'Gone Fishing': Deep Sea Fishing in Phuket

In our "Gone Fishing" series, we explore picturesque deep-sea-fishing sites across the globe with 100-foot+ deep waters that entice anglers with the promise of trophy catches like marlin, swordfish and tuna. Be sure to bring a sense of adventure, patience and strength to these incredible locations — and a little bit of luck never hurts.

Set off the west coast of Thailand, the island of Phuket juts into the deep-blue Andaman Sea. Stunning mountain terrain covers more than half of this 222-square-mile paradise, but the landscape beneath the surface of the sea is just as spellbinding. The area boasts arguably the best deep-sea fishing in Thailand, with species like marlin and king mackerel ripe for the taking; the team at Trisara Hotel recommends casting near the islands of Koh Kaew or Koh Racha Yai, where emerald green waters offer a spectacular and unusual backdrop for a day at sea.

The Phuket Fishing Association charters vessels ranging from budget to high-end for trips lasting a day, a night, or longer. No matter the duration, a deep-sea fishing excursion offers the perfect opportunity to explore one of the 32 nearby islands that dot the seas surrounding Phuket

This piece originally appear in the April, May, June 2015 edition of Traveler magazine. Click here to access the full issue.

Where to Stay

Trisara Hotel

Phuket, Thailand

This opulent complex of 48 suites and villas overlooks the Andaman Sea on Phuket’s undeveloped northwestern coastline.

>>Click here to view Andrew Harper's Top 10 Fly-Fishing Lodges and Resorts