After years of guiding anglers through the waters of Amsterdam, Juul has noticed one thing again and again: American guests are always curious about the zander (Sander lucioperca) — the European cousin of their beloved walleye (Sander vitreus). In this article, your guide dives into the key differences (and surprising similarities) between these two iconic […]

Short answer? Nothing but yourself. When you book a trip with Fishing Guide Juul, everything is taken care of so you can focus 100% on the fishing—and having a great time on the water. Here’s exactly what’s included, so you know what to expect and what (not) to pack. Text and photography: Juul Steyn Top-of-the-Line […]

As an avid angler, I know how it feels to travel without your own gear — it can make you feel a little uneasy. You have to rely on your guide to provide equipment that’s not only reliable, but equal to (or better than) what you’re used to fishing with at home. That’s why I […]

Wherever you may live, if you’re a sport angler, you’ve probably heard that Amsterdam is claimed to be the predator fishing capital of the world. The city is world-famous for its zander—nicknamed “the Dutch walleye” and therefore often referred to as ‘Zanderdam’—but it also offers incredible fishing for perch and Northern pike. That leads to […]

Imagine the thrill of landing trophy-sized zander, perch, and Northern pike against the picturesque backdrop of Amsterdam’s canals and lakes during the winter months. That’s right—winter fishing in the capital of The Netherlands is red-hot, offering an unforgettable experience for anglers looking to catch monster-sized fish in a unique European setting. Text and photography: Juul […]

Did you know that Dutch zander, perch, and Northern pike are not only bigger but also stronger than their American relatives? Zander outgrow walleye, perch outsize yellow perch, and our pike are among the largest in the world. Don’t take my word for it—ask any of the American anglers who’ve been predator fishing in Amsterdam […]

Over the past 15 years as a fishing guide in Amsterdam, I’ve had the privilege of welcoming hundreds of guests from the United States. Many come to target zander, the larger cousin of the walleye. Others have the European Northern pike on their bucket list. This fish is known for its impressive size, strength, and […]

I’m proud to say that I have joined UFX, a team of dedicated fishing guides in The Netherlands with only one goal: make you fish like a pro. We are five born and bred Dutch anglers with a passion for predatory fish. And we love to share this passion with you. No matter where you want to […]

Dropping water temperatures have a major influence on the zander in Amsterdam. They are rapidly becoming much more passive and increasingly ignore lures that were very successful until recently. Aggressively fished vib lures are completely ignored. Also, the number of bites on soft baits decreases rapidly. At the same time, you can see the fish […]

Few colorways are as popular as the “fire tiger”: green back, chartreuse flanks and an orange belly. To top it off, there is often also a black tiger print on the back. Pike and zander are particularly fond of this pattern, but why? While researching for my book, I came across the secret and suddenly […]