Meet Our Expert Captains In SOA Charters

Local Experience, Friendly Faces, and Proven Results

At SOA Charters, our success begins with the people behind the helm. Each of our guides brings years of hands-on experience, deep local knowledge, and a genuine love for sharing the Oregon Coast with others. Whether you’re joining us for guided salmon fishing in Oregon, a family crabbing trip, or a Winchester Bay fishing charter, you’ll be in the company of professionals who truly care about your experience.

Our captains are more than just skilled fishermen—they’re storytellers, teachers, and outdoor enthusiasts who live for life on the water. Both Captain Travis Marsh and Captain Tom embody the spirit of SOA Charters, offering safe, fun, and memorable trips that showcase the very best of the Oregon Coast.

Captain Travis Marsh – Owner & Lead Fishing Guide

Captain Travis Marsh, owner of SOA Charters, is one of the most trusted Winchester Bay fishing guides on the Oregon Coast. Holding a U.S. Coast Guard Six-Pack Charter License and CPR/First Aid certification, Travis combines professionalism with a lifelong passion for fishing. His journey began in Washington State, where he learned to fish alongside his parents before moving to Oregon in 1991. After settling in the Umpqua Valley, Travis became known for his skill in targeting salmon, steelhead, and bass across the Umpqua River and beyond.

Dedicated to delivering the best Oregon salmon fishing charters and crabbing trips, Travis takes pride in creating memorable experiences for anglers of all ages. He credits his late mother, Granny Jean, for sparking his love for fishing, a legacy that continues to guide his work today. From chasing Chinook and Coho to witnessing whales on the horizon, Travis’s goal is to make every trip unforgettable for his guests.

Captain Tom – Fishing Guide

Captain Tom brings strength, perseverance, and passion to every Oregon Coast fishing charter. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and helicopter mechanic, he developed a love for fishing at an early age and spent years chasing everything from Colorado reservoir trout to powerful Pacific salmon. After serving his country and overcoming a difficult battle with bone cancer, Tom turned his lifelong passion into a rewarding career as a fishing guide.

Today, he’s a vital part of SOA Charters’ Winchester Bay fishing team, specializing in salmon and steelhead trips throughout Oregon’s scenic waterways. Known for his determination and friendly approach, Tom enjoys helping others discover the joy of fishing—especially during the winter steelhead season, which he calls his “favorite time of year.” His dedication and resilience inspire every angler who steps aboard.

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Travis Marsh

Oregon

Top Rated Fishing Guide out of Winchester Bay, OR

Captain Travis Marsh, owner and operator of SOA Charters, has built his reputation as one of the most respected Oregon fishing guides on the coast. Born with a deep love for the outdoors, Travis began fishing at a young age with his parents in Washington State before moving to Oregon in 1991. Over the years, he turned that lifelong passion into a rewarding career, guiding guests through some of the most productive waters in the Pacific Northwest. His hands-on experience, calm leadership, and genuine enthusiasm make him a favorite among returning anglers and newcomers alike.

With decades of experience exploring the Umpqua River system and the Winchester Bay fishing grounds, Captain Travis specializes in salmon fishing, steelhead, and bass trips. He takes pride in offering educational and exciting charters that highlight the beauty and abundance of the Oregon Coast. Whether it’s navigating early morning tides or coaching first-time anglers, Travis ensures that every guest leaves with both fish in the cooler and memories that last a lifetime.

For Captain Travis, fishing isn’t just a job — it’s a family legacy. He credits his late mother, Granny Jean, for teaching him the patience, joy, and respect that come with time spent on the water. Today, that same spirit drives his mission to share the Oregon fishing lifestyle with others. From his well-equipped Hewescraft boat to his warm, down-to-earth personality, Travis embodies everything that makes SOA Charters a trusted name in Oregon fishing charters.