Phuket Fishing Guide
The best time for fishing in Phuket: free and paid fishing spots, seasons, and a holiday guide
Contents
Section 1: Types of fishing in Phuket: where are the best places to fish in Phuket?
Paid fishing in Phuket:
1.1 Sea fishing from a boat in Phuket:
Sea fishing from a boat in Phuket is divided into three main types:
Since the main underwater terrain and the deepest fishing areas are located to the south and southwest of Phuket, fishing boats are based at Chalong Pier. This is very convenient because the distance to the fishing spots is as short as possible, allowing you to spend more time fishing in Phuket.
To stay closer to the pier and have the opportunity to enjoy fishing in Phuket more often, anglers usually book hotels in the Rawai area near Nai Harn Beach. This beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Phuket and is also the closest to the famous Rawai Seafood Market, where you can buy fresh seafood and have it cooked in one of the local cafes. Barbecued scallops with butter and garlic are especially recommended.
To stay closer to the pier and have the opportunity to enjoy fishing in Phuket more often, anglers usually book hotels in the Rawai area near Nai Harn Beach. This beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Phuket and is also the closest to the famous Rawai Seafood Market, where you can buy fresh seafood and have it cooked in one of the local cafes. Barbecued scallops with butter and garlic are especially recommended.
1.2 Saltwater pond fishing in Phuket (there is a paid saltwater fishing lake in Phuket):
There is an artificial paid fishing lake in Phuket that is filled with seawater and stocked with marine fish species such as grouper, GT and barramundi (barramundi is considered a freshwater fish, but it can also live in saltwater, for example in river estuaries flowing into the sea).
Fishing tackle and bait are provided at the lake. The fishing rods are set up for bottom fishing with a large hook, on which you place a piece of oily fish as bait.
You can bring your own tackle, but the fishing line must be at least 0.3–0.4 mm thick. Otherwise, the management will not allow you to use it in order to avoid line breakages and fish mortality, as fish may be unable to free themselves from the hook.
It is also worth knowing that the fish in this lake are accustomed to feeding on fresh sardines, so they usually ignore artificial lures. The lake is shallow, and the water heats up quickly, which negatively affects fish activity. For this reason, it is better to choose cooler and cloudy days for fishing.
Fishing tackle and bait are provided at the lake. The fishing rods are set up for bottom fishing with a large hook, on which you place a piece of oily fish as bait.
You can bring your own tackle, but the fishing line must be at least 0.3–0.4 mm thick. Otherwise, the management will not allow you to use it in order to avoid line breakages and fish mortality, as fish may be unable to free themselves from the hook.
It is also worth knowing that the fish in this lake are accustomed to feeding on fresh sardines, so they usually ignore artificial lures. The lake is shallow, and the water heats up quickly, which negatively affects fish activity. For this reason, it is better to choose cooler and cloudy days for fishing.
Fishing for marine fish in a saltwater lake in Phuket:
1.3 Freshwater pond fishing at a paid fishing lake in Phuket:
One of the most popular paid fishing lakes in Phuket is located in the Rawai area. It is home to many large fish species, including shark catfish (pangasius) and black pacu. Pacu belongs to the piranha family, but it is primarily a vegetarian fish. The real star of the lake is the giant arapaima, although catching one is difficult because this fish is extremely cautious.
Bottom fishing rods with ready-made rigs are provided at the lake. One of the most effective baits is a ball of groundbait with a hook hidden inside. The fish are accustomed to the groundbait provided to guests and bite it without much hesitation.
The lake is not very large, and during the high season many visitors come here to catch exotic fish. For this reason, it is recommended to reserve your fishing platform 2–3 days in advance.
Bottom fishing rods with ready-made rigs are provided at the lake. One of the most effective baits is a ball of groundbait with a hook hidden inside. The fish are accustomed to the groundbait provided to guests and bite it without much hesitation.
The lake is not very large, and during the high season many visitors come here to catch exotic fish. For this reason, it is recommended to reserve your fishing platform 2–3 days in advance.
Videos of fishing at Phuket's paid fishing lakes:
Free fishing in Phuket:
1.4 Shore fishing (rock fishing) in Phuket:
Rock fishing is shore fishing in Phuket from coastal rocks. The main target species are usually needlefish, queenfish, barracuda, island trevally, blackfin scad and smaller GT (giant trevally). These are pelagic species that feed near the surface, so they are best targeted with shallow-running lures such as sinking minnows, stickbaits and small metal jigs. Poppers attract fish well and spark their interest, but stickbaits usually produce more bites. Plastic lures typically weigh between 20 and 30 grams, while shore fish often prefer smaller metal jigs weighing 15–20 grams or even less.
