Fish, sun, and barbecue on a boat in Rhodes. I like the small-group pace because you actually get help while you fish, and I love that Captain Manolis and his mate Katerina keep the day friendly, relaxed, and focused on doing it well. One heads-up: the fishing is normal, relaxed fishing, so you should expect smaller catches more often than big game fish.

The day runs about 4.5 hours, with a real boat outing feel—part fishing, part sea time. You’ll do trolling first (they target little tuna), then switch to bottom fishing, and if you’re lucky with the line, the payoff is a barbecue lunch on board.

If you’re the type who only wants trophy-sized fish, this may feel like a mismatch. Some people go in expecting huge fish sizes and end up surprised by what shows up on a shared trip like this.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group attention (max 10) means more time for coaching and fewer moments lost waiting.
• Two-stage fishing plan: trolling for little tuna, then bottom fishing.
• Swimming and snorkeling time adds a real break from the rod.
• Barbecue happens on the boat with a simple, satisfying menu.
• Fresh fish lunch includes 500g per person when fish is secured for the barbecue.
• Captain Manolis + Katerina run it like a family operation—warm, practical, and hands-on.

Why this boat day feels different than a basic fishing trip

Rhodes has plenty of tourist tours, but this one leans into the simple appeal: get out on the water with a captain who knows where to try, fish in a calm rhythm, then eat what you catch. The boat plan is clear—trolling first, bottom fishing second—so you’re not just drifting and hoping something happens.

What makes it work for most people is the balance. You’re not stuck in fishing mode the whole time, and you’re not just paying for a scenic cruise either. The schedule leaves room for swimming and snorkeling, so even if your catch is small, the day still feels like you got your money’s worth.

And yes, the hosts matter. Captain Manolis (often referred to as Captain Mike) and Katerina show up as friendly guides who do more than point and leave you to it. Multiple people mention that the day felt fun even for first-timers, and that usually comes down to good, patient instruction on the water.

Half-day rhythm: trolling, bottom fishing, then boat barbecue

Here’s how the day is typically structured, and why it’s a smart setup.

Trolling for little tuna

First up is trolling. In plain terms, you’ll be fishing while the boat moves, which helps with getting bites instead of waiting forever. This is also the stage where your odds tend to feel better early on, since you’re covering water and actively fishing.

If you come in thinking you’ll spend the entire time stationary and casting toward one magic spot, this will feel different—in a good way. Trolling adds motion, and it keeps the fishing energy up.

Bottom fishing

After trolling, you switch to bottom fishing. This is more classic line fishing, and it’s often where you start to judge whether you picked the right day, conditions, and spot.

This is also where expectations can get tangled. Some catches are small on a shared, normal fishing trip. If you’re hoping for frequent large fish, adjust your mindset: think relaxed fun and good odds for a meal, not guaranteed big-game action.

Barbecue on the boat

Once fishing wraps, you get barbecue on board. The idea is straightforward: the sea day ends with a proper lunch while you’re still on the water, not waiting for a restaurant afterward.

The menu is simple but very doable on a boat day:

• one fresh fish (500g) per person
• Greek salad and bread per person
• soft drinks, water, and beers are free

That combination is exactly what you want after a few hours of sea air and bending your back to cast.

Swimming and snorkeling time: the best “backup plan” for non-fishers

Even if you’re mainly there for fishing, the water time is a big part of the value. You get swimming and snorkeling as part of the experience, which means the day doesn’t collapse if the fishing is slow at one stage.

This also helps mixed groups. If one person is really into getting bites and another just wants sea time, both get their moment. Many people also mention that the swimming part was a highlight, especially for family groups with different ages.

Practical tip: treat the swim/snorkel time like a real window, not an afterthought. If you want photos, calmer water visibility, or just an easier pace, plan to enjoy it when they offer the chance instead of waiting until you’re tired.

What you actually get for $78.64: value, not just a price tag

Let’s talk value. At about $78.64 per person for a half-day on a small boat, you’re paying for three things:

1) a captain who takes you to fishing spots

2) the gear basics (fishing rod and bait)

3) a real lunch experience with fish barbecue

The most convincing part is how the barbecue lunch changes the math. You’re not just buying a service; you’re buying the end-of-day meal component. And because the fish is part of the lunch plan (500g per person is listed in the menu), it’s not just bread and salad while you watch other people eat.

