Racha Island Or Maiton Island (Buttom Fishing) – Nikorn Marine

This is a day fishing trip from Chalong Pier, Phuket, out to Racha Island or Maiton Island aboard Nikorn Marine’s fully equipped boats, arranged by our licensed family shop in Chalong. You cruise into the Andaman Sea for bottom fishing and squid fishing with traditional tackle, and the crew can cook your catch on board. A hands-on day for anglers and curious first-timers alike.

What kind of fishing day is this?

Let’s set expectations honestly, because “fishing trip” means different things to different people. This is a relaxed bottom-fishing and squid-fishing day, not a big-game deep-sea charter chasing marlin. You anchor over productive ground near Racha (Raya) or Maiton Island and drop lines with traditional handline tackle for the reef and bottom species of the Andaman Sea. It’s approachable, sociable and genuinely fun even if you’ve never fished before — the crew shows you how. Phuket fishes all year round, and local anglers tell us the variety is often at its best around November.

The real treat comes at the end: the crew can prepare what you catch right there on the boat, as Tom Yum soup, fried, or fresh as sashimi. Few holiday lunches beat eating a fish you pulled up an hour earlier.

What does the day look like?

A typical trip runs out of Chalong Pier and spends the middle of the day on the water:

• Morning — check in at the Nikorn Marine office at Chalong Pier and depart for Racha or Maiton Island
• Midday — lunch on board (available for an extra charge), with time to swim or relax
• Early afternoon — bottom fishing and squid fishing with traditional equipment
• Mid-afternoon — depart for the return to Chalong Pier
• Late afternoon — arrive back at Chalong Pier

Times are a guideline and shift with the sea and the fishing. Racha Island brings clearer water and good snorkelling between casts; Maiton is quieter and closer. Tell us which appeals and we’ll advise what’s running.

Who is this trip for?

It suits anyone curious about fishing — couples, friends and families with older children who want a hands-on day rather than a sightseeing cruise. Keen anglers enjoy it, and complete beginners are well looked after by the crew. It’s less suitable for very young children, anyone who can’t sit through slower stretches while waiting for a bite, or travellers prone to seasickness, since fishing boats sit still and roll on the swell. If a beach-hopping snorkel day sounds more your speed, see our island tours instead.

When is the best time to go?

Phuket has a year-round fishing season, but the calmest, clearest conditions on the Andaman side are usually in the November-to-April high season — and locals often single out November for the greatest variety of fish. In the green season the sea can be lumpier, so if you’re visiting then, chat with us the day before and we’ll read the conditions honestly before you commit.

What should you bring?

Sun protection above all — a hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen and a light long-sleeve layer, because a day on open water is deceptively strong sun. Swimwear and a towel if you fancy a dip, motion-sickness tablets if you’re prone to it, and cash for the on-board lunch and any extras. We’re a family-run shop on Chalong Circle (TAT licence No. 34/03373), a short hop from the pier — come see us and we’ll get you set.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need fishing experience?

No. This is beginner-friendly bottom and squid fishing with simple traditional tackle, and the crew shows you what to do. Experienced anglers enjoy it too.

Can the crew cook what I catch?

Yes. The crew can prepare your catch on board as Tom Yum soup, fried, or as fresh sashimi — one of the highlights of the day.

Racha or Maiton Island — which is better?

Racha (Raya) has clearer water and good snorkelling between casts; Maiton is quieter and closer to Chalong. It also depends on the day’s conditions. Tell us your preference and we’ll advise what’s running.

How much does the fishing trip cost?

Boat prices in Phuket change daily, so we don’t post a fixed figure. Message us on WhatsApp with your date and group size for today’s best price and what’s included. Note that lunch on board is an extra charge.

Is it suitable for young children?

It’s best for older children and adults, as there are slower stretches waiting for bites and the boat rolls at anchor. For families with little ones, a beach or snorkel day may suit better — just ask us.

Related trips and info: all our tours · Krabi Islands tour · private speedboat to Phi Phi · visit our shop.

Photos