In addition to pelagic fish, you can also target bottom species from the coastal rocks. Groupers are the most common, while snappers are caught less frequently. Various colourful coral reef fish may also appear in your catch.
In addition to pelagic fish, you can also target bottom species from the coastal rocks. Groupers are the most common, while snappers are caught less frequently. Various colourful coral reef fish may also appear in your catch.
The best fishing in Phuket from the shore is usually after storms, which bring plankton, oxygen-rich cooler water and fish from the open ocean closer to the coast. If there have been no storms for a long time, fish activity may be low and the number of fish can decrease. During these periods, especially in the hottest months of the dry season (January, February and March), one of the most effective methods is fishing from the rocks with a 40-gram sinking bombarda float. The best bait is a strip of squid or scented trout soft bait.
Video about fishing with a sinking bombarda float in Phuket:
The rocks to the left and right of Nai Harn Beach are the most popular shore fishing spots in Phuket because they offer the best underwater structure and good depth.
When anglers are lucky enough to catch a trophy fish from the shore, it most often happens either at Promthep Cape or on the rocks to the right of Nai Harn Beach.
When anglers are lucky enough to catch a trophy fish from the shore, it most often happens either at Promthep Cape or on the rocks to the right of Nai Harn Beach.
1.5 Ultralight fishing in freshwater and saltwater locations in Phuket:
Phuket is a unique destination for anglers who enjoy ultralight fishing with micro jigs and 3–5 gram trout spoons. What makes it special is the opportunity to fish completely free of charge in an artificial lake filled with seawater and stocked with marine fish species, including smaller GT! The lake is relatively shallow, reaching depths of around 3 metres, with a few slightly deeper areas. Because of this, the fish do not grow to the size of their offshore counterparts, but they still fight just as hard as fish in the open sea.
This saltwater lake is located next to Nai Harn Beach. When the lake overflows, water drains into the sea on the left side of Nai Harn Beach, and this is usually where the highest concentration of fish and the most bites can be found.
The best lures are 3–5 gram trout spoons, a drop-shot rig or micro jigging setups. However, fish sometimes stay far from the shore, so spoons often work better because they can be cast farther and usually produce more bites. The bottom is mostly clean and flat, with very few snags. There are almost no submerged branches, only shells.
This saltwater lake is located next to Nai Harn Beach. When the lake overflows, water drains into the sea on the left side of Nai Harn Beach, and this is usually where the highest concentration of fish and the most bites can be found.
The best lures are 3–5 gram trout spoons, a drop-shot rig or micro jigging setups. However, fish sometimes stay far from the shore, so spoons often work better because they can be cast farther and usually produce more bites. The bottom is mostly clean and flat, with very few snags. There are almost no submerged branches, only shells.
Freshwater fishing in Phuket's lakes can also be very interesting. These lakes are home to snakehead and tilapia, which can also be caught on micro jigs. However, because of the underwater vegetation, small trout spoons and inline spinners are often more effective. Small crankbaits up to 50 mm also work well for snakehead.
Tilapia have small mouths, so it is better to use spoons weighing 3–4 grams. Most bites happen during an extremely slow retrieve with short pauses near lily pads or submerged branches.
Tilapia have small mouths, so it is better to use spoons weighing 3–4 grams. Most bites happen during an extremely slow retrieve with short pauses near lily pads or submerged branches.
Videos showing the lures used to catch tilapia and snakehead in Phuket:
Detailed video about ultralight fishing for snakehead and tilapia in Phuket:
Also, short videos:
Snakehead fishing in Phuket
Tilapia fishing in Phuket
Important
Free fishing is allowed at the lakes near Nai Harn Beach, and this is one of the few places in Phuket where anglers can fish without any issues. We have personally checked this many times.
However, according to Thai regulations, foreigners are not allowed to fish in inland waters. In other areas of Phuket, especially near private property, security staff may ask you to leave. If this happens, simply pack up your gear and leave immediately, and there are usually no problems with the police.
However, according to Thai regulations, foreigners are not allowed to fish in inland waters. In other areas of Phuket, especially near private property, security staff may ask you to leave. If this happens, simply pack up your gear and leave immediately, and there are usually no problems with the police.
1.6 Float fishing and feeder fishing in Phuket lakes:
With a float rod in Phuket, you can catch fish in almost any pond by using a regular earthworm as bait. However, earthworms are not sold in local shops, so you will need to collect them yourself. The best places to find them are permanently shaded areas covered with fallen leaves. In these locations, worms stay close to the surface because the leaves retain moisture and the shade prevents the ground from overheating. If fish are not biting in mid-water, lower the hook to the bottom and add some groundbait. This usually attracts more fish and increases your chances of getting a bite.
One of the suitable places for float fishing in Phuket is located near Nai Harn Beach, close to the saltwater lake described above.
