Fishing Trips on Koh Tao (2025 Guide)

Koh Tao isn’t just for divers and snorkelers—local captains run relaxed reef/bottom-fishing, light trolling, and sunset/night squid trips on traditional longtail boats and small cutters. Expect easygoing days on the water, gorgeous bays, and the real chance of snapper, trevally, grouper and (at night) squid.

Good to know (2025):

• Trip styles: Daytime line/troll fishing • Sunset & night squid fishing • Combo snorkel + fish options. tripstorekrabi.comGetYourGuide

• Typical duration: Half-day (4–5h) or full-day (6–7h). Lunch/dinner often included. tripstorekrabi.com

• Best sea conditions: Generally March–September (calmer seas); fishing is year-round but swell can rise Oct–Jan. (Typical local guidance.) La Bombona Diving Koh Tao

Recommended ways to book

• Traditional longtail with a local captain
  Mango Bay Boutique Resort → “Fishing with Mr. Bu” (private trip, classic Thai boat, lunch & drinks; pickup 09:30–10:00, return ~16:30–17:00). Great authentic day out. mangobaykohtao.com

• Private/agent-arranged fishing (day or night)
  Oxygen longtail fishing trip (listed via licensed agent Trip Store Krabi; day or night squid option; gear + meals included). Availability varies—confirm directly. tripstorekrabi.com

• Private fishing & squid charter (book online)
  GetYourGuide lists a “Fishing & Squid – Private Tour around Koh Tao (day/night)”—helpful if you prefer instant online booking. Prices show per-group. GetYourGuide

Tip: Popular snorkel operators like Oxygen Tours and Sangthong Tours mainly run snorkel days, but private boats can sometimes be configured for fishing—ask when enquiring. (Sangthong runs a comfy ex-fishing cutter for snorkel routes.) oxygentourskohtaoGetYourGuide

What you might catch

Common local targets include red/black snapper, giant & bigeye trevally, grouper, barracuda, and squid after dark. Captains choose spots by conditions and season; light trolling between bays is common. (Operator descriptions & local summaries.) tripstorekrabi.comLa Bombona Diving Koh Tao

Sample itineraries

• Half-day (AM/PM) – Longtail
  Hotel pickup → Mae Haad pier → 2–3 fishing spots (east coast bays if calm) → light lunch/fruit → return. tripstorekrabi.com

• Sunset & Night Squid
  Late-afternoon departure → golden-hour trolling → anchor with green lights for squid jigging → simple dinner/BBQ on board → back late evening. tripstorekrabi.comGetYourGuide

Responsible & practical info

• Zoning & etiquette: Boats avoid swim/snorkel zones and sensitive reefs; captains follow local marine protection/zoning guidance around Koh Tao—please stick to their instructions. newheavenreefconservation.org

• If stopping at Koh Nang Yuan: Expect a 250 THB entrance fee and a well-enforced no-plastic-bottles policy—bring a reusable or buy glass on the island. Fishing isn’t done inside the swim areas there. Lilla Green

• Licensing: As of 2025, no recreational rod-fishing license is required in Thailand; operators arrange necessary permissions. (Rules can change; your captain will advise.) FishingBooker

Bring: sun shirt/hat, reef-safe sunscreen, seasickness tablets if you’re sensitive, drybag, and small cash for fees/snacks.

Typical pricing & inclusions

Prices vary by group size, hours, and boat type. Recent public listings show per-person day trips from ~฿1,800 with gear, lunch, and hotel transfers; private group charters are higher but can be good value for 4–6 guests. Always reconfirm inclusions (bait, soft drinks, BBQ, photos). tripstorekrabi.comViator

How to book (links)

• Private fishing with Mr. Bu (Mango Bay Resort) – enquiry & details: mangobaykohtao.com → Activities → Fishing. mangobaykohtao.com

• Oxygen Fishing Trip (agent listing) – day/night, longtail: Trip Store Krabi. tripstorekrabi.com

• Fishing & Squid Private Tour – live availability: GetYourGuide. GetYourGuide

• Oxygen Tours (operator site) – private boat info & contact (ask about fishing/private configuration). oxygentourskohtao

FAQs

How many people can we take?
Longtails typically take 2–6 comfortably; cutters can take more. Check the operator’s boat and safety limits. tripstorekrabi.com

Can we keep the catch?
Often yes (within captain’s guidance); some trips BBQ fish/squid on board. Protected species and small reef fish may be released. tripstorekrabi.com

Will we also snorkel?
Many daytime trips include a snorkel stop by request—great in clearer seas (Mar–Sep). La Bombona Diving Koh Tao