Pattaya fishing splits in two: cheap, sociable night squid-fishing boats from around ฿530 (from $14.83 on GetYourGuide) where lights draw squid to your line and part of the catch hits the grill; and full-day offshore charters around the islands and wrecks, listed from around ฿18,700 (from $518.94), targeting snapper, grouper and barracuda. Platform inventory is thin here — many of the best charters are booked directly at the pier or through hotels.
Tour Highlights
- Night squid fishing: lights on, lines down — the classic cheap Pattaya boat evening
- Full-day offshore charters target snapper, grouper, cobia and barracuda around the outer islands and wrecks
- No licence needed for recreational sea fishing in Thailand
- Beginner-friendly: crews bait, untangle and coach
- Honest note: online platform inventory for Pattaya fishing is thin — local charter operators fill the gap
Itinerary
- 117:30Squid-night version: pier meeting and boarding as the light fades.
- 218:30Anchor offshore; the boat’s green lights go on to draw squid and baitfish to the surface.
- 319:00Fishing — handline or light rod jigging for squid; crews show the technique in two minutes.
- 421:00Many boats grill part of the catch on board; there is no fresher calamari in the city.
- 522:00Return to the pier. (Full-day charters instead run roughly 06:00–18:00 to offshore marks.)
What's included
- Boat trip with crew
- Rods/handlines, bait and tackle
- Fishing guidance for beginners
- On squid boats: usually drinks and the on-board catch cooking — check your option
Not included
- Hotel transfer on cheaper options
- Meals on charters unless stated
- Alcohol
- Tips for the crew (deserved when they untangle your fourth birds-nest)
Who is this tour best for?
- Couples and groups wanting an easy, cheap evening on the water — squid night is 90% atmosphere, 10% skill
- Serious anglers with a group to split a full-day charter
- Families with school-age kids (squid fishing is short, safe and gratifying)
- Not for: solo anglers on a budget expecting a trophy hunt — full charters price per boat, not per rod
Where to book & compare
| Provider | From | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Night squid fishing boat | around ฿530 (from $14.83 on GetYourGuide) | 3.9★ from 23 reviews — floating-cafe format with optional squid fishing; the accessible entry point. |
| Full-day fishing charter (listed) | around ฿18,700 (from $518.94 on GetYourGuide) | 12 hours offshore. Fair warning: this listing shows a 2.0★ from a single review so far — too little data to judge either way. |
| Direct local charter (pier/hotel desk) | roughly 12,000–30,000 THB per boat per day, negotiable | Where most real fishing happens. Agree hours, marks, tackle and fuel in writing; ask to see the boat first. |
Frequently asked questions
What will I actually catch?
Squid nights: squid and cuttlefish, drawn by the boat’s lights — on a good night, plenty; on a poor night, a lovely dinner cruise with rods. Day charters around the islands, reefs and wrecks produce snapper, grouper, trevally, cobia, barracuda and king mackerel in season. Nobody honest promises numbers; the Gulf decides.
Do I need a fishing licence in Thailand?
No — recreational sea fishing requires no licence for tourists. Rules exist around protected species and certain zones; charter crews handle that side. Catch-and-keep is normal here, and squid boats cooking your catch is half the point.
Why is there so little to book online?
Honest answer: Pattaya’s fishing fleet predates the platforms and still runs on pier-side and hotel-desk bookings, so GetYourGuide’s inventory is thin — one squid-cafe boat and one high-priced charter with a single review at the time of writing. If you book directly instead, use a named operator, agree everything in writing, and pay a deposit rather than the full fare upfront. Our Pattaya scams & safety guide’s boat-booking advice applies.
Is squid fishing good for kids?
Very — trips are short, the technique is simple jigging that produces results without patience, the boat is stable at anchor, and dinner appears from the sea. Evening departure also dodges the daytime heat. Life vests are aboard; ask the crew to size one for your child.
When is fishing season in Pattaya?
Boats fish year-round. November to April brings the calmest seas — better for offshore charter comfort — while squid fishing produces in most months since it happens at anchor in sheltered water. In the May–October monsoon, charters occasionally reschedule around weather; squid nights rarely do.
Seasickness — how bad is it out there?
Squid boats anchor in relatively sheltered water and roll gently — most people are fine. Full-day charters in open water are a different matter: if you are susceptible, take a tablet 30–60 minutes before departure, stay on deck watching the horizon, and skip the greasy breakfast. Twelve hours is a long time to regret one.