About Krippled Fishing Lures

A Legacy Born on the Water

Krippled Fishing Lures has been in business for over 60 years, first established by longtime fishing buddies Jim Gilbert and his partner Jack Robertson in 1962. However, Jim’s involvement in the fishing industry goes back even further. His father used to rent rowboats to salmon anglers in Brentwood Bay on Vancouver Island in the 1920s, and subsequently raised Jim in a boathouse. Growing up in such close proximity to some of the best fishing in the world, it’s not surprising that Jim would become a salmon-fishing guide by the age of 13.

With 30 years' experience guiding salmon fishing excursions, Jim earned a reputation as one of Canada’s most internationally acclaimed fishing guides. He reached a career record of 332 consecutive guiding trips without a "skunk" in the early 1970s, and guided celebrities such as Canadian Prime Ministers John Diefenbaker, Lester B. Pearson, and U.S. President George Bush. Jim also held a degree in fisheries biology and was a noted author, lecturer, and accomplished artist.

History of Krippled Fishing Lures

Innovation, Tragedy, and Growth

In 1962, Jim and Jack went into the lure business. With Jim's fishing knowledge and Jack's contacts in Asia—through his work as a 2nd officer for Canadian Pacific Airlines—they launched their first lure, the Krippled Minnow, which sold 6,000 units in its first year.

By 1964, Jim was experimenting with modifying the McKnight spoon. By enlarging the ring holes, widening the spoon slightly, and using lighter metals, he created a quicker, more erratic lure. This became the Krippled "K" Spoon—arguably the most productive Krippled lure to date. That same year, they introduced the Slasher Flasher, a fish-shaped, stainless steel dodger-style blade designed to attract salmon and enhance lure action.

After Jack's tragic death in 1965, Jim continued on, forming Jim Gilbert Enterprises. This encompassed the lure business as well as Jim's artwork, books, and lecturing. In 1967, the Krippled Herring Dodger was introduced—a narrow stainless-steel dodger available in three lengths. It was followed by the Jim Gilbert Dodger, a wider stainless-steel version available in five lengths.

Passing the Torch

In 1970, Jim introduced the Krippled Herring lure, which he later adapted to accommodate larger bait. That same year, he sold the boathouse (Gilbert's Marina) but continued guiding for another two years. In 1979, the Krippled Anchovy was released, alongside updates to the Krippled Minnow. To date, the Krippled Anchovy has sold over one million pieces and remains the most popular of all Krippled lures.

In 1990, the Slasher Flasher was redesigned as a line-through flasher made of plated plastic. In 1991, Jim Gilbert Enterprises sold its lure division to longtime employee Butch MacPherson, who had worked for Jim for the prior 13 years. Butch revived the original name—Krippled Fishing Lures—and now operates the business from Sooke, B.C.