Fishing from a boat beats shore fishing.

This half-day trip with Captain Manolis is built for a fun mix of fishing and barbecue on the boat, and the small-group size (max 10) keeps it personal. I like that you’re not just dropped somewhere—you’re taken to good spots and helped when it’s time to fish. The one thing to consider: this is relaxed, normal fishing, not an extreme big-game hunt, so you should expect a variety of catches.

You start out with trolling for little tuna, then switch to bottom fishing, and you finish with BBQ prepared aboard. In the boat setup, you may also meet the crew at work, including Captain Mike and his first mate Katerina/Katarina, depending on the day. If you want an easy half-day that feels like an actual outing—not a chore—you’ll probably like this one.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (up to 10 people): you get hands-on help and less waiting around.
• 4.5 hours total: enough time for trolling, bottom fishing, and lunch without feeling rushed.
• All the basics included: fishing rod and bait are part of the experience.
• BBQ on the boat: one fresh fish (about 500g), Greek salad, and bread per person.
• Free drinks with lunch: soft drinks, water, and beers are included.
• Not big-game fishing: it’s normal fishing built for a relaxed, fun day.

Half-day fishing from Rhodes: what you’re really signing up for

This is a 4 hours 30 minutes style outing that sits in a sweet spot. Long enough to get the rhythm of boat time, short enough that you’re not scrambling to plan the rest of your day around it.

The format matters. You don’t spend the whole trip stationary, and you don’t only fish from the same spot. You start with trolling for little tuna, then you move into bottom fishing. After that, the day turns into the good part: barbecue on board with a proper Greek salad lunch.

If you like the idea of a half-day on the water that includes both action and eating, you’re in the right place. If you’re expecting big-game fishing where size is guaranteed, adjust your expectations. The trip is designed as a relaxed experience, not an extreme target-fishing mission.

Meet Captain Manolis: the small-group difference

The big advantage here is the small group. The tour caps at 10 travelers, which changes everything about the feel of the day.

With a group that size, the captain can actually keep an eye on people. When you’re new to fishing—or just not super patient—this matters. One of the most consistent themes from the experience is that the hosts are friendly and helpful, and that you get guidance so you’re not just watching someone else have all the fun.

On the day you go, you may hear different names used for the captain and first mate, like Captain Manolis and Captain Mike, with Katerina/Katarina as the first mate. Either way, what matters is the same: you’re not alone out there, and you’re not treated like extra baggage.

Trolling for little tuna, then bottom fishing: how the day flows

Your fishing day has two distinct phases, and each one scratches a different itch.

First comes trolling for little tuna. Trolling is active. You’re moving, and the water becomes part of the process. Even if you’re not a die-hard fisherman, it’s a great way to kick things off because you’re not just staring at the sea—you’re participating in the method.

Then you switch to bottom fishing. This is more about patience and technique. Bottom fishing tends to feel slower, but it gives you a new chance to actually connect with fish once you’re set up at the right depth and spot.

One useful way to think of it: trolling is your warm-up and excitement phase; bottom fishing is where you settle in. Either way, the goal is normal fishing—fun, relaxed, and guided—so you’re not under pressure to land trophy catches.

A realistic note from the experience: some people end up with smaller fish. That’s part of normal fishing. It’s not a sign you did anything wrong; it’s just how the day’s bites go. If your whole plan depends on big fish, you’ll want a different style of trip.

Swimming and snorkeling: when you get a break from the line

Fishing is the headline, but you also get time for swimming and snorkeling. On a boat day in Rhodes, that can be a welcome reset for your legs and your brain.

Practically, you’ll likely get the chance to cool off at points during the outing, depending on conditions. You can expect the day to have a rhythm: fish, pause, swim, then back to fishing again.

If you’re coming with mixed ages or mixed interests, this part helps. The fishing experience doesn’t have to be the only entertainment, which is why families and groups with teens and seniors tend to enjoy a trip like this. If you’re traveling with someone who’s not into fishing, the water time gives them something satisfying to do too.

