Thailand’s warm tropical waters offer an incredible variety of fish species, making it a dream destination for anglers. Whether you’re deep-sea fishing in Pattaya, exploring the Andaman Sea, or casting your line in freshwater lakes, you’ll find an abundance of exciting fish to catch. Here’s our list of the top 10 fish you can catch in Thailand and where to find them!
1. Giant Trevally (GT) 🦈
- Where to Catch: Pattaya, Phuket, Koh Samui
- Best Fishing Method: Popping, jigging, trolling
- Why It’s Exciting: Known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, GTs are a favorite among sport fishermen.
2. Barramundi 🐟
- Where to Catch: Bangkok fishing parks, Chao Phraya River, Phuket
- Best Fishing Method: Lure fishing, fly fishing
- Why It’s Exciting: A hard-fighting fish that leaps out of the water when hooked.
3. Sailfish 🏹
- Where to Catch: Andaman Sea, Pattaya, Koh Samui
- Best Fishing Method: Trolling with live bait
- Why It’s Exciting: One of the fastest fish in the ocean, offering spectacular aerial acrobatics when hooked.
4. Giant Mekong Catfish 🐡
- Where to Catch: Bangkok fishing parks, Bungsamran Lake
- Best Fishing Method: Bottom fishing with bread-based baits
- Why It’s Exciting: A freshwater giant that can grow over 100 kg!
5. King Mackerel 🐠
- Where to Catch: Pattaya, Koh Chang, Phuket
- Best Fishing Method: Trolling, spinning
- Why It’s Exciting: A fast predator known for its sharp teeth and sudden bursts of speed.
6. Snakehead Fish 🐍
- Where to Catch: Thai freshwater lakes and rivers
- Best Fishing Method: Surface lures, live bait
- Why It’s Exciting: Aggressive strikes and a challenge to reel in, perfect for topwater fishing.
7. Tuna (Yellowfin & Dogtooth) 🐟
- Where to Catch: Similan Islands, Koh Lanta, Pattaya offshore
- Best Fishing Method: Trolling, jigging
- Why It’s Exciting: Strong, fast swimmers that test the limits of any angler’s endurance.
8. Red Snapper 🐠
- Where to Catch: Andaman Sea, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan
- Best Fishing Method: Bottom fishing with live bait
- Why It’s Exciting: A delicious catch with strong resistance when hooked.
9. Barracuda 🦷
- Where to Catch: Pattaya, Koh Chang, Krabi
- Best Fishing Method: Trolling, casting lures
- Why It’s Exciting: A ferocious predator with razor-sharp teeth and lightning-fast strikes.
10. Grouper 🐡
- Where to Catch: Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui
- Best Fishing Method: Bottom fishing with cut bait
- Why It’s Exciting: Powerful bottom-dwellers that give a tough fight when reeling them in.
Tips for Fishing in Thailand 🎣
✅ Best Fishing Season: November – April (for saltwater), year-round for freshwater fishing ✅ Fishing Methods: Trolling, jigging, popping, bottom fishing, fly fishing ✅ Essential Gear: High-quality rods and reels, strong fishing line, and proper lures/bait ✅ Book a Charter: Hiring a local guide or booking a fishing tour increases your chances of success
Plan Your Thailand Fishing Adventure!
Are you ready to hook into some of Thailand’s most exciting fish? Tom Fishing Club offers expert-guided fishing trips in Pattaya and beyond. Whether you’re chasing a trophy Giant Trevally or enjoying a day of reef fishing, we have the perfect trip for you.