Bottom fishing in Phuket can also produce impressive trophy fish, especially after the rainy season, when the water level in the reservoirs has already dropped, but the water has not yet overheated. During this period, oxygen levels remain high and fish feed very actively.
Phuket's reservoirs are home to large snakehead, catfish and pacu. During the dry season, when water levels are at their lowest, these fish can often be seen surfacing to gulp air or feeding on insects that have fallen onto the water. However, they are extremely difficult to catch on spinning tackle, so a feeder setup is usually much more effective.
For the best results, cast as far as possible. Chicken hearts are considered one of the most effective baits for this type of fishing in Phuket.
One of the suitable places for float fishing in Phuket is located near Nai Harn Beach, close to the saltwater lake described above.
Bottom fishing in Phuket can also produce impressive trophy fish, especially after the rainy season, when the water level in the reservoirs has already dropped, but the water has not yet overheated. During this period, oxygen levels remain high and fish feed very actively.
Phuket's reservoirs are home to large snakehead, catfish and pacu. During the dry season, when water levels are at their lowest, these fish can often be seen surfacing to gulp air or feeding on insects that have fallen onto the water. However, they are extremely difficult to catch on spinning tackle, so a feeder setup is usually much more effective.
For the best results, cast as far as possible. Chicken hearts are considered one of the most effective baits for this type of fishing in Phuket.
A more detailed video about feeder fishing for snakehead in Phuket:
1.7 Sea kayak fishing in Phuket:
Sea kayak fishing in Phuket itself is free, but you will need to pay for kayak rental, which usually costs 100–150 THB per hour. Life jackets and paddles are included in the price. You can rent a kayak at Yanui Beach, located to the left of Nai Harn Beach. Kayak rentals usually open between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. A 4–5 hour session is usually enough, as your back may get tired from the unfamiliar sitting position, but the fishing experience is very rewarding.
When choosing tackle for vertical kayak fishing in Phuket, it is best to use a rod between 2 and 2.5 metres long with a casting weight of up to 40–60 grams.
When choosing tackle for vertical kayak fishing in Phuket, it is best to use a rod between 2 and 2.5 metres long with a casting weight of up to 40–60 grams.
Larger fish are usually found at depths of 10–15 metres around underwater rocks. Due to constant fishing pressure, fish often gather in small, localised schools, so they are much easier to find with a fish finder. A compact portable fish finder, such as the Praktik, works very well for this purpose at depths of up to 20–25 metres.
The highest concentration of fish is usually found near Promthep Cape, so do not waste time in shallow water. Head straight to deeper areas. If you have difficulty locating fish, send us a message on Instagram or Telegram and we will be happy to help:
The highest concentration of fish is usually found near Promthep Cape, so do not waste time in shallow water. Head straight to deeper areas. If you have difficulty locating fish, send us a message on Instagram or Telegram and we will be happy to help:
We recommend buying a ready-made vertical fishing rig called a "Sabiki" at a local tackle shop, along with 40–60 gram sinkers. The best bait for vertical kayak fishing in Phuket is a small strip of fresh squid, about the size of your little finger, or scented trout soft bait.
You can learn more about sea kayak fishing in Phuket in this video:
You can learn more about sea kayak fishing in Phuket in this video:
Friends, I have tried to include as many details as possible and create a complete guide to fishing in Phuket. If I have missed anything, I will be happy to share more information in our Instagram. Join us and don't miss useful tips, fishing spots, and the latest updates about fishing in Phuket:
Now let's find out when the best time for fishing in Phuket is.
Section 2: the best time for fishing and holidays in Phuket
Let's look at the main factors that affect fishing success and fish activity in Phuket:
- Storms – push ocean water towards Phuket, bringing plankton, oxygen and small baitfish that attract larger predatory fish;
- Fish spawning season – before spawning, fish gather around underwater structures and begin feeding actively;
- Currents – bring plankton, oxygen and baitfish, followed by larger predators;
- Water temperature – warm water holds less oxygen, making fish less active;
- Commercial fishing activity – Phuket, like many densely populated coastal destinations, has an active commercial fishing industry that also affects sea fish populations.
The transition from the rainy season to the dry season in Phuket usually takes place in October.
Therefore, the main tourist dry season in Phuket includes: November, December, January, February, March and April.
The sunniest and most pleasant weather in Phuket is usually from December until the end of March.
The transition from the dry season to the rainy season in Phuket usually begins in May and continues until the end of September, sometimes partially extending into October. However, it does not rain every day. June and July often have good weather and relatively calm seas.
Therefore, the main tourist dry season in Phuket includes: November, December, January, February, March and April.
The sunniest and most pleasant weather in Phuket is usually from December until the end of March.
