Thailand has some of the most exciting gamefishing sites in Asia especially along the Andaman seacoast of Phuket and Krabi provinces. Marlin, sailfish, tuna, huge garoupa and every kind of shark imaginable are a boat ride from shore. Phang-nga Bay plays host to some of the rarest species of aquatic life in the world, including the rare swimming iguana.

Over the past 15 years, deep sea fishing competitions have grown in size and popularity with Phuket and Krabi as centres for a growing fleet of contenders. Tournaments are especially popular during the calm season between September and Mat when contenders reel in record catches of sailfish, marlin, wahoo and barracuda. Major game fishing contests are run according to the rules of the International Game fishing Association which mandate a “catch and release” requirement for sharks, underweight fish, and billfish such as marlin and sailfish.

For game fishing, the twin islands of Racha Yai and Racha Noi, some 50 Minutes out of Phuket, offer some of the best local fishing to be had. Sailfish, black, marlin, wahoo and tunas make this, along with excellent snorkeling, a good choice for the novice and experienced angler alike. Power boats are also available for charter for deep-sea fishing expedition out of the Andaman Sea resorts of Phuket and Krabi. Power cruises come fully equipped with fighting chairs and heavy tackle. For those who just want to go along for the ride, the scenery is as breathtaking as the activities.

In Pattaya, the Bang Saray Fishing Lodge arranges boat, tackle, and guides for reasonable fees. In the rocks south of Pattaya lurk species native to the Gulf of Thaialnd: red snapper, yellow jack, bonito, black-tipped sharks. Cobia and giant garoupers.