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Kyle and Crystal Borkes
Kyle and Crystal Borkes

 

Based in Ladysmith, British Columbia, Kyle and Crystal are passionate anglers whose love for fishing has evolved over the years. Fishing has been a part of their lives since they were young, whether from boats or along the banks, but everything changed in 2021 when they discovered kayak fishing while shopping for a boat. From that moment on, they’ve been completely hooked, and kayak fishing has become their shared passion ever since.

For Kyle and Crystal, fishing is the great equalizer—a sport that transcends gender, age, ethnicity, and social status. “The fish don’t care who’s holding the rod,” they say, emphasizing the universal appeal of the sport. Whether it’s sharing laughs and building memories with friends or enjoying the solitude of nature, fishing provides an escape from the fast-paced modern world and a connection to what matters most.

Primarily saltwater kayak anglers, Kyle and Crystal feel most at home on the ocean, where they target the incredible diversity of species Vancouver Island has to offer. From salmon and lingcod to halibut and rockfish, their passion for fishing shines through in every outing.

While trolling for Chinook Salmon is a thrill—especially the chaos of the fight on a kayak—their favorite species to target is lingcod. “Seeing their big, dinosaur-like heads coming up from the deep gets the adrenaline flowing,” they say. For Kyle and Crystal, lingcod epitomize the apex predator of their local waters, and the pursuit of these powerful fish is unmatched.

When it comes to gear, Kyle and Crystal are big fans of Gibbs Fishing products. Their go-to setup includes Skinny G spoons (favorites include No Bananas and Herring Aid) paired with Highliner Guide Series flashers in No Bananas or Green Yellow Jelly patterns. When targeting lingcod, they turn to 10 oz or 16 oz Power Paddle Swimbaits, which they find essential for landing these impressive fish.

Kyle and Crystal’s shared passion for fishing, their connection to nature, and their dedication to the sport make them an inspiring duo on the Gibbs Pro Team.

Follow Kyle and Crystal’s kayak fishing adventures on Instagram: @kckayakfishing.