BBQ on the boat: the lunch that actually feels like lunch

Here’s the part you’ll remember when you’re done with the rods: barbecue on the boat.

The menu is straightforward and clearly built around sharing. Each person gets one fresh fish of about 500g, plus Greek salad and bread. Drinks are included—soft drinks, water, and beers.

A couple of practical reasons this feels like good value. One, you’re not paying extra for food after you’ve already spent half a day out on the sea. Two, the portion structure is simple: you know exactly what you’re getting. It’s not a fancy buffet that half the group ignores; it’s a meal tied to the day.

Also, eating on the boat changes the whole vibe. You’re not rushing back to find a restaurant or hunting down something open. Lunch happens while the experience is still happening, and that makes the whole day feel smoother.

Price and value: is $78.64 worth it?

At $78.64 per person for roughly 4.5 hours, you’re paying for three things at once:

• a guided fishing outing (with rod and bait included)
• a small-group boat experience around Rhodes
• the BBQ lunch with drinks

So the value isn’t just the fish. It’s the fact that you get a complete half-day package. You’re not piecing it together with separate boat rental, separate fishing gear, and a separate lunch stop.

That said, value depends on your expectations. If you want a laid-back day where you’re coached and you enjoy the meal, this price can make sense quickly. If you’re chasing big-game results and every minute has to deliver trophy fish, you’ll likely feel let down.

The people who seem happiest are the ones who treat it as a relaxed outing: fishing + swimming + eating well. If that sounds like your kind of travel day, $78.64 looks fair.

What to bring and how to handle the fishing like a pro

You don’t need to be an expert fisherman to enjoy this. But a few small moves can make the experience easier and more comfortable.

Wear swim-ready shoes if you’ve got them. Boat steps can be slippery, and you’ll likely be going in and out for swimming. Bring sunscreen even if you’re not worried about sun normally. Boats reflect light, and you’ll get exposed time without realizing it.

Bring a light layer too. Sea wind can cool you off, especially once you’re out longer than you expect.

For the fishing part, your best strategy is to stay flexible. If the captain adjusts where you troll or where you fish, go with it. That’s not “random changes,” that’s the point—getting into the right spots for the day. If you’re unsure about what to do, ask early. Getting the basics down quickly makes the whole day feel smoother.

Who this trip fits best (and who should think twice)

This tour fits best if you:

• want a half-day activity from Rhodes
• like the idea of catching fish and eating it as BBQ
• enjoy small-group experiences with more direct guidance
• are traveling with mixed interests, since swimming and snorkeling are included

It might not fit best if you:

• want extreme big-game fishing with guaranteed trophy sizes
• expect a nonstop fishing grind with no downtime and no variation in catches
• only want a day that feels like a fishing competition

If you’re in the middle—excited to fish, happy to swim, and totally fine with whatever the day brings—this is a great match. It’s a “good day out” style experience, not a “prove yourself” style experience.

Booking timing and weather: the two reality checks

The experience uses good weather, so you should expect some schedule changes if conditions are rough. If the tour is canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Also, this is a popular choice. On average it’s booked about 42 days in advance, so if you’re traveling in peak season or you have limited time on Rhodes, booking earlier helps you lock in a slot.

Should you book Captain Manolis Fishing with barbecue on the boat?

Yes—if you want a guided, relaxed half-day on the water that includes real lunch and time to swim.

Here’s the simple decision rule I’d use: if you’re excited about the whole package—trolling, bottom fishing, snorkeling time, and BBQ with salad and bread—you’ll likely enjoy the day. The hosts and the small-group setup are a big part of why it works, especially if you’re new to fishing.

If your main goal is landing huge trophy fish on command, then you should choose a more demanding big-game style outing instead. This one is about fun, food, and a good day on Rhodes water.

FAQ

How long is the Captain Manolis fishing trip?

The tour lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What fishing gear is included?

Fishing rod and bait are included.

What’s the BBQ lunch like?

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

Is there time to swim or snorkel?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are included as part of the experience.

Where do we meet on Rhodes?

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

What happens if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

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