From deep sea big game charters to monster freshwater catfish at stocked lakes, Pattaya offers world-class fishing for every skill level and budget.
Head out into the Gulf of Thailand on a charter boat targeting big game fish. Trips depart from Bali Hai Pier or Ocean Marina. Equipment, bait, ice, and drinks typically included. Best for experienced anglers seeking trophy catches.
Included: Rods, reels, tackle, bait, ice, water, snacks
Monster freshwater fishing at stocked lakes like Bung Sam Ran and Amazon BKK Fishing Park. Catch massive Mekong catfish (50-100+ kg), arapaima, and barramundi. Equipment rental available. Perfect for beginners and families.
Included: Entry fee covers fishing spot, some include basic rod rental
Cast a line from Bali Hai Pier, Jomtien Beach rocks, or Na Jomtien breakwaters. Catch small reef fish, squid (night), and occasional snapper. Bring your own gear or buy cheap setups at local tackle shops for 200-500 THB.
Included: Bring your own equipment
Boats: 38ft to 55ft sportfishing boats
Capacity: 6-15 persons
Includes: Captain, crew, tackle, bait, ice, drinks, lunch on full day trips
Book via website or hotel concierge
Boats: 32ft to 42ft cruisers
Capacity: 4-8 persons
Includes: All equipment, bait, ice, soft drinks, experienced crew
Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Na Jomtien
Boats: 40ft sportfisher with fighting chair
Capacity: 6-10 persons
Includes: Premium tackle, live bait, lunch, drinks, fish cleaning
Book 2-3 days in advance
Boats: Traditional Thai longtail boats
Capacity: 2-4 persons
Includes: Basic tackle, bait, local knowledge of reef spots
Negotiate at Bali Hai Pier or Jomtien fishing village
| Species | Where | Season | Size | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barracuda | Offshore reefs | Year-round | Up to 1.5m | Trolling, casting |
| Wahoo | Deep water (30+ km out) | Nov - Apr | Up to 2m, 30+ kg | High-speed trolling |
| Sailfish | Deep offshore | Dec - Mar | Up to 3m | Trolling with live bait |
| Red Snapper | Offshore reefs, wrecks | Year-round | Up to 10 kg | Bottom fishing |
| Grouper | Rocky reefs, structures | Year-round | Up to 20 kg | Bottom fishing, jigging |
| King Mackerel | Nearshore to offshore | Nov - May | Up to 15 kg | Trolling, casting |
| Giant Trevally (GT) | Reefs, structures | Year-round | Up to 40 kg | Popping, jigging |
| Squid | Nearshore, piers | Year-round (best at night) | 15-40 cm | Squid jigs, lights |
| Mekong Catfish (Lake) | Stocked lakes | Year-round | 50-100+ kg | Float fishing, bread bait |
| Arapaima (Lake) | Stocked lakes | Year-round | Up to 200 kg | Float fishing, heavy tackle |
Military-controlled area with pristine reefs. Rich marine life, excellent bottom fishing for snapper and grouper. Some charters have access permits.
Accessible reefs around Koh Larn island. Good for trolling barracuda and casting for trevally. Easy half-day trip.
Sunken structures placed to attract marine life. Good bottom fishing for grouper and snapper. GPS coordinates available from charter operators.
Where the big game fish are. Sailfish, wahoo, and large tuna. Requires full-day charter with experienced captain. Best November to March.
World-famous freshwater fishing lake. Mekong catfish regularly over 50 kg. Day trip from Pattaya. Equipment and guide available on-site.
Calm seas, clear water, best visibility. Peak season for sailfish, wahoo, and big game. Book charters early.
Still good conditions. Water warms up attracting reef fish. Can be very hot on the boat, bring shade.
Afternoon storms but morning trips usually fine. Some charters cancelled on rough days. Good lake fishing season.
Roughest seas. Many offshore trips cancelled. Shore and lake fishing still available. Fewer tourists means lower prices.
All charter operators provide rods, reels, tackle, bait, and safety equipment. Just show up with sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Some operators offer premium tackle upgrades for serious anglers.
If you prefer your own gear, airlines allow fishing rods in checked luggage (check your airline). Local tackle shops on Soi Buakhao and near Bali Hai Pier sell quality equipment and lures at reasonable prices.
Most stocked lakes rent complete setups for 200-500 THB per day. Heavy duty rods for monster catfish and arapaima. Bait (bread, pellets, worms) available on-site for 50-200 THB.
Most deep sea charters allow you to keep your catch. The crew will clean and fillet the fish. Take it to a local restaurant that offers cook-your-catch service (100-300 THB cooking fee). Several seafood restaurants on Jomtien and Walking Street offer this.
Most stocked lakes are strictly catch and release. Fish are valuable breeding stock. Barbless hooks required at some venues. Sailfish and other game fish are typically released offshore to preserve populations. Photos with your catch before release are welcome.
No fishing license is required for tourists in Thailand. You are free to fish from shore, on charter boats, and at private lakes without any permit. Private lakes charge their own entry fees. National marine park areas may have restrictions -- your charter captain will know the rules.