real tackle and coaching
• you’re happy with the possibility of tuna success and/or mixed species
• you want an all-in day that’s easy logistically from central Phuket

I’d think twice before booking if your primary goal is a very specific big-game species and size. Fishing is seasonal and conditions matter, and feedback includes days where people caught less than expected or nothing at all. If that would ruin your trip, consider choosing an experience that matches your certainty level—or be ready to treat this as a fun fishing attempt with a good meal and an island swim.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour start time is 8:00 a.m., with hotel pickup possibly happening 30–90 minutes earlier depending on where you’re staying.

How long is the tour?

The duration is approximately 8 hours.

Does the price include snorkeling gear and lunch?

Yes. Snorkel & mask are included, and lunch is included.

What fishing equipment is provided?

The tour includes trolling and bottom fishing gear, along with lures and bait.

Where are hotel pickups offered?

Pickup is available from most centrally located Phuket areas including Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai, Naitharn, Yacht Club, Ban Krating, Chalong, and Kalim Beach. Outer areas may cost extra.

Are there extra transfer fees for some areas?

Yes. The tour lists additional transfer costs for Surin, Bangtao and Kamala, and other Phuket areas like Panwa or Rawai/Yanui/Naithorn.

Are children allowed?

Children 3 and younger are complimentary when accompanied by a paying adult. Children 1 and younger are not allowed.

Can I bring alcohol?

No. Alcohol and controlled substances are prohibited on this tour.