If you like hands-on travel, this is it. On Rhodes you’ll fish with locals on a proper wooden boat, then cool off with a swim and snorkel stop, all capped by a boat BBQ lunch. I especially like the small group feel and the way Skevos and Captain Mike mix real fishing skill with an easygoing vibe.

One thing to consider: it runs rain or shine, but not during storms, and the bite can change with sea conditions—so come with a flexible mindset.

Key highlights you’ll actually feel on this trip

• A traditional 10-meter wooden fishing boat with a dedicated fishing area and separate dining/relax space
• Trolling plus bottom fishing, with professional gear and targeted predator species
• Swimming and snorkelling in a quiet bay, with snorkelling equipment available
• Fresh fish BBQ on board plus Greek salad made with Skevos’s own herbs and dressing
• Beginner-friendly coaching, with encouragement so you’re not just along for the ride

Setting Out From Kolona: Rhodes Sea Views With Real Purpose

Your trip starts at the port of Kolona, just outside the old town of Rhodes. From there, you head out on a traditional, wooden, handcrafted boat that feels like it belongs to this coastline, not a staged tourist set-up. The whole point is simple: you’re not just looking at the sea, you’re working it.

I like that the pace is realistic. You cruise out for about an hour to reach one of the day’s selected fishing spots, then you get to work. You also get breaks built into the experience, so you’re not stuck fishing the entire time.

The boat has practical comfort for a day on the water: a WC, a freshwater shower, and even Wi-Fi. That matters more than you’d think, because after you get splashed and salty, it’s nice to reset.

The Boat Setup: Why the Layout Makes Fishing Comfortable

This isn’t a tiny skiff where everyone crowds the rail. The vessel is about 10 meters long and has a separate, specially designed fishing area for up to 10 people, plus independent space for dining and relaxing. That separation helps you move around without bumping lines, tackle, or your neighbors.

Even if you’re new, you’ll appreciate the onboard systems. The boat is equipped with navigation and fish-finding tools (like GPS, depth sounder, radar, and a Lowrance fish finder), which helps the captain and guide choose productive water. Safety is taken seriously too, with certified VHF/UHF communication systems and full compliance with safety regulations.

If you get motion- or sun-sensitive, plan your day like this: bring beachwear and a towel, and expect to get wet. One review mentioned being splashed by the ocean, which tracks with real time on small water.

How Fishing Works: Trolling for Predators, Then Bottom Fishing

The fishing portion is the heart of the day, and it’s structured in a way that helps you learn as you go. First comes trolling, using professional equipment provided onboard. You’ll be targeting predator fish such as small tunas, mahi mahi, amberjacks, barracudas, trumpetfish, and great trevally. (That’s a big menu, so even if you don’t catch everything, you’re fishing the right kind of waters for it.)

Then the trip shifts to ground fishing for about two hours. This is where you slow down and focus on bait near the seabed, instead of chasing fish in open water. If you’ve only fished from shore, you’ll feel the difference right away: line, weight, and technique all behave differently out at sea.

What I like most is the coaching rhythm. Captain Mike has over 35 years of experience, and his son Skevos brings energy and attention to every line. In reviews, people repeatedly note that even first-timers were guided step-by-step and encouraged to catch something, not just to hold a rod.

The Lunch Moment: Fresh BBQ Fish and Greek Salad Done the Local Way

After trolling and bottom fishing, you anchor in a quiet bay for swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing. Then lunch shows up, and it’s not the usual dry boat sandwich thing. You’ll enjoy a traditional meal onboard with fish grilled right after you fish.

The BBQ is built by Skevos’s father himself, and it’s cooked with extra virgin olive oil and coarse sea salt. The fish you eat can include the catch you brought up, plus grilled gold seabream and sea bass (250g and up). If you’re a seafood person, you’ll understand why this gets so much praise.

The sides are where Skevos really flexes. The Greek salad includes an authentic mix with secret herbs that people single out as the best salad they’ve had on Rhodes. Bread is also grilled over charcoal, served with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh Rhodian oregano. And yes, you’ll get plenty to drink: cold beer, soft drinks (cola-lemonade), and bottled mineral water.

One practical tip: if fish or Greek salad isn’t your thing, consider bringing a small snack of your own. A couple of people noted that not everyone loves fish, and it can help to have a backup.

Snorkelling and Swimming in a Quiet Bay

The water break comes when you anchor in a calmer bay. You’ll have time to swim and snorkel, and snorkelling equipment is provided if you want it. Reviews also mention pool noodles and snorkels, which is a smart touch for people who want help feeling comfortable in the water.

This is also a good time to slow down and take in the coastline of Rhodes. You’re not racing from stop to stop. You’re just hanging in the sea, with an actual reason to be there: your lunch and your catch.

