Best Times & Seasons to Fish Phuket, Thailand (A Guide)
Phuket is one of the most popular vacation destinations on earth but it is a very overlooked fishing destination with some of the best fishing in the Pacific Ocean. Knowing the best time of year to fish these rich waters can make a huge difference.
The best season to fish Phuket, Thailand is October through May for cobia, barracuda, tuna, sailfish, king mackerel, and mahi mahi. This season will offer the best weather conditions and the best fishing in these rich waters.
| Fish Species | Best Times to Fish in Phuket Coastal Waters |
| Cobia | May through October is the peak fishing season. |
| Barracuda | Barracuda are available year-round. Fall can be especially good. |
| Tuna | June through November is the best season for tuna. |
| Mahi Mahi (Dorado) | Early summer through early winter is the peak mahi mahi season. |
| Sailfish | November through April is the best fishing season for sailfish in Phuket. |
| Marlin | Year-round availability. July through November is the peak season. |
| King Mackerel | 2 major seasons are October-January & May through August. |
| Wahoo | August through January is the best season for wahoo. |
Phuket offers a lot of fishing trips and tours. The area has so many options for anglers of all skill levels. There are fishing packages for all tastes. It’s possible to enjoy freshwater fishing, shore/surf fishing as well as deep-sea fishing in the area. Here, you can always book fishing cruises, fishing charters, etc.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, you will enjoy your fishing trip. The Phuket area creates fantastic opportunities for every fisherman and impresses with its huge variety of fish species. Here, you can always catch both freshwater and sea fishing species. If you choose to fish in and around Phuket, then you’ll get the best possible experience.
Best Time to Fish Phuket, Thailand
Actually, it’s possible to fish in the area any time of the year. However, the peak fishing season starts in October and ends in May. Fishermen usually get the best results during this period of time.
Phuket Species Breakdown: Best Time
When preparing for a Phuket fishing trip, you have to know when, where, and how to catch fish species. The Phuket area is very popular among anglers due to the abundance of fish species. The region impresses with its fish diversity and has a lot to offer to every angler. It’s the place where anglers can enjoy fishing any time of the year. Now, we’ll briefly describe the species of fish that anglers can catch in the area.
Barracuda
There is no bad time for barracuda fishing in Phuket. You can catch barracuda in this area at different times of the year. The best fishing spots where you can catch barracuda successfully are located between the south of Phuket and Koh Racha.
Cobia
Some anglers are interested in targeting cobia in the Phuket area. This fish is well-known for its fighting spirit. Summer months are the high season to fish for cobia in the area. Waters of the Andaman Sea offer great opportunities for anglers, who are interested in cobia fishing.
Dorado
Dorado fish is also known as Mahi-Mahi and dolphin fish. Many anglers choose to target this fish during their trips. The peak season to catch dorado starts in the early summer and lasts till the late winter. There are many good fishing spots around the Phuket coast where anglers can catch dorado and other species of fish.
Tuna
Tuna is one of the most common fish species in Phuket, Thailand. It’s possible to catch tuna any time of year, but the best fishing season starts in June and lasts until November. There are many islands near Phuket. Here, you can always target tuna and other fish species.
Trevally
Fishing in Phuket gives anglers an opportunity to enjoy catching trevally. The fish is the most active between March and April and between October and December. So, anglers get the best results during these months. Anglers, who are interested in fishing for trevally in the Phuket area, should visit Khao Lak. The chance to catch giant trevally is high in this place.
Sailfish
Anglers can also target sailfish during a Phuket fishing trip. The peak season to catch sailfish is between November and April. The fish is the most active in the afternoon. Racha Yai as well as Racha Noi are great fishing spots where you can target sailfish.
King Mackerel
Phuket, Thailand is the perfect place to target king mackerel. The best seasons to catch king mackerel in Phuket are January as well as between July and August and between October and December. King mackerel are often found near Ko Phuket.
Longtom
Longtom is also known as crocodile fish. It’s possible to fish for crocodile fish each month of the year. Anglers, who are interested in catching crocodile fish, should go fishing in the shallow waters near the islands.
Marlin
Deep-sea fishing provides fishermen with great opportunities. You can catch black and blue marlin during your fishing trip. A lot of anglers prefer to target marlin in the waters near Phuket. Without a doubt, you’ll enjoy catching marlin. Keep in mind that the fish is a good fighter.
Usually, anglers follow the so-called catch and release policy and fish marlin just for pleasure. You can enjoy catching marline all year round, but the best season is between July and November. The fish is the most active during the afternoon. It makes sense to target marlin near the Similan Islands.
For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish Bali, please check out this helpful article I wrote.
Wahoo
Wahoo fishing provides anglers in the Phuket area with the most unforgettable fishing experience. The fish is very strong. The season to fish wahoo in the area starts in August and lasts till January. If you are interested in catching wahoo near Phuket, then you should visit the fishing spots near Racha Yai and Racha Noi. The chances to catch wahoo near these islands are high.
Recommended Fishing Charters in Phuket
These Phuket-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Type of Fishing Offered |
| Funthaisea Game Fishing | Inshore & Offshore |
| Gottcha Big Game – M/V Queen Marlin | Inshore & Offshore |
| Beluga Fishing Tours | Inshore & Offshore |
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic to create your combo.
Best Time of Day to Fish Phuket, Thailand
Traditionally, anglers in Phuket, Thailand choose to go fishing either in the morning or in the afternoon. Oftentimes, fish bite well at dawn and dusk. It’s the most suitable time of day to enjoy deep sea fishing. Fishermen get the best results early in the early mornings.
Phuket Fishing & Tidal Impacts
It’s also important to note that the best fishing times depend on tide times. When getting ready for a fishing trip, anglers have to study high tide times as well as low tide times.
Fishermen usually get great results during incoming tides. It’s worth noting that tides bring oxygen-rich waters that positively affect the activity of fish. The rising tides increase the activity of many fish species. Fish actively feed during the rising tides and anglers find it a lot easier to catch it.
Storms & Phuket Fishing
It’s important to know that fishing is very dangerous during storms. Strong winds, as well as violent waves, can cause damage to the anglers and fishing boats. Oftentimes, boats are damaged and even smashed on rocks during the storms. Fishing before storms should be avoided as well.
That’s why it’s so important for anglers to check weather forecasts before a fishing trip. It would be better to fish after storms. According to the opinions of so many anglers in Phuket, fishing is often very productive after storms.
Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Phuket, Thailand?
The Phuket area makes it possible for anglers to enjoy fishing all year round. Fishing is the most productive during the summer months. When water is cold, many fish species become inactive and don’t bite.
On the other hand, it’s still possible to enjoy fishing and catch many fish species during the winter months. Among fish species that you can catch in Phuket in the winter are marlin, sailfish as well as yellow tuna. These fish species are active during the winter months.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish the Great Barrier Reef, please check out this helpful article.
Night Fishing in Phuket, Thailand
Anglers in Phuket can enjoy fishing during the daytime or at night. Each option has its pros and cons. It’s a good idea to fish at night during the hot summer months. However, night fishing is more difficult compared to daytime fishing. So, beginners may find it challenging to fish at night.
If you are the kind of angler, who likes night fishing, then you should consider booking a trip to the Similan Islands. Among the fish species that you can catch here at night are amberjack, barracuda as well as tuna, and snappers.
Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons
There are so many anglers who give a preference to surf fishing in Phuket. It’s fair to say that the area offers excellent opportunities for anglers who prefer to fish from shore. There are fishing piers as well as sand beaches and rocky beaches where anglers can enjoy surf fishing in the area.
Shore/surf fishing makes it possible for anglers to catch many exotic fish species such as barracuda, bonito, dorado, mackerel, snapper, and some others.
Early mornings, as well as late nights, are the most suitable times of the day to surf fish in the Phuket area. The best time of the year to enjoy shore/surf fishing is fall, winter, and spring.
Top Fishing Spots in Phuket, Thailand
The Phuket area offers a lot of options to fishers. Here, anglers always have excellent fishing opportunities. There are saltwater fishing sites as well as freshwater fishing sites. Now, let’s talk about some of the best fishing spots in the region.
Racha Yai
Racha Yai is a good place to visit during a Phuket fishing trip. Racha Yai is one of the largest islands in the area. Here, you can catch a variety of fish species such as marlin and tuna. On top of that, you can catch barracuda, sailfish, dorado, wahoo, and other fish species.
It’s the place where anglers can enjoy fishing any time of the year. However, the peak season starts in November and lasts till April if you are targeting such fish species as tuna, sailfish, or mackerel. If you are interested in catching dorado and wahoo, then go fishing between April and November.
Racha Noi
You can also take a boat trip to Racha Noi Island. Here, anglers always have a good chance to catch a big fish. For example, you can catch giant trevally. Black marlin and tuna can be also found in the waters near Racha Noi Island. It makes a lot of sense to fish in the area in June and July. Those anglers, who give a preference to bottom fishing, should try to target such fish species as grouper and snapper.
The continental shelf
The continental shelf is recommended to the anglers, who come to the area to enjoy deep sea fishing. This spot allows anglers to catch a variety of fish species such as barracuda, mahi-mahi, sailfish, and tuna. The fishing season starts in October and lasts till March.
Khao Khad
Khao Khad is a fishing spot that provides anglers with breathtaking views and amazing fishing opportunities. Here, you can enjoy fishing all year round and catch a wide variety of saltwater fish species.
Fishing parks
The Phuket area also has something to offer to the anglers, who give a preference to freshwater fishing. There are so many parks for anglers in the area. Here, fishermen can catch arapaima, carp, catfish, pacu, wallago leeri, and many other species. The best time of the year to visit fishing parks is between the late spring and the early fall.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Cairns, please check out this helpful article. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Bora Bora, please check out this helpful article. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in French Polynesia.
Booking Charters in Phuket, Thailand
It’s a great idea to book a fishing charter in the Phuket area. If you book a fishing trip to Phuket, you’ll fish with an expert who would be happy to share his knowledge and experience with you. A captain will show you the best spots and provide you with the help and advice that you need during a fishing day. Also, you’ll get all the necessary gear and equipment for fishing. Therefore, you’ll have everything that’s needed for an unforgettable fishing trip in the area.
Best season to go
In fact, it’s possible to fish in the area any time of the year. As we have already said, most fish species are active in the fall, winter, and spring. So, the best season to go to Phuket is between October and May. The weather conditions for fishing are usually good during this period of time and fishing is very productive. The period of time between October and May is also known as the dry season in Phuket.
On the other hand, a lot of tourists come to Phuket during these months. So, if you don’t like to visit the area during the busy fishing and tourist season then plan your trip for July – September. During these months, the demand for fishing is lower but anglers still catch sailfish as well as wahoo successfully. However, you must be prepared that it’s the rainy season in the Phuket area. That means that fishing can be challenging.
However, you have to take into consideration the fish species that you are going to target when choosing the best time to fish in the area. If, for example, you are planning to catch marlin and sailfish then it would be better to plan a fishing trip between October and December. These fish species are the most active during these months.
Morning vs. afternoon
The same can be said about the time of a day. Anglers choose to fish in Phuket either in the morning or in the afternoon. You have to select the time to go fishing with species of fish in mind.
It’s a great idea to fish in the morning in the summer. The weather is hot during the summer months. So, water cools down in the morning and this has a positive impact on fish activity. As a result, the fish actively feed it’s easy to catch it.
However, water is getting warmer in the afternoon during the cold months. That’s why it would be better to choose the afternoon time if you would like to fish in the spring, fall, or in winter.
When selecting the time of day to go fishing in Phuket, you also need to take into account the fish species that you are going to catch.
Let’s say that you are interested in targeting mackerel or kingfish. In this case, the best time of the day to go fishing in the morning. It’s because these fish species are the most active during these times.
Or, maybe, you want to catch sharks or sailfish? If so, you should go fishing in the afternoon. That means that you always have to plan your fishing trip to Phuket with your fishing preferences in mind.
1/2 day, full-day, multi-day charters
There are different types of fishing trips available. You can book 1/2 day, full-day, and multi-day fishing charters. So, you will be able to enjoy fishing as much time as you want.
A half-day fishing trip is more suitable for experienced anglers who would like to enjoy fishing either in the morning or in the evening.
Are you a beginner? Or, maybe, you would like to spend more time fishing? In this case, you have to book a full-day fishing trip.
Multi-day chapters give anglers even more time. During your trip in and around Phuket, you’ll manage to visit many interesting fishing spots and enjoy high-quality meals as well as drinks. Such fishing trips will provide you with the best possible experience, positive emotions memorable moments that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Mauritius, please check out this helpful guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Indonesia, check out this guide. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Japan.