That said, the fishing style matters. This is normal fishing designed as a relaxed trip combined with a boat outing and barbecue. If you’re expecting the same intensity as a private, high-demand big-game fishing outing, you’ll probably feel disappointed.

In other words: this is great value if you want a fun day with decent fishing and an excellent boat lunch. It’s not the right fit if you want guaranteed trophy catches.

Group size and comfort: why max 10 feels worth it

The trip caps at 10 travelers, which is a meaningful number on a boat. Smaller groups usually mean:

• easier coaching when you’re learning
• less overcrowding at the fishing spots
• a more social, manageable vibe

People specifically mention that around 7 people on board felt plenty, which matches what you’d hope for from a max-10 setup. You still get the energy of other people, but you’re not stuck in a queue when you need help with bait, line, or technique.

Boat size isn’t listed, so I can’t promise you a wide-open deck. But from the way the day is described—small-group, hands-on help, swimming and snorkeling—it’s built to function comfortably even when everyone is actively involved.

How the hosts run it: Captain Manolis, Katerina, and the hands-on approach

Captain Manolis (also seen referred to as Captain Mike) and Katerina come across as engaged hosts. The consistent theme: they’re warm, friendly, and they help with catching fish, including for people who have never fished before.

That matters more than it sounds. Fishing is one of those activities where the difference between a “meh” day and a great day is often technical basics:

• how the bait is set
• how to hold the rod and respond to bites
• when to change actions during trolling or bottom fishing

When people say they had fun even while catching smaller fish, it usually means the captain made the process enjoyable. When someone feels the fishing didn’t meet expectations, it’s often more about fish size and intensity than about whether the captain was trying.

Also, since the barbecue happens on board, the crew keeps things moving after fishing too. You’re not left watching a slow timeline while everyone gets hungry.

The fishing reality check: what to expect (and what not to)

This is the part you should read twice if you care about catches.

This trip is built around relaxed, normal fishing. It includes trolling for little tuna and then bottom fishing. That does not automatically mean big fish on every line, and shared trips can’t guarantee trophy sizes.

So if you’re the type who needs huge fish every hour, you may feel shorted. If you’re the type who enjoys the process—boat time, line time, sea air, swimming—and you want a fresh fish lunch at the end, you’ll likely be happy.

A simple mindset shift helps: treat the fish as a bonus and the day as the main event, with the barbecue as a delicious payoff.

Where it starts: meeting point and timing feel

The tour starts at Fishing trips Rhodes Captain Manolis at Akti Sachtouri, Rodos 851 00, Greece, and it returns to the same meeting point. It’s near public transportation, which is useful because Rhodes can be easier when you’re not locking yourself into a complicated car plan.

Total duration is about 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.). That’s long enough to feel like a real day on the water, but short enough that you can still do other things later without burning your entire Rhodes schedule.

Who should book this fishing-and-barbecue boat trip

This is a strong match if:

• you want a half-day sea adventure from Rhodes
• you like hands-on hosts who help with fishing basics
• you want swimming/snorkeling time included
• you’re excited about ending with a barbecue lunch on the water

It’s also a good fit for mixed-age groups. People have mentioned the captain and team handled teens and seniors well, which usually means the pace and activities are approachable for different comfort levels.

You may want to skip it if:

• you only care about big, frequent trophy catches
• you strongly dislike fishing that results in smaller fish more often than you’d like
• you prefer a private, more intense fishing format

Should you book Captain Manolis fishing with barbecue?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for the classic Rhodes sea-day package: a real boat outing, coaching that keeps things fun (even for beginners), swimming/snorkeling time, and a fresh fish barbecue that actually feels like lunch, not a snack.

I’d think twice if your main goal is monster fish size. This trip is positioned as normal fishing plus a relaxed boat experience. When you match the expectations to that style, the value clicks.

If you want to enjoy the day first and worry about the catch second, this one fits nicely.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Captain Manolis fishing trip?

It runs about 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What fishing gear and supplies are included?

The tour includes a fishing rod and bait.

What fishing styles are included?

First you troll for little tuna, then you go bottom fishing.

Is barbecue included?

Yes. After fishing, you get barbecue on the boat.

What’s included in the barbecue menu?

You get one fresh fish (500g) per person, Greek salad and bread per person. Soft drinks, water, and beers are free.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes, swimming and snorkeling are included.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Where do you meet for the tour?

You meet at Fishing trips Rhodes Captain Manolis, Akti Sachtouri, Rodos 851 00, Greece, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What if I need to cancel last minute?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid isn’t refunded.