Rhodes looks better from a boat. I loved the trolling for little tuna and the steady, practical help that keeps even first-timers fishing, and I loved the barbecue on the boat served right after the catch. The catch size can be small on normal fishing days, so go in expecting a fun outing more than a guaranteed trophy.

Think half-day timing, about 4 hours 30 minutes, with a max 10 small group and English-speaking guidance. You’ll also get a swim or snorkel stop, but the sea and weather matter, so a date can shift if conditions are rough.

Key points before you go

• Small-group size (up to 10) helps the captain actually notice what you’re doing, not just point you toward the water.
• Trolling first, bottom fishing second gives you more variety than a one-note fishing trip.
• Rod, bait, and a plan are handled for you, so you spend less time figuring out gear and more time fishing.
• BBQ on board after fishing means you eat while the day is still rolling, not hours later back on land.
• Swimming and snorkeling are built in, so even if the fishing is slow, the water break helps the trip feel complete.
• English is available, which makes instructions and safety info much easier to follow.

Why this half-day boat trip works in Rhodes

A fishing trip in Rhodes is a smart match for people who want something more “real” than another bus-and-pillars day. You’re out on the water, moving between spots, and the day has a rhythm: catch a bit, take a break, then eat. That flow matters because it keeps the trip from dragging, especially in the middle of a vacation.

I like that this isn’t positioned as extreme big-game hunting. The experience is built around relaxed, normal fishing, plus the onboard BBQ. That means you’re not waiting around all day hoping for the one miracle bite. You fish, you swim, you eat, you head back.

One more reason it works: the group stays small. When there are only up to 10 people, the captain can help you with technique and keep everyone feeling included. On a calm day, that personal attention is the difference between I’m just holding a rod and I’m actually doing it.

Meet Captain Manolis: small group energy, clear help

The tour is run by Captain Manolis Fishing Trips in Rhodes, and on board you’re looked after by Captain Manolis, along with his team (many trips also mention Katerina as his first mate). This matters because fishing tours can be chaotic if the crew is stretched thin.

In practice, you get a captain who takes you to fishing areas and guides you through what to do next. You’ll also get the basics covered: fishing rod and bait are included. That’s a practical win if you’re traveling light or don’t want to track down gear before you arrive.

The vibe is friendly and helpful. If you’re new to fishing, the trip tends to feel approachable. Several people highlight how warm and accommodating the hosts are, especially when it comes to getting people set up and giving support while fishing.

The itinerary rhythm: trolling for little tuna, then bottom fishing

The half-day schedule is straightforward, and it’s built to keep your attention. You start with trolling for little tuna, then you move into bottom fishing. If you like variety, this part is one of the better things about the tour.

Trolling for little tuna

Trolling is active. You’re fishing while the boat is moving, so it feels more like you’re “in the game” right away rather than only waiting for bites. For many people, the trolling phase is where the trip clicks because you feel the motion and the effort together.

Also, trolling tends to be a good way to get people involved quickly, especially if you’re not sure what to do. The captain can guide how to handle the line while the boat is on the move, and that makes the learning curve gentler.

Bottom fishing

After trolling, you shift to bottom fishing. This is where the experience can feel more relaxed and patient. It’s also where expectations can swing, because bottom fishing can produce smaller catches more often, depending on the day.

Here’s the key reality check: this is “normal fishing” in a shared, relaxed format. Some people join expecting big trophy fish. If that’s your mindset, you may feel disappointed when the catch is modest. The trip does not promise extreme catches, and fish size can be unpredictable. On the other hand, if you enjoy the sport of trying, and you’re happy to catch what’s available that day, bottom fishing is usually part of what makes the day feel authentic.

The swim and snorkel stop that makes the day feel complete

Even if you’re there for the fishing, the sea break is a big part of why this trip feels worth it. The tour includes swimming and snorkeling time, which gives you a reset between fishing phases and helps the day feel like more than a long, damp wait.

This also matters for groups. If one person is more enthusiastic about fishing technique, the water break offers something enjoyable for everyone else too. Families and mixed groups tend to appreciate that. You’ll also find that it makes the whole experience feel more like a day on the coast, not just a task with a rod.

One practical note: the sea and conditions influence how comfortable the water part feels. Since this is a boat trip, weather matters. If the sea is rough, the schedule can adjust, and in some cases the experience may shift to another date if conditions aren’t right.