The transition from the dry season to the rainy season in Phuket usually begins in May and continues until the end of September, sometimes partially extending into October. However, it does not rain every day. June and July often have good weather and relatively calm seas.
Usually, August is the rainiest and windiest month in Phuket, while September often brings the strongest storms of the entire year, which can sometimes last for up to two weeks. During these two months, we do not recommend visiting Phuket for holidays.
However, if you still decide to come, there is a quiet beach on the east coast of Phuket called "Ao Yon", which is naturally protected from strong winds and large waves.
However, if you still decide to come, there is a quiet beach on the east coast of Phuket called "Ao Yon", which is naturally protected from strong winds and large waves.
The best fishing in Phuket is usually in October, November, April, June and July.
During these months, west and southwest winds blow from the Indian Ocean towards Phuket, constantly bringing plankton and baitfish closer to the island. Predatory fish follow this food source, which is why fishing in Phuket is usually at its best after storms. For example, after the September storms, early October often offers excellent tuna fishing in Phuket.
Cloud cover, rain, wind and ocean currents lower water temperatures. Cooler water retains more oxygen, making fish more active and increasing their appetite.
Ocean currents also bring large amounts of plankton and schools of small baitfish. Plankton enriches the water with oxygen, while baitfish attract larger predators, which are the main target species during sea fishing in Phuket.
In April, many species such as tuna, grouper and king mackerel begin their spawning season. Before spawning, they gather in large schools around underwater structures and feed aggressively. April often produces very large fish on fast jigging techniques, while king mackerel usually responds better to casting techniques with deeper-running lures.
Cloud cover, rain, wind and ocean currents lower water temperatures. Cooler water retains more oxygen, making fish more active and increasing their appetite.
Ocean currents also bring large amounts of plankton and schools of small baitfish. Plankton enriches the water with oxygen, while baitfish attract larger predators, which are the main target species during sea fishing in Phuket.
In April, many species such as tuna, grouper and king mackerel begin their spawning season. Before spawning, they gather in large schools around underwater structures and feed aggressively. April often produces very large fish on fast jigging techniques, while king mackerel usually responds better to casting techniques with deeper-running lures.
Usually, the highest concentration of fish in Phuket is in early October, right after the strongest September storms of the year. By October, many fishing spots in Phuket have also had time to recover from both recreational and commercial fishing pressure during the rainy and stormy months of August and September.
October is one of the best months for fishing in Phuket. There is usually a lot of tuna, while sailfish and marlin actively bite when trolling. However, the weather can still be unpredictable because the rainy season is sometimes delayed, and October may still bring frequent rain.
For this reason, October is an excellent month for fishing in Phuket, but it is not always the best choice for a beach holiday due to the possibility of rainy weather.
The most balanced and suitable month for both fishing and a beach holiday in Phuket is April, especially the first half of the month. From the end of March, many marine fish species begin gathering around underwater structures and feed actively before spawning. For anglers who enjoy deep sea jigging in Phuket, April is one of the best times of the year.
April is the best overall month for both holidays and fishing in Phuket because fish are feeding heavily before spawning, the weather is sunny and stable, and the sea is usually calm.
October is one of the best months for fishing in Phuket. There is usually a lot of tuna, while sailfish and marlin actively bite when trolling. However, the weather can still be unpredictable because the rainy season is sometimes delayed, and October may still bring frequent rain.
For this reason, October is an excellent month for fishing in Phuket, but it is not always the best choice for a beach holiday due to the possibility of rainy weather.
The most balanced and suitable month for both fishing and a beach holiday in Phuket is April, especially the first half of the month. From the end of March, many marine fish species begin gathering around underwater structures and feed actively before spawning. For anglers who enjoy deep sea jigging in Phuket, April is one of the best times of the year.
April is the best overall month for both holidays and fishing in Phuket because fish are feeding heavily before spawning, the weather is sunny and stable, and the sea is usually calm.
Video of sea fishing in Phuket in April:
There is simply too much information about fishing in Phuket to fit into a single article, so we are always happy to help you in our Instagram and Telegram community:
For your convenience, so you don't have to reread this entire article every time, we have prepared a simple visual calendar of weather conditions and fishing activity in Phuket:
You can find fishing trip prices in Phuket and choose the option that suits you best on our website:
A few words from the author of this article:
Ruslan Iulgushev
Dear friends, hello.
I have been living and fishing in Phuket for many years, creating videos about tropical fishing in Phuket. I truly love what I do and I am always happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel «Fly For Fishing» – let's explore and grow together in the world of sea fishing in Phuket:
I have been living and fishing in Phuket for many years, creating videos about tropical fishing in Phuket. I truly love what I do and I am always happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel «Fly For Fishing» – let's explore and grow together in the world of sea fishing in Phuket:
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We are always happy to see you – see you on the water!
