Deep Sea Fishing in Pattaya

Half-day charters (4–5 hours) start at 3,000–5,000 THB per person on a shared boat. Private half-day charters run 8,000–15,000 THB for up to 4–6 anglers. Full-day charters (8–10 hours) cost 5,000–8,000 THB per person shared or 15,000–30,000 THB private. Prices include captain, crew, bait, tackle, ice, and drinking water. Boats depart from Bali Hai Pier or Ocean Marina at 7–8 AM.

Pattaya waters are rich with: Barracuda (year-round), King Mackerel (October–March), Sailfish (November–April), Mahi-Mahi (March–September), Grouper (year-round), Red Snapper (year-round), Cobia (November–March), and Trevally (year-round). Marlin are caught further offshore (50+ km). Bottom fishing targets Grouper and Snapper, while trolling catches pelagics like Sailfish and Mackerel.

November to April is peak season with calm seas and migrating pelagic fish (Sailfish, Mackerel, Cobia). March–April is the best month for Sailfish. May–October (monsoon season) brings rougher seas but excellent catches of Mahi-Mahi and Wahoo. Bottom fishing is productive year-round. Avoid going out in heavy storms — operators will cancel for safety.

Near-shore (5–15 km): Artificial reefs off Jomtien for Grouper and Snapper. Mid-range (15–30 km): Koh Larn area for Barracuda and Trevally. Offshore (30–60 km): Deep water around sunken ships and FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices) for Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, and Wahoo. The Man-made Reef Zone south of Pattaya is particularly productive for bottom fishing.

Pattaya Fishing (based at Ocean Marina) has modern boats and English-speaking captains. Thai Fishing Charters offers budget-friendly shared trips from Bali Hai Pier. Big Game Fishing Pattaya specializes in offshore trolling for Sailfish and Marlin. For luxury trips, Ocean Marina Yacht Club has premium vessels with full amenities. Book 2–3 days in advance during peak season.

Pattaya hosts several fishing tournaments annually: the Pattaya International Fishing Tournament (February), Ocean Marina Big Game Tournament (March), and various club competitions. Record catches in the area include Sailfish over 50 kg, Black Marlin over 100 kg, and Giant Trevally over 30 kg. Tournament entry fees range from 2,000–10,000 THB per team.

Arrive at the pier by 7 AM. Boats head to fishing grounds (30–90 minutes). The crew handles bait, rigging, and boat positioning. You'll troll or bottom fish depending on the target species. Lunch is usually included on full-day trips (Thai food). Fish are cleaned by the crew. You can keep your catch — many restaurants near the pier will cook it for 200–400 THB. Return by 1 PM (half-day) or 4–5 PM (full day).

Budget alternative: fish from Bali Hai Pier or Jomtien Pier for free. Catch small Grouper, Snapper, and Squid. Basic rod and reel sets cost 300–800 THB from tackle shops on Walking Street or Lazada. Bait (shrimp, squid) costs 50–100 THB. Kayak fishing off Jomtien Beach is gaining popularity — rent kayaks for 300–500 THB/hour and fish the nearshore reefs.

Several operators offer family trips targeting easy-to-catch species on calm, sheltered waters. Expect to pay 2,500–4,000 THB per person including kid-friendly equipment. Children under 10 often get discounted or free spots. The crew assists kids with baiting and reeling. Choose a shorter half-day trip (4 hours) to avoid seasickness and boredom. Calm seas (November–February) are best for families.

Sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, polarized sunglasses, light long-sleeve shirt, anti-nausea medication (take 30 minutes before departure), camera in a waterproof bag, cash for tips, and a light rain jacket. Most charter boats provide tackle, bait, ice, and water. Bring your own food/snacks for half-day trips. Wear shoes with non-slip soles — boat decks get wet.

A tip of 500–1,000 THB for the crew is customary on private charters; 200–300 THB per person on shared trips. If the crew helps you with a particularly good catch or goes above and beyond, tip generously. Photo/video packages are offered by some operators for 500–1,000 THB. Fish taxidermy (mounting your trophy catch) can be arranged for 3,000–10,000 THB.

A unique Pattaya experience: night squid fishing trips depart at 5–6 PM and return by 10 PM. Boats use bright lights to attract squid. Cost is 1,500–3,000 THB per person including equipment, bait, and drinks. You'll catch 1–5 kg of squid on a good night. Many trips include cooking your catch on board. Calm seas are essential — trips cancel in rough weather.