Meet Marvin Henkel, your fishing guide in Portland, Oregon, and the owner-operator of Marvin’s Guide Service.
Marvin is a Portland native, having spent his entire life in the area. After graduating from David Douglas High School in 1991, he immediately began working as a welder at Gunderson, constructing rail cars in the heart of Portland, Oregon.
Marvin cherished the weekends, for that was his time to fish in the Columbia River, seeking to catch salmon, sturgeon, walleye, or any other fish that might take the bait.
One of Marvin’s favorite vacations was a two-week fishing trip to Tillamook Bay. He would take time off from his job at Gunderson to enjoy fishing for salmon and crabs.
What year did Marvin get his Oregon Guide license
In 2000, Marvin got his Oregon guide license and started guiding part-time on the weekends and vacations as he continued working at Gunderson.
In 2001, Marvin departed from Gunderson to chase his dream of becoming a full-time fishing guide. He established his business in his native Portland and offered fishing expeditions from the Columbia River Gorge to the Oregon Coast.
Marvin soon realized that establishing his business would be a challenging endeavor. He began to work part-time at Schwan’s, where he delivered ice cream and various foods on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. On the remaining days of the week, specifically Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, he dedicated his time to leading fishing expeditions, guiding enthusiasts in the pursuit of salmon, sturgeon, and walleye.
After a year of working at Schwan’s, Marvin had made a name for himself in the fishing industry and was able to become a full-time guide.
Marvin Henkel operates as a fishing guide and charter in Portland, Oregon. He provides guided fishing excursions targeting salmon, sturgeon, walleye, and crab within the Portland vicinity. With 20 years of full-time guiding experience, Marvin now leads more than 200 trips annually.
Father and son Team up
Over the past five years, Marvin has had the good fortune of his youngest son, Austin, accompanying him on his guided fishing trips. Austin contributes in various ways, including preparing the boat and helping clints in catching the fish.
Perhaps in the future, Marvin might retire, and Austin could take over as captain. Time will reveal what’s to come.
But for now, let Marvin and Austin lead you to an experience of salmon, sturgeon, or walleye fishing that you will always remember.
One of Marvin and Austin’s favorite places to guide for salmon fishing is Astoria, Oregon, for the world-famous Bouy 10 salmon fishery. This father-son duo will generally start taking clients salmon fishing in the ocean west of Astoria towards the end of July, where the bite first begins. We’ll then move into the river inside of the Buoy 10 marker in the early part of August, when the Columbia River opens for chinook salmon.
The father-and-son duo provides guided fishing excursions targeting salmon, sturgeon, and walleye. Regardless of the destination, their passion and commitment to fishing are evident. They strive to impart their enthusiasm for fishing to everyone they guide.
Father and son fishing team.
Last Updated on by Marvin
