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 only use the best.
Text and photography: Juul Steyn
In this article, I’ll walk you through the exact tackle I provide during our guided fishing trips — rods, reels, baits, and even the boat. My goal is simple: to make you fish like a pro. That means you’ll be using the highest quality gear available. Not just good tackle, but gear I trust with my own reputation.
Rods (St Croix)
When it comes to rods, I stand by the slogan of the brand I use: St. Croix really does make the best rods in the world.
For finesse fishing in the canals and lakes around Amsterdam, I provide ultra-lightweight spinning rods with extremely sensitive tips and enough backbone to land even trophy zander or perch. My go-to is the St. Croix Legend Tournament series. This is the iconic blue rod, ranging from 6’3” vertical jigging rods to 7’ rods for casting jigs.
A recent and exciting addition is the St. Croix Rayfin. Designed for the European market, it reminds me of the legendary first-generation Legend Extreme. Unmatched sensitivity, crisp action, and that perfect balance that makes detecting and setting the hook on even the lightest bites a pure joy.
The St. Croix Legend Tournament series are a joy to fish with — combining feather-light weight, razor-sharp sensitivity, and serious backbone when it counts.
Pike & Big Zander (Great Lakes)
For larger fish and bigger water, I up the game with rods that offer more muscle, but still retain that finesse feel. Spinning enthusiasts will love the St. Croix Avid Inshore series. Though originally designed for saltwater, these rods feel like they were made for Dutch pike. The 7’6” Medium Power Fast Action casts lighter lures effortlessly but has the power to handle 20+ lb pike. The Medium Heavy version handles larger baits with ease.
Prefer baitcasting? I also offer Legend Tournament Pike and Muskie rods, ranging from 7’6” to 7’10”. These rods are smooth-casting powerhouses, engineered for big lures and even bigger fish.
For more specialized techniques — vertical jigging, crankbait casting, or flipping lighter jigs — I have a rotating selection of rods from the Physyx, Rayfin, and Legend Elite series.
On the vast lakes and river systems, you never know what might hit. When a giant catfish like this shows up, you’ll be glad you’re fishing with gear you can trust.
Reels (Shimano)
All rods are paired with Shimano reels, because when it comes to performance and durability, nothing else makes the cut. Here’s a breakdown of my reel selection.
Light Spinning (Zander & Perch)
For finesse work, I use the Shimano Vanford, sizes 1000 to 2500. These reels are lightweight, strong, smooth, and come with a silky drag system that handles big fish with ease.
Heavier Spinning (Pike)
For larger rods, I pair them with Shimano TwinPower and Stradic reels (sizes 2500–3000). These reels can take a beating — from heavy lures, tough fights, and long fishing days — and still perform like new.
Baitcasting
For lighter baitcasting setups, I use Shimano Curado reels, including the DC series for long, effortless casts and fewer bird’s nests. The Curado DC is ideal for both beginners and seasoned baitcasters.
For the heavy hitters, nothing beats the Shimano Tranx. These are elite-level workhorses, and I’m proud to now offer the next-gen Tranx models (2025). These reels feature upgraded drag power and smoother casting.
When you fish with me, you fish with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, I’ll make sure you have the right gear to fish effectively — and enjoy every second on the water.
Baits
Over the past two decades of guiding in Amsterdam, I’ve experimented with hundreds of lures. Trial, error, success — it all led to one thing: A refined, proven selection of baits that reliably catch fish under about 80% of the conditions we face here.
My philosophy? Confidence baits first. The lures that have earned their place in the boat by consistently delivering results for both beginners and seasoned anglers.
Soft Baits for Zander and Perch
You’ll see plenty of Spro soft baits in my tackle boxes — and with good reason. This Netherlands based brand has earned my trust thanks to its consistent performance in Dutch waters. All baits are equipped with cutting edge Gamakatsu trebles and hooks. Two of my most favorite soft baits for zander are:
- Spro Iris Pop-Eye (8–12 cm)
This is my go-to soft bait for zander. It has everything: A slender profile, seductive swimming action, and that wide, exaggerated eye that triggers predatory strikes. I typically pair it with 7g, 10g, or 14g jig heads, depending on depth, flow, and presentation style.