If you’re a nervous swimmer, you’ll likely feel better with the safety supports they provide. Still, don’t pretend it’s a pool. It’s Mediterranean water, so move at a calm pace and listen to the crew if conditions feel choppy.

Guides That Turn Fishing Into a Shared Experience

Skevos and Captain Mike aren’t just there to run a boat. They’re there to run a day. Father and son work together with lifeguarding training, which matters when you’re mixing fishing lines with swimmers in open water.

Skevos also brings a second talent to the table: certified professional chef skills. That’s why people talk about the food like it’s part of the attraction, not an afterthought. When lunch tastes this good, it turns the whole trip into a complete story: catch, cook, eat, repeat.

One repeated theme in the feedback is how interactive they are. Expect them to explain gear use, offer help when someone’s line isn’t cooperating, and keep the atmosphere fun. If you’re coming with a partner or a small group of friends, that social energy can be a bonus.

What the $88 Price Means in Real Terms

At $88 per person for a 5-hour experience, the value comes from what’s included, not from the number alone. You’re getting:

• Fishing equipment and bait (so you don’t buy anything)
• A guided boat outing with trolling and bottom fishing
• Snorkelling equipment
• A full meal onboard with grilled fish, Greek salad, and bread
• Unlimited soft drinks, beer, and bottled water

Put bluntly: this is a half-day tour that feeds you properly on the water. On Rhodes, a lot of boat days charge you for the boat but leave you to hunt for food. Here, the food is part of the experience, and it’s cooked by the people running the day.

You’ll also get a small group limit of 10 participants, which often changes the feel. More personal attention, more space to move, and a less chaotic day.

Weather, Sea Conditions, and Motion Reality Check

This trip runs rain or shine, but it does not operate during storms. That’s the main boundary. Beyond that, the sea can still affect the fishing and your comfort level.

One review noted that August may not be ideal for fishing, which is a good reminder that fish seasons and currents are real. Even with top gear and years of experience, the bite changes. The good news is that the crew keeps trying and uses different spots, and the trip still includes a swim/snorkel stop and a full onboard lunch.

If you’re prone to seasickness, consider bringing something you trust before you board, and wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet. And keep your phone secure—saltwater plus a moving deck is a bad pairing.

Who This Trip Suits Best (And Who Might Skip It)

This is a great fit if you want an active, local-style day on the water. It’s also ideal if you’re new to fishing. Multiple people praised the step-by-step help and the way the guides made sure beginners weren’t left behind.

You’ll also like it if you care about food. The Greek salad and boat BBQ are repeatedly called out, and since lunch happens after you fish, it feels extra meaningful.

Two groups should think carefully: the trip is not suitable for pregnant women and wheelchair users. Also, if you won’t eat fish or Greek salad, bring an extra snack so you’re not stuck with one option.

Families can work well too, since the crew’s approach is supportive and the small group format helps everyone feel included.

Practical Tips for Your 5 Hours on the Water

Here are the small choices that make the day smoother:

• Eat breakfast before you go. You’ll be hungry, and lunch arrives after the fishing and swim break.
• Bring beachwear and a towel. You’ll likely get splashed, especially if you’re on deck during active fishing.
• Wear something that can get wet. Saltwater doesn’t ask permission.
• Expect an English-speaking instructor and a guide-led pace designed for both beginners and experienced anglers.
• If you want snorkelling time, pack a swimsuit you can change into easily.

With only 5 hours total, the trip has a tight flow: cruise, troll, bottom fish, anchor, swim/snorkel, eat, relax, return.

Should You Book This Fishing Trip in Rhodes?

Book it if you want a real working-boat experience with a friendly father-and-son crew, a small group size, and a lunch that’s genuinely part of the event. If you’re even a little curious about fishing, this is one of the best kinds of “learn while doing” days: you’ll use provided gear, get coached, and still get time to enjoy the sea.

Skip it if you need a fully calm, predictable fishing day regardless of conditions, or if you’re not comfortable being on the water in changing weather. And if fish and Greek salad aren’t your thing, plan a backup snack.

Overall, for Rhodes, this is a strong value half-day: you pay once, you fish, you swim, and you eat fresh BBQ fish with Skevos’s Greek salad made for the day’s catch.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes fishing trip?

The experience lasts 5 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from the port of Kolona, outside the old town of Rhodes, where your fishing boat is located.

Do I need fishing experience to join?

No. The trip includes professional guidance and equipment, and the crew explains things for beginners.

What kind of fish are you targeting?

You may target species such as small tunas, mahi mahi, amberjacks, barracudas, trumpetfish, and great trevally.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served onboard and includes a traditional Greek salad, charcoal-grilled bread, and freshly prepared fish (including options like gold seabream and sea bass).

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is provided for you to use if you want to snorkel.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear and a towel. It’s also advised that you eat breakfast before the tour.

Will the trip run in bad weather?

The trip runs rain or shine, but it will not take place during storms.