Team sports have always been a part of Dan Ponciano's life: first as a
player, then as a fan, and finally as a husband and father. Throughout
his involvement, it hasn't mattered what the exact sport was, as it is
the values of the sporting lifestyle that were enjoyable: hard work,
discipline, sportsmanship and competition. It's not by chance that
these same values permeate Dan Ponciano Guide Service. (and for the
record, baseball is definitely spoken here)
Dan has over twenty-years of experience on the Columbia River and has
been guiding professionally for over a decade. With intimate
knowledge of key areas of the Columbia and its tributaries, Dan's
knowledge breaks a massive river into small productive spots. Spend a
day on the water with Dan and you'll realize that there is no mystery
behind a successful and enjoyable fishing day, these are simply the
places where preparation and execution meet. You'll fish from a custom
24-foot North River Scout. Loaded with equipment, electronics, and
tackle, the boat still looks empty, as everything has its place and
Dan's "office" is always in order. Fishing equipment includes quality
G. Loomis rods outfitted with Shimano reels and bait, of different
kinds, are secured from various channels, determined by Dan to be of
the highest quality for their intended use.
The fishing schedule is developed to make the most of every day on the
water, placing the boat in the middle of the peak opportunities. In
some fisheries, combination days fishing for salmon and sturgeon are
available and encouraged. In all instances, your safety and comfort
are the first order of business.
Says Dan, "We are a family run business with the help of wife Jean, daughter Ashley (my computer wizard), son J.D. (deck-hand extraordinaire) and son Kyle (all around good guy). I live in Vancouver, WA, which allows me to fish from the mouth of the Columbia River to the Bonneville Dam as well as the two of the top Northwest Tributaries to the Columbia, the Cowlitz and the Lewis."