- Spro The Shad
When targeting perch, and pike — or when zander aren’t responding to the Pop-Eye — The Shad becomes a reliable choice. Its slightly more bulky body shape and more aggressive tail action offer just enough contrast to tempt finicky fish.
Of course, similar baits work well too, so feel free to play around. In the remaining 20% of situations — when conditions are tough, pressure is high, or fish are simply in a weird mood — I reach for one of the dozens of other soft baits I carry. From finesse minnows to creature baits, I always have the tools to turn a slow day into a successful one.
Soft baits in the 8 to 12 cm range are the go-to choice. The Spro Iris Pop-Eye and Spro The Shad (in UV Mojito colors on murky waters!) have proven themselves as reliable favorites time and time again.
Hard Baits for Casting and Trolling
When covering water or searching for active fish, I often reach for hard baits. Time and again, I find myself coming back to Spro for their reliable performance. If I would have to choose two hard baits to make a living, it would be:
- Spro RK Crawler
This crankbait dives quickly, moves aggressively, and features a loud rattle, and comes in some true shock-color patterns. Ideal for triggering reaction strikes in the murky waters of Amsterdam. On the clearer lakes I prefer more natural patterns. These baits are especially effective around structure, weed beds, bridges, and current edges.
- Spro Fat Iris
This squat, bold-profile lure not only has great color options specifically designed for the Netherlands, but also an irresistible wide wobble. When visibility is low or zander are scattered, this bait shines.
Why Spro again? Because I genuinely agree with their slogan: “Proven to Catch.” And in my line of work, that’s what it’s all about.
A short note: Although I use a lot of gear from Spro, simply because it consistently delivers results, I’m not tied to any brand. I’m completely independent and free to use whatever I believe works best. Whether it’s a Lucky Craft jerk bait for targeting perch or a custom soft bait from a local builder to go after XXXL pike: I always choose tackle based on one thing only. Whatever catches fish.
While I love using proven Spro baits, I use a variety of other baits too. Think of the beautifully crafted crankbaits and jerkbaits by Strike King, such as the Pointer SP Deep Diver. A true perch magnet.
Pike Baits – A Chapter of Their Own
Now, when it comes to pike, things can get a little… excessive. And that’s not a bad thing. Pike are often opportunistic and aggressive, and at other times just very picky and wary. And they respond to a massive variety of lure styles, depending on the current conditions. From giant swimbaits to tiny twitch baits, from surface explosions to deep-slow retrieves.
I could go on about all the pike baits I use (and believe me, there are many), but I think it’s wiser to give that topic the attention it deserves in a separate article, coming soon.
At the end of the day, my bait selection is built on experience, not guesswork. Every bait on my boat is there for a reason. Not because it looks good in the shop, but because it’s caught fish again and again for hundreds of guests over thousands of hours on the water.
So when you step aboard, rest assured: you’ll fish with gear that works. Not just in theory, but right here, in Amsterdam’s complex and rewarding waters.
Boats (Siegersma)
When you’re out on the water with me, you’re not just stepping into any boat. You’re fishing from custom-built, Dutch-designed fishing machines, crafted specifically to meet the demands of serious predator anglers.
I fish with two Siegersma aluminum boats, both designed and built by Siegersma Boats. This is a highly respected Dutch boat builder known for tailoring every detail to the angler’s needs. These boats aren’t just functional — they’re purpose-built for performance, safety, and comfort. Siegersma is known for his functional, no-nonsense approach. These are rock-solid fishing machines that put performance over polish, and never let you down.
The Amsterdam Boat: Siegersma Casting King 2.0
For guided fishing trips in the canals, harbors, and open waters around Amsterdam, I use the Siegersma Casting King II. This is a high-end all aluminum fishing boat measuring 5.10 meters long and 2.00 meters wide.
