The waters off Phuket offer numerous challenges to deep-sea fishermen. Sailfish, barracuda, albacore, marlin, wahoo, tuna and king mackerel are just a few of the many varieties waiting for your baited hook near Chicken or Raja islands southeast of Phuket.

Alona Tours (Tel 076 381215) in Chalong Bay charge around 1,800 baht per day with equipment and gudance. Phuket Sports Fishing Centre (Tel 076 214713) uses its dedicated shark fishing vessel Jaws Too, which canb seat up to four fishermen. Game Fishing in Chalong Bay (Tel 076 280 654) run a traditional Thai fishing boat retrofitted to international standards with fishing chairs and modern American fishing tackle. Fishing trips are usually 1-day affairs, but longer charters are possible. All operators should follow a catch and release policy.

Going for the big one is the aim at Big Game Fishing in Patong (Tel 076 341379). They operate the 15-m custom-built Wahoo, with comfortable air-conditioned cabins, TV and video, outrigger fighting chairs and full equipment. Shark fishing is their speciality.