BBQ on the boat: Greek salad, bread, and fresh fish

This is where the trip earns its keep. The BBQ happens right after fishing, onboard. You’re not sent off to find lunch, and you’re not forced to wait until you’re back on land.

The sample menu is simple and very Greek:

• One fresh fish (about 500 g) per person
• Greek salad and bread
• Soft drinks, water, and beers are free

A few reviews mention that the fish is freshly prepared for lunch, and that the Greek salad shows up as a real side, not an afterthought. That combo matters because it keeps the meal balanced. You get something light to go with the grilled fish, and you’re not just eating heavy food right after being out on the water.

Value-wise, this is a meaningful inclusion. Fishing trips can be expensive when you have to pay for food separately. Here, your meal is part of the package, and it matches the day’s theme: sea time, then BBQ.

If you’re picky about seafood, this is still built around fish. The tour info does not mention an alternate non-fish main, so you’ll want to be comfortable with that.

Price and value: is $78.64 a fair deal?

At $78.64 per person, this is not the cheapest way to fish from Rhodes, but it can still feel like good value because you’re paying for several things at once:

• A half-day boat trip
• Fishing rod and bait included
• Guided help with where to fish and how to fish
• A meal onboard with fresh fish, salad, bread
• Free soft drinks, water, and beers

Where value can get tricky is expectations. If you want a high-stakes big-catch quest, you might find this price too high for what you envision. But if you want a relaxed, hands-on fishing outing with a BBQ at the end, the price makes more sense.

Also, the small-group cap matters. The difference between a cramped boat with a “good luck” attitude and a group where the captain and crew can help people is real. When you have only up to 10 people onboard, you often get more attention, and that increases your odds of having a satisfying day, whether the fish are big or small.

Who should book this trip, and who might not love it

This tour is a strong fit for:

• People who want a fun half-day activity with both fishing and time in the water
• First-timers who appreciate clear help and a relaxed pace
• Groups who want a small boat, not a crowd scene
• Anyone who loves the idea of eating what the day gives you, with Greek salad and BBQ onboard

You might want to think twice if:

• You’re expecting extreme game fishing with trophy-sized fish as a realistic guarantee
• You’re the kind of angler who needs big specimens to justify the day
• You are uncomfortable with the idea that catch size varies widely by day and conditions

That one caution came up clearly in feedback: some people were surprised by the type of catches they encountered. The best way to avoid disappointment is to choose this trip when your goal is the experience, not a specific trophy.

Practical tips to get the most from your day

This is a practical outing, not a test of fishing skill. You’ll get more enjoyment if you lean into that.

First, be ready to switch mindsets during the day. Trolling feels different from bottom fishing, and each phase has its own pace. When you treat it like a two-part outing, the day feels smoother.

Second, take advantage of the crew help. If the captain and first mate are explaining line handling or what they’re looking for, listen closely and follow what they say. The boat is small, so they can correct quickly and help you avoid common mistakes.

Third, plan to enjoy the full package, not just the rods. The swim and snorkeling time can be the highlight for people who are more “vacation mode” than “fisher mode.” Even if you catch less than you hoped, you still end with a solid BBQ meal onboard and a real break from Rhodes land routines.

Finally, keep your weather attitude flexible. This is the sea, and conditions can affect timing and comfort. When you’re open to change, the trip feels easier to enjoy.

Should you book Captain Manolis fishing with BBQ?

Book it if you want a small-group half-day that combines trolling, bottom fishing, swimming/snorkeling, and a real onboard meal. The strongest reasons to go are the crew’s hands-on attention, the relaxed pace, and the fact that lunch is included as a fresh BBQ with Greek salad and free drinks.

Hold off if your top priority is guaranteed big fish. This is normal fishing in a shared, approachable format, and catch size is not something you can control. If that expectation is fine, you’ll probably have exactly the kind of day the trip is built for: time on the water, active fishing, and a satisfying BBQ finish.

FAQ

How long is the Captain Manolis fishing with barbecue tour?

It lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?

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

Is this tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What fishing is included during the trip?

The plan includes trolling for little tuna first, then bottom fishing.

Does the tour include swimming or snorkeling?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are included.

What is included in the BBQ meal?

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

Is fishing gear provided?

Yes. The tour includes a fishing rod and bait.