REVIEW · KOH SAMUI
Mr. Tu Fishing Day Trip by Escort Boat from Koh Samui
Book on Viator →Operated by Trip Store Krabi · Bookable on Viator
Fishing from a Samui boat is easy. This Mr. Tu Fishing Day Trip turns Koh Samui’s coast into a hands-on day of line fishing, lunch onboard, and a relaxed break with swimming or snorkeling.
I like two things most: you get real captain-and-crew support for both beginners and confident anglers, and the midday Thai-style buffet lunch comes served on the boat (with water and towels to cool off). One possible drawback: fishing results can be hit-or-miss, and if the sun is blazing, the day can feel very hot even with that lunch break.
You’ll meet up at Phu Yai Non Pier, get sorted with gear and bait, then head out on an escort boat for productive fishing water in the Gulf of Thailand—barracuda, trevally, and snapper are the targets.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- Meet at Phu Yai Non Pier and get your fishing day rolling
- The escort boat ride to the Gulf of Thailand fishing water
- Casting for barracuda, trevally, and snapper (and why that matters)
- When the catch is small: how to enjoy the day anyway
- Thai buffet lunch onboard: practical fuel with local flavors
- Swimming or snorkeling time when the rod rests
- Crew support and safety: what you’re really buying
- Price and value: why $48.40 can work on Samui
- How crowded will it feel on the boat?
- Who should book Mr. Tu Fishing Day Trip
- Should you book this Koh Samui fishing trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the Mr. Tu Fishing Day Trip?
- What time does the tour start?
- Where do I meet for the trip?
- Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
- What’s included in the fishing gear?
- Do I need experience to go fishing?
- What fish are you fishing for?
- Is lunch included?
- Is there time to swim or snorkel?
- What is the cancellation policy if the weather is bad or I cancel?
Key highlights at a glance

- Full gear and licenses included so you can focus on casting, not shopping
- Crew assistance for novices and experts, with hands-on help and guidance
- Thai buffet lunch onboard plus drinking water and cooling towels
- Time for swimming or snorkeling so your day isn’t only about fishing
- Small group feel with a practical boat cap (around the low 20s max)
Meet at Phu Yai Non Pier and get your fishing day rolling

The day starts with a straightforward meet-up at Phu Yai Non Pier (Plai Laem Soi 3, Bo Put, Ko Samui). Your start time is 10:00 am, and the experience is about 6 hours 30 minutes total, so you’re looking at an easy, long morning-to-afternoon outing rather than a whole-day ordeal that stretches into late night.
You’ll connect with the boat crew of Mr. Tu at the pier, get the info you need, and then get organized for what’s next. From there, the trip moves as a group, with an escort boat handling the transition to the fishing zone. This matters because it reduces the stress of figuring out logistics yourself—especially helpful if you’re not trying to rent a boat.
Also nice: the tour uses mobile tickets, and there’s round-trip car service to and from your hotel. That’s a big value point on Samui, where getting around can eat time (and energy) if you have to coordinate transfers on your own.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Koh Samui.
The escort boat ride to the Gulf of Thailand fishing water

Once everyone’s aboard, you’ll head out toward the first fishing spot by escort boat. This part sets expectations: you’re not on a slow scenic cruise for hours. You’re moving to fishing water, then getting to work.
The crew and local guide-style help focuses on line fishing techniques that make sense for local species in the Gulf of Thailand. The way it’s described, you can expect practical tips right away—casting angles, how to manage the line, and what to watch as bites come in. If you’re new to this, that’s the difference between a day that feels confusing and a day that feels doable.
And yes, you should bring a mindset that this is a hands-on fishing outing, not a “try once for 10 minutes” activity. The boat crew is there to assist and answer questions throughout the fishing time.
Casting for barracuda, trevally, and snapper (and why that matters)
The whole fishing plan is built around catching local fish in the Gulf of Thailand. The targets specifically mentioned are barracuda, trevally, and snapper. Those names aren’t just marketing—they shape what kind of bait and lure approaches you’ll see during the day.
If you’ve fished before, you’ll likely appreciate that the trip includes fishing gear, lures, baits, and licenses. That means your day isn’t delayed by paperwork or extra fees, and you’re not stuck using random gear that doesn’t match what the captain wants to try.
If you’re newer, the crew support is the real win. The trip is set up so you get supervised help, so you’re not left to figure it out alone. In practice, that means you can spend more time learning what works and less time wrestling with gear.
One more useful detail: on at least some departures, the crew will switch up the approach by using a trolling lure for barracuda on the way back. That’s a smart way to give the day an extra chance at bigger action—especially after the main line-fishing session.
When the catch is small: how to enjoy the day anyway

Not every fishing day produces trophy-sized fish, and that’s worth planning for. The experience is still fun even when you catch lots of smaller fish, because you’re out on the water with active help and a clear plan for what to try next.
If you do end up with smaller catches, keep your focus on two things:
- Learning the technique the crew is using (so your casting and line control improve)
- Staying engaged during the lure/trolling moments later in the schedule
This trip seems designed around that reality. It doesn’t pretend every cast will land a monster. Instead, it keeps you busy, supervised, and in the game.
Thai buffet lunch onboard: practical fuel with local flavors

