Hook, bait, and barbecue on a Rhodes boat. I love the small-group pace and the captain’s focus on good fishing spots. If you’re chasing trophy-size fish, this trip is built for normal, relaxed fishing—and you might catch mostly smaller ones.

You start with trolling for little tuna, then switch to bottom fishing, and the day typically ends with an onboard barbecue and Greek salad. There’s also time for swimming and snorkeling, which keeps the trip fun even for people who don’t live for the fishing reel.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 10): you get real attention, not a handoff to strangers.
• Two fishing modes: first trolling for little tuna, then bottom fishing.
• Gear is included: fishing rod and bait are part of the experience.
• Barbecue on the boat: each person gets fresh fish (~500g), Greek salad, and bread, plus soft drinks, water, and beers.
• Breaks on the water: swimming and snorkeling are part of the plan.
• English tour: the experience is offered in English, and many trips run with Captain Manolis and his first mate Katerina.

Captain Manolis on Rhodes: what the day feels like

This is the kind of Rhodes day that mixes “we’re actually doing something” with “we’re not rushing.” The whole vibe is small-group and hands-on, so you’re not stuck watching from the sidelines while everyone else manages the fishing gear.

Captain Manolis runs the show and puts you on the water at the right times for fishing around Rhodes. Many trips also include Katerina as the first mate, and based on what people describe, she helps keep things friendly and moving along.

The biggest reason this tour works is balance. You get time to fish, but it’s not an all-day grind. And you end with a proper meal on the boat, not a sad snack situation.

First catch: trolling for little tuna, then bottom fishing

The day’s flow is simple, and that’s a good thing on a half-day trip.

You begin with trolling for little tuna. This is active fishing, but it’s also the easiest entry point if you’re new to fishing. You’re learning the rhythm while the boat is moving, and it sets you up for the next step.

Then you move to bottom fishing, where the focus shifts from “chasing” fish to waiting for bites at the seafloor. This part tends to be where your patience gets tested—in a good way. Bottom fishing can feel quieter, and it’s also when you’re most likely to get the captain’s direct help fine-tuning your setup.

Here’s the key expectation to manage: this is normal fishing, designed as a relaxed experience. If you joined hoping for extreme, big-game targeting, you may feel let down by the catch size. Some people go home happy because they caught something fun; others want bigger fish and feel the trip wasn’t what they pictured. The difference is mainly about expectation, not effort.

The boat pause: swimming and snorkeling time

Rhodes boat days are often at their best when they pause for water time. This tour includes swimming and snorkeling, which gives you a break from constant line-watching.

For families and mixed-age groups, this part matters. People who aren’t sure about fishing often end up loving the water time because it’s low-pressure and easy to join—no special gear required beyond what you already bring.

Practical tip: pack swimwear and something to protect yourself from sun. You’ll be out for about 4 hours 30 minutes, and even “shade” on a boat isn’t the same as being on land.

Onboard barbecue: fresh fish, Greek salad, and free drinks

The onboard barbecue on the boat is one of the main reasons people book this trip. You’re not just getting food at the end—you’re getting lunch as part of the experience.

The sample menu is clear:

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

Two things I like about this setup for real life travelers. First, the meal is built in regardless of whether your personal fishing story is a win or a learning moment. Second, it’s Greek food done in a straightforward, practical way—salad and bread alongside the fish.

If you’re someone who worries about wasting time when the fish aren’t cooperating, this lunch plan is a safety net. Even if your catch is small, you’re still eating well.

And yes, people mention the overall vibe—being out on the water while the barbecue happens tends to feel special in a way a restaurant meal can’t match.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At about $78.64 per person for roughly 4 hours 30 minutes, the value comes from what’s included, not just the boat ride.

You’re getting:

• a guided outing with a captain steering the plan
• fishing rod and bait
• a built-in meal: fish (~500g), Greek salad, bread
• soft drinks, water, and beers
• small-group time, capped at 10 travelers
• time for swimming and snorkeling

This is where comparisons help. Shared boat trips like this are generally meant for a relaxed, social day. Private charters cost a lot more and tend to target harder fishing. If your priority is big game, you’ll usually want a package explicitly aimed at that kind of catch rather than a normal fishing day.

So I’d frame the price like this: you’re paying for a full “Rhodes half-day experience” rather than just “access to a boat.” The meal and included drinks do meaningful work here.

Logistics on Rhodes: where you meet and how the day ends

You meet at Fishing trips Rhodes Captain Manolis on Akti Sachtouri, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not planning extra transfers later.

This start point is also listed as near public transportation, which helps if you’re staying somewhere without easy taxi access. Confirmation is sent at booking time, and service animals are allowed.

One more practical note: the tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s smart for both comfort and safety on the water.

Who this trip suits (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit for:

• people who want a fun half-day on the water without a huge commitment
• first-timers who want help and a calm pace
• families and mixed groups where not everyone is equally obsessed with fishing
• travelers who care about food and like the idea of eating fish cooked as part of the day

In fact, people describe it as relaxing and well organized, with hosts who are friendly and helpful. It also tends to work for different ages because you get several ways to enjoy the day—fishing, water time, and lunch.

Think twice if:

• your main goal is big trophy fish
• you expect extreme game fishing tactics
• you’re only interested in catching large species and won’t enjoy small bites, learning, and the boat experience

That doesn’t mean the fishing is bad. It means you should match the trip type to your goal. This is normal fishing combined with a boat barbecue, not a high-stakes big-game expedition.

Tips so you enjoy it more (especially if bites are small)

Fishing can be unpredictable. Your best move is to treat the day like a Rhodes boat outing with fishing as the activity—not like a guaranteed fishing contest.

Here are a few ways to set yourself up:

• Bring a positive expectation: small catches can still be fun, especially when the captain is helping.
• Ask questions early: if you want to learn fast, ask the crew right away about rigging and what to do when you get bites.
• Take breaks in the right way: use swimming and snorkeling time to cool off and reset.
• Plan for sun and salt: water time and sun add up quickly on a half-day trip.

Also, remember you’re in a small group (max 10). That’s your advantage. Use it. If you’re unsure, get the captain’s guidance while you still have time to enjoy the water.

Should you book Captain Manolis Fishing with barbecue?

Yes, if you want a genuine Rhodes half-day that blends fishing, swimming/snorkeling, and a real meal on the water. The small-group size, included gear and bait, and the onboard barbecue with Greek salad and drinks make it feel like a complete experience, not just a boat ride with vague promises.

I’d hold off if you’re specifically chasing big-game catches or arriving with a clear mental picture of huge fish every time. This trip is for relaxed normal fishing. When you match expectations, the day tends to land as a great value and a memorable way to spend time off Rhodes—especially if you care about food, views, and a friendly captain-led atmosphere.

FAQ

How long is the Captain Manolis fishing and barbecue tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes.

What’s included in the price?

It includes the fishing rod and bait, about 4.5 hours of fishing, barbecue on the boat, Greek salad and bread, plus soft drinks, water, and beers.

What fishing happens during the trip?

First, the tour does trolling for little tuna. After that, it switches to bottom fishing.

Is there swimming or snorkeling?

Yes, swimming and snorkeling are part of the experience.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The tour also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.