The Phi Phi Islands are great for fishing. You can catch big fish like Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, and Barracuda. But the biggest catch anglers in the Andaman Sea hope for is the Marlin. Tourists can fish in the Phi Phi Islands using different methods like trolling and jigging to catch big game fish.
History of fishing in Phi Phi
You may have seen pictures of the wooden Longtail Boats while researching the Phi Phi Islands. These boats are used to take tourists on day tours between the islands.
Originally, these boats were not meant for tourists; they were used as fishing boats. For hundreds of years, local fishermen have lived on Phi Phi and nearby islands, earning a living by catching fish. The fish they caught could feed their families, and any extra could be exchanged for other goods, like rice.
In the late 80s, local fishermen had to leave their homes on Phi Phi Don and Bamboo Island when the government designated the land as a National Park.
Since then, earning money from tourists has become more profitable, and boat captains mainly make a living this way instead of fishing.
However, during quieter times, especially in the off-season on the Phi Phi Islands, many boat captains still fish.
Is it legal to fish in Phi Phi
The Phi Phi Islands are a National Park, so you need to be careful not to fish in protected areas. Fishing is illegal in National Park areas, but there are no restrictions in deeper waters outside the National Park.
What Fish can you catch in Phi Phi
The Andaman Sea has many fish species, and squid fishing is common there. However, the main fish that fishermen want to catch is the Marlin. Marlins look similar to swordfish but have a bigger dorsal fin.
Marlins around Koh Phi Phi can weigh about 20 – 30 kilograms. It may take up to an hour to catch one after getting a bite, and you need to use live bait to have a chance.
Other fish that can be caught in the Phi Phi Islands include Barracuda, Mahi-Mahi, and Tuna. Different fishing methods are used for each type of fish.
Fishing techniques in Phi Phi
If you want to catch a big fish in Koh Phi, use live bait. It only takes a few minutes to catch enough bait for the day. It’s common practice in Thailand, to attach 10 or more spinners to one line, and it’s common to catch several small fish or guppies in one cast.
To catch a Marlin, the best method is trolling with live bait. Tourists usually fish with local fishermen, who guide the boat to areas where these fish are often seen. If you get a bite, you’ll notice right away. While catching Marlin in Koh Phi Phi is common, it’s not guaranteed and may take some time. Most boats have rod pods (holders) to secure the rods while trolling.
If you want to catch Mahi-Mahi, you can use similar techniques, but using squid as bait increases your chances.
For tuna, you can use spinners. Albacore Tuna are the easiest fish to catch in the Phi Phi Islands. Local fishermen often attach up to ten spinner hooks behind one lure and cast it as the boat moves slowly through deep waters. It’s common for tuna to bite quickly, often resulting in landing two to five tuna in one cast.
What Happens to fish caught in Phi Phi
What happens to the fish you catch in Koh Phi Phi? Is catch and release used?
Fishing in the Phi Phi Islands can be harsh. Only small fish that aren’t worth anything will be released.
At the start of this post, I mentioned that local people in Southern Thailand have relied on the sea for many years. Captains in Phi Phi fish to survive, not for sport. Anything caught will be eaten, given to friends and family, or sold to local markets or restaurants.
Tourists fishing in Phi Phi can keep what they catch, but you need a place to prepare and cook it. Some restaurants on the island will cook your catch for a fee, and many boat captains have cooking facilities on their boats. If they do, you can enjoy fresh fish in a Tom Yum soup cooked in a local setting, which offers the freshest and most authentic taste of Thailand. Often, tourists prefer that boat captains keep most of the catch as it’s better for them.
If you catch a Marlin or Barracuda, boat captains can sell these to local restaurants on the Phi Phi Islands, usually for about 100 Baht per kilogram.
How much does it cost to Fish in Phi Phi
To fish in the Phi Phi Islands, you need to rent a longtail boat. Fishing from a longtail boat is best for one to three people; more than that makes it crowded for multiple lines. It’s not ideal for large groups.
Renting a longtail boat for fishing typically costs around 1,000-2,000 Baht per hour (approx. 40 USD). This is a bit more expensive than renting the same boat for a tour of the Phi Phi Islands because the boat has to move a lot while fishing, using more fuel than just going between beaches. Remember that any fish caught (like Marlin, Barracuda, or Mahi) also have value to the boat captains, so you might be able to negotiate a lower price if you’re lucky with what you catch. However, there’s no guarantee that you’ll catch anything when fishing.
Who Is Fishing in Phi Phi For
Anyone can fish in Phi Phi, whether you’re experienced or a beginner. However, if you’ve never fished before, the Phi Phi Islands may not be the best place to start. It’s better for those who like fishing or want to catch fish.
It’s also important to note that not everyone agrees with the fishing methods used (like using live bait). Anything caught will be killed. Local Thai methods may not be as humane as some western standards find acceptable.
How to book a fishing trip in Phi Phi
I’ve spent a lot of time living on and off Phi Phi Island, so I know which boat captains like fishing and how to contact them directly.
If you’re visiting Phi Phi for the first time and want to book a fishing trip, you can do it through PhiPhiTours.com. They have connections with many fishing boat captains on the island and can arrange a trip for you.
I wouldn’t recommend other agencies for booking fishing trips in Phi Phi because most travel sellers don’t know much about fishing. They usually focus on regular island hopping tours and while they may advertise fishing tours, they lack experience in this area.
How likely are you to catch (big) fish in Phi Phi?
The Andaman Sea and the waters around Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands are full of fish. You have a 99.9999% chance of catching smaller fish, which are often used as live bait, and some of the larger ones can be kept for eating.
You also have a high chance of catching tuna with trolling techniques using spinners.
While it’s less common, you still have a good chance of catching larger fish like marlin, which can weigh up to 30kg.
As anyone who has fished knows, fishing requires understanding the animals’ feeding habits and depths, using the right equipment and techniques. But there is always an element of luck that will affect how many fish you catch.
Is fishing in Phi Phi worth it
Fishing in Koh Phi Phi is different from fishing anywhere else. It’s not a sport, though fishermen take pride in catching big fish. Fishing in the islands is for survival, and learning the techniques used by local fishermen, passed down through generations, makes it a valuable experience. It’s one of the unique activities in the islands if you want a local experience or if typical island hopping tours aren’t for you. Consider booking a fishing trip in the Phi Phi Islands; you won’t regret it.
Conclusion TL;DR
Fishing in Phi Phi is a great experience for anyone interested in fishing. You can hire a fishing boat through Phi Phi Tours to spend an afternoon or a full day fishing for big game like Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, Barracuda, and Marlin. There’s a good chance you’ll catch something, and it’s a unique experience that not many tourists in Phi Phi have. Feel free to comment on this post if you’ll be fishing in the Phi Phi Islands!