Midday is when the trip turns into a proper break. You’ll enjoy a Thai-style buffet lunch onboard the boat—served while you’re still out on the water, with views of the surrounding islands.
Lunch is described as hearty, and it’s tied to a very real rhythm: sea air builds an appetite. You’ll also have tropical fruits included, which is a nice change of pace from the usual beige picnic vibe you can get on some day trips.
Two small-but-valuable comfort details are built into the lunch period and the overall trip:
- Refreshing towels to help you cool down
- Drinking water onboard
That’s not just “nice.” On a warm day on open water, the ability to cool off can determine whether the second half of the tour feels energetic or sluggish.
Swimming or snorkeling time when the rod rests

Fishing doesn’t have to be the whole story. There’s an opportunity for swimming or snorkeling during the trip, so you get a break from handling lines and equipment.
This is a smart pacing choice. Even if you’re actively fishing and enjoying it, having a planned chance to get in the water resets your energy. And if your fishing isn’t producing the way you hoped, this swim/snorkel window can become the highlight.
That said, your comfort level depends on weather and sea conditions, which the operator notes as a factor (the experience requires good weather). So if the day starts looking rough, keep your expectations realistic—but also know you’re not stuck onshore in a canceled “fishing only” situation.
Crew support and safety: what you’re really buying

You’re paying for more than gear. You’re paying for the human part: guidance, help, and a smooth operation.
The trip includes:
- A captain and crew who assist with fishing and answer questions
- An English-speaking guide to help you get the most out of the day
- Life jackets on board
- Insurance covered
In real-world terms, that means you can show up without being a pro and still feel like you belong on the water. If you’ve ever been on activities where the staff mostly watches from the back, this is the opposite. The whole setup is about active assistance.
One guide name that stands out from the experience is Mr. Yao, who’s specifically mentioned for help throughout the day. Even if you don’t have the same person, it’s a signal that the crew support is a core part of the experience, not an afterthought.
Price and value: why $48.40 can work on Samui

At $48.40 per person, this trip sits in the “doable without guilt” category for a Koh Samui activity, especially because so much is included.
Here’s what you’re not paying extra for:
- Fishing gear, lures, baits, and licenses
- A midday Thai buffet lunch
- Drinking water and cooling towels
- Life jackets and insurance
- Round-trip hotel transfer
Add those up and it starts to make sense. Even if you never land a big fish, you still get the boat day, meals, equipment, and professional help. If you do catch fish—especially barracuda or trevally—that’s the payoff you came for.
One thing to check in your planning: the boat operates with a maximum group size around the low 20s (the tour data cites up to 22, and the operator says the boat can max at 20). If your goal is maximum personal space to move around with zero crowd stress, go into the day expecting a small group but not a private yacht.
How crowded will it feel on the boat?
The experience is capped, and that’s important. In one example given by the operator, a departure had 14 people onboard, which would make movement feel much easier than a full cap situation.
So what should you expect? You’ll likely have enough room to fish and move around, but it’s still a fishing boat. In tight spaces, you’ll feel the boat’s reality during busy moments—especially when multiple people are casting at once.
The practical move: keep your gear organized, give others space when lines are in motion, and focus on your technique rather than trying to “spread out” like you’re on a beach.
Who should book Mr. Tu Fishing Day Trip
I think this is a strong pick if you want:
- A guided, beginner-friendly fishing day with real coaching
- A day that includes lunch, water, and cooling towels without extra charges
- Time to relax with swimming or snorkeling
- Hotel transfers that remove the stress of transport planning
It’s also a good fit for families, since the experience is framed to work for different ages and skill levels, with supervision and safety features in place (life jackets, insurance coverage, and staff support).
If you’re the kind of angler who only cares about large trophies, you might feel a little frustrated on days where bites are smaller or fewer. But if you enjoy the process, learning, and the chance at barracuda, trevally, and snapper, it can still be a memorable Samui day.
Should you book this Koh Samui fishing trip?
Yes, if you want an organized fishing day with crew help, a proper Thai buffet lunch onboard, and a real chance to swim or snorkel. The included gear, licenses, transfers, and safety setup make it good value for the time you spend on the water.
I’d think twice only if your top priority is guaranteed big-game fishing or maximum space to roam on deck. This is a small-group fishing trip, and nature runs the show.
If you book, go in with a practical mindset: treat it like a guided fishing lesson plus a boat day. That’s the way to get the most out of Mr. Tu’s setup in the Gulf of Thailand.
FAQ
How long is the Mr. Tu Fishing Day Trip?
The trip runs for about 6 hours 30 minutes.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 10:00 am.
Where do I meet for the trip?
You meet at Phu Yai Non Pier (Plai Laem Soi 3, Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand).
Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes. The experience includes a round-trip car service to and from your hotel.
What’s included in the fishing gear?
All fishing gear is included, along with lures, bait, and licenses.
Do I need experience to go fishing?
No. Most people can participate, and the captain and crew assist and answer questions during the fishing.
What fish are you fishing for?
The trip targets local species including barracuda, trevally, and snapper.
Is lunch included?
Yes. You’ll have a Thai-style buffet lunch onboard, plus drinking water.
Is there time to swim or snorkel?
Yes, there’s an opportunity to swim or snorkel during the trip.
What is the cancellation policy if the weather is bad or I cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.







