Captain
Thao Tran

Member since March 2026 Seattle, United States
Background
Join Capt. Thao for an unforgettable fishing adventure in Seattle, where local expertise meets a one-of-a-kind life story. A lifelong Seattleite, Thao's journey began when he escaped Vietnam as a child in a small wooden fishing boat with his father and three brothers—an experience that shaped his deep respect for the water and passion for fishing. After earning his degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Washington, Thao went on to work with Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and as a lobbyist for homecare caregivers. He's also a recipient of the prestigious German Marshall Fellowship and has hosted international leaders and guests—including Anthony Bourdain during The Layover in Seattle. But his true passion has always been on the water. Today, Capt. Thao combines decades of local fishing knowledge with a genuine love for teaching and connecting with people. Whether you're a first-time angler or an experienced fisherman, he'll make sure your trip is exciting, educational, and successful. Seattle's rich waters offer opportunities to catch King and Coho (Silver) salmon, lingcod, and flounder. Depending on the season, you'll fish using proven techniques like mooching (cut-plug herring), trolling, or even fly fishing (available upon request). This isn't just a fishing trip—it's an authentic Seattle experience led by someone who truly knows these waters. Book your trip, bring your crew, and let Capt. Thao show you how it's done.
Techniques
Cut plug herring for salmon aka "mooching".

Hey, I'm Captain Thao Tran

Seattle, United States
Background
Join Capt. Thao for an unforgettable fishing adventure in Seattle, where local expertise meets a one-of-a-kind life story. A lifelong Seattleite, Thao's journey began when he escaped Vietnam as a child in a small wooden fishing boat with his father and three brothers—an experience that shaped his deep respect for the water and passion for fishing. After earning his degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Washington, Thao went on to work with Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and as a lobbyist for homecare caregivers. He's also a recipient of the prestigious German Marshall Fellowship and has hosted international leaders and guests—including Anthony Bourdain during The Layover in Seattle. But his true passion has always been on the water. Today, Capt. Thao combines decades of local fishing knowledge with a genuine love for teaching and connecting with people. Whether you're a first-time angler or an experienced fisherman, he'll make sure your trip is exciting, educational, and successful. Seattle's rich waters offer opportunities to catch King and Coho (Silver) salmon, lingcod, and flounder. Depending on the season, you'll fish using proven techniques like mooching (cut-plug herring), trolling, or even fly fishing (available upon request). This isn't just a fishing trip—it's an authentic Seattle experience led by someone who truly knows these waters. Book your trip, bring your crew, and let Capt. Thao show you how it's done.
Techniques
Cut plug herring for salmon aka "mooching".
Anglers Choice
Verified
Our Team
Thao T.
Captain

My Charter Listing

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(43 reviews)
Angler's choice
Seattle
 Last booking: 10 hours ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $250

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 43 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (89)
Fishing with Thao
Had a great time
Had a great time
+86
Angler rating
43
0
0
0
0
Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
100%
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Showing:
5 of 43 reviews
Rami S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

June fishing trip

VERIFIED   NEW  Shared Charter Salmon Trip on June 28, 2026
we had the opportunity to go fishing wth captain Thao,he taught us the a unique method to catch the salmon , He really hits...
Rami S. recommends Seattle Nautic Salmon Charter
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You and 1 other person found this review helpful
Rami S. recommends Seattle Nautic Salmon Charter
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful

Shelby Y.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Amazing Day on the Water with Best Captain Ever!!!

VERIFIED   NEW  Shared Charter Salmon Trip on June 26, 2026
If youโ€™re looking for the best fishing charter around, book with Captain Taoโ€”you wonโ€™t regret it! My brother...
Shelby Y. recommends Seattle Nautic Salmon Charter
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Shelby Y. recommends Seattle Nautic Salmon Charter
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Mi T.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Best fishing day with my hubby and Vietnamese dad ever!

VERIFIED   NEW  Shared Charter Salmon Trip on June 23, 2026
We had an outstanding fishing charter with Captain Thao! From start to finish, he worked incredibly hard to make sure everyone...
Mi T. recommends Seattle Nautic Salmon Charter
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Mi T. recommends Seattle Nautic Salmon Charter
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Paul K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

20+ monster salmon. unbelievable

VERIFIED   NEW  Shared Charter Salmon Trip on June 19, 2026
A life-changing experience fishing MONSTER SALMON Hooking up 5 salmon an hour. At one point, we had such a good hookup...
Paul K. recommends Seattle Nautic Salmon Charter
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Paul K. recommends Seattle Nautic Salmon Charter
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Craig L.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day on Puget Sound!

VERIFIED   NEW  Shared Charter Salmon Trip on June 23, 2026
Beautiful weather, calm seas. Captain Thao was awesome, keeping us on the fish and doing all the hard work, leaving us to enjoy...
Craig L. recommends Seattle Nautic Salmon Charter
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
Craig L. recommends Seattle Nautic Salmon Charter
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful