Our Guides

Vic Carrao

Vic is the past owner of STS Guiding Service and has been guiding the Fraser River and Fraser Valley region for the past 26 years. Vic's love for white water, adrenaline and exploration lead to where Vic spends much of the summer and fall fishing sturgeon and running the Fraser Canyon from Hope to Hells Gate. When Vic is not on the water you will find him busy working on boats, motorcycles or riding with his wife Teresa. Vic Carrao has worked in many aspects of the fishing industry over the past 30 years. Guiding, retail sales, trade show representative, teaching fly casting. For the past 10 years, Vic has been on Pro Staff for Canada's Largest Lure Manufacturer, Gibbs/Delta. Vic is the past President of the Fraser Valley Angling Guide Association, past Director of the SFI, past Director of the Mission Harbour Authority and has been volunteer tagging sturgeon for the FRCS since 1999. Vic's passion for the Fraser Canyon and sturgeon will undoubtedly translate into a trip of a lifetime,

Doug Elias

Doug is a local boy who was born and raised in Abbotsford, moved across the bridge to Mission in 1990. Doug is a retired Corrections Officer and has been guiding for STS since 2007. Doug started his fishing career fly fishing local and interior lakes, taking courses from some of British Columbia’s top fly fishing instructors like Kevin Longard, Phil Rowley and Gord Honey. Soon Doug was spending many hours learning the art of tying flies and fishing still waters. Doug is also an accomplished sturgeon and salmon angler so if you’re looking for a great trip Doug is your guide.

Chris Burdekin

Chris was raised on Vancouver island in Sayward, British Columbia. Chris spent his childhood fishing the salt chuck with his father and grandfather. He later moved to Mission, where he spent every spare moment spay fishing the Harrison River, and local tributaries of the Fraser River for salmon and steelhead. Chris then had the opportunity to go on a fishing trip with STS Guiding. It was at that moment that he realized his true passion, fishing for sturgeon. When Chris is not on the river guiding or exploring new fishing spots, you will find him spending time with his wife Sarah and their two children.

Anthony "Merr" Spangers

Growing up in the area, Merr has been fishing the rivers of the Fraser Valley, as well as local and interior lakes, with Tony and his dad since he was a kid. An original team member of BC Sport Fishing Group’s opening in 1996, he describes himself as optimistic, patient and always ready to fish, even under hard conditions. Merr enjoys helping our clients to catch fish as much as he enjoys catching them himself – he isn’t satisfied until his clients are busy battling fish!

Jeff Sayewich

Fishing all his life, Jeff joined the BC Sport Fishing Group in 2007 and has no plans of stopping. Patient and open-minded, Jeff is happy showing our clients why he loves fishing so much and helping them to experience an unforgettable day. In his spare time, Jeff continues to improve his fishing skills around the Province and spends time with his wife.

Patrick Vidito

Pat began fishing in Chilliwack with his dad when he was a teenager and still remembers the “good old days” when they would fish at Nicola Lake. With 20 years experience fishing and guiding all around beautiful British Columbia Pat joined BC Sportfishing Group in 2006. Spending the fall months teaching our clients to fish Pat guides in the Queen Charlotte Islands in the summer months. He currently lives in the area with his wife and their two dogs.

Dan Hartlen

Danny grew up in the area and has been fishing the Fraser River and its tributaries for over 40 years, 25 of which have been spent guiding with the BC Sport Fishing Group team! Always looking for the next “hot spot,” there are not many spots in the Valley that haven’t been fished by Dan. In his spare time, Dan enjoys hockey, swimming, golf, and hiking – though most of his hikes are around water, checking out new fishing locations! Dan’s good humor and constant pranks along with his great ability to find fish consistently make for a great day on the water.

Frank Kozel

Frank has lived in the Fraser Valley most of his life and is our Operations manager and guide for BC Sportfishing Group. Over his many years of sport fishing Frank has learned the art of fly fishing, spent countless hours Sturgeon fishing, bait fishing and spoon fishing. He really takes his fishing seriously! When not working for BCSFG, sport fishing or running the tour boat he is pursuing his other passion as a professional musician playing guitar and singing in a few local bands. You will also find Frank helping in the office, making sales calls, doing boat maintenance / repairs, or he might even be your shuttle driver for the day. Whatever it is, he’s committed to help make your experience with BC Sportfishing Group the best it could possibly be.

Matthew Peters

Matt was born and raised in Chilliwack, so he has been a frequent fisher of the Vedder and the Fraser River since he was a kid. Matt enjoys taking others out to have the unique experience of reeling in a big Sturgeon. When he’s not fishing you’ll find him at the golf course or spending time with his family

Dan Dueck

Dan was born and raised in the Fraser Valley and developed a passtion for fishing that started in his very early years!  From fishing sunfish after school at local ponds to salmon fishing the local rivers, he loves it all.  He first started Sturgeon fishing over 20 years ago and has developed a deep love of chasing these mighty giants!  He spends as much time as he can on the river learning more about these fish and their habits.  One of Dan's favourite part about being a guide is meeting new people and starting an awesome conversation that often start while on a boat.