Meet the Team
Benjamin Sijpheer
Shop OwnerHi, I’m Ben! I started my fly fishing career at a very young age on the banks of the Bow River in Calgary, Alberta. I have been casting a fly rod for as long as I can remember, and the obsession only grew stronger overtime. In 2014, I moved to Nanaimo here on Vancouver Island where I finished high school and quickly learned how incredible the coastal fishing was! Although, I have aways been a passionate fly angler, my appreciation for it became much deeper after I battled stage 4 lymphoma in 2017. Every day on the water became special as it could have easily been taken away.
After my Journey battling cancer, I worked in the fly fishing industry in various positions, as a fishing guide and wildlife photography guide, and as an education assistant. In 2023 I moved to Campbell River to help open the fly shop, and have now taken ownership in 2026!
I enjoy a variety of fishing opportunities here on the Island, and love learning and trying new techniques within those fisheries, but if I had to choose one species to target it would be coho salmon, specifically from the beach!
George Sterling
The wise oneHi, I’m George! I'm originally from Alberta and relocated to Campbell River in the fall of 2022. I developed a keen passion for fishing as a very young boy that eventually led to a 40 year career in fisheries management. Inspired by an uncle, I've been tying flies and fly fishing since my early teens. Although I love all sorts of fishing, fly fishing gear is my "go to", whether using a single-hand or 2-handed rod. I chased steelhead and salmon in northern BC for many years and began beach fishing for coho in the Campbell River area nearly 15 years ago. And beach fishing has now become a passion. Many beaches around Campbell River afford easy access and "in-season", offer sea run cutthroat trout, dolly varden, pink salmon, chinook salmon, and my favorite, coho. Tight Lines!
Matt Mossman
Hi, I’m Matt. I moved to Campbell River three years ago after spending 27 years in Yellowknife, where I was already an avid angler. Many years ago, I found myself looking for something deeper and more rewarding in my fishing experience — and that journey led me to fly fishing and fly tying. I quickly fell head over heels for both. There’s also a real sense of pride in catching fish on a fly I tied myself, especially when it’s a new pattern I’ve created and tested successfully on the water.
What I love most is being immersed in nature — standing in a quiet river or drifting across a calm lake. Fly fishing has become much more than a hobby for me; it’s a passion I’m always excited to share. If you’ve met me around the shop, you probably already know I can talk fly fishing all day, and I’m always eager to learn something new from fellow anglers too.
I also love to travel and chase species you won’t find here in Campbell River, but honestly, this area offers some of the best fly fishing around. From coastal cutthroat to salmon, there’s always something exciting happening on the water. If I had to pick a favorite, though, it would be those unforgettable days when the Coho start pushing into the rivers.
The destination angler
Kahlil Paroo
The always gone playing hockey but shows up for 3 hours and catches the biggest fish guy...Hi, I’m Kahlil. Fly fishing is my passion. I’m fortunate to live in a spectacular place that allows me to explore and find new spots. I began fly fishing with my best friend when we were 11 and took to it quickly. I love navigating the rivers and finding hidden gems. I also love feeling the sudden tug on my line when I’ve caught a fish. I love the creativity I have when tying flies and trying them out in a new spot. You can find me in any of our rivers year round, often trying to entice my fishing buddies to come out with me in the dead of winter. My favourite time of year to fish is fall, as I love fishing for coho and big cuttys. I also enjoy beach fishing for sea run cutthroat. In the winter I hunt steelhead, but am happy with whatever bites.
“None of my hopes and dreams of stepping into my role as the owner of Campbell River Fly Shop would have been possible without the support of this team, I am forever grateful for everything they have done to help me along the way!”
-Benjamin Sijpheer