This boat is built for comfort and stability, with ample room for up to three guests, and generous casting space on both the front and rear decks. The entire deck is finished with premium MarineMat non-slip foam, installed by Marine Deck Europe, offering excellent grip and shock absorption — perfect for long days on your feet, even in wet conditions.
The Casting King II is powered by a 70HP Yamaha outboard, delivering smooth and reliable performance whether we’re navigating tight city canals or covering larger water in search of active fish.
It’s a true pleasure to fish from my custom-designed boats, built by Siegersma — a renowned Dutch boatbuilder known for tailoring every detail to meet the needs of serious anglers. These boats, powered by Yamaha, are exceptionally stable, incredibly spacious, and feature two oversized casting decks that offer unmatched comfort and freedom of movement while fishing.
The Travel Boat: Siegerma Casting King 1.0
For trips outside the city — to the great lakes, big rivers, or hard-to-reach predator hotspots — I bring out my versatile Siegersma Casting King 1.0.
This boat is slightly more compact at 5.00 meters in length and 2.00 meters wide, and sits on a PEGA trailer, ready to go wherever the fish are. Its lighter weight and streamlined build make it incredibly agile and perfect for launching at varied locations throughout the Netherlands and beyond.
It’s powered by a 50HP Yamaha outboard, perfectly matched to the boat’s size for speed, manoeuvrability, and fuel efficiency.
Outboard (Yamaha)
Why Yamaha? I’ve trusted Yamaha outboards for over 20 years, and for good reason. These four-strokes are the gold standard when it comes to:
- Reliability – These engines have never once let me down.
- Quiet performance – You’ll enjoy a peaceful ride with minimal engine noise.
- Fuel efficiency – Keeping fuel cost low and reducing climate impact
- Power and control – Whether we’re gliding silently through canals or powering across a big lake, Yamaha delivers.
Simply put, Yamaha gives me — and you — the peace of mind to focus fully on the fishing, knowing we’re in safe, dependable hands.
Whether we’re stalking zander in urban waters or chasing pike in the wilderness, you’ll be fishing from a boat that’s built for it — safe, comfortable, and perfectly equipped to make the most of your day on the water.
Trolling motor (Minn Kota)
No surprise here: on the bow of my boat, you’ll find the Minn Kota Terrova 80 lb, one of the most trusted and widely used trolling motors in the world of professional guiding — and for good reason.
This motor is a true game-changer when it comes to stealthy precision, boat control, and positioning. The built-in i-Pilot GPS technology allows me to:
- Hold the boat perfectly in place with Spot-Lock, even in wind and current
- Run drift lines or tracks at precise speed and direction
- Make seamless adjustments without distracting from fishing
In the urban canals of Amsterdam and on the vast waters of the great lakes, accurate boat positioning makes the difference between a good day and a great one. And with the Terrova, I can keep you right where the fish are — quietly and efficiently.
Technology is only as good as the care it receives. That’s why I want to give a special shout-out to Marco Groenenberg at Boat Innovation, the mastermind who keeps my electronics and systems running like clockwork.
Marco ensures that:
- My trolling motor is serviced and tuned to perfection
- All installations are clean, robust, and waterproof
- Updates and repairs are done quickly and professionally
Electronics (Garmin)
When you fish with me, you’re not only guided by experience and instinct — you’re also backed by the most advanced fishing electronics Garmin has to offer. My boats are fully equipped with state-of-the-art sonar and GPS systems that turn every trip into a high-tech, high-success experience. With Garmin, you will fish with surgical precision. And I’ll teach you how to read and use this tech like a pro — whether you’re a beginner or a die-hard angler. Let me elaborate on the devices I got on board.
2 x Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 122sv (12”)
The main console and bow are each equipped with a Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 122sv, featuring:
- 12-inch sunlight-readable touchscreen displays with crisp resolution, ensuring the most crisp view of the LiveScope-function.
- Integrated CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVü, and SideVü scanning for unparalleled underwater imaging.
- Complete mapping capabilities for safe navigation and pinpoint positioning.
- Perfect for quickly identifying structure, drop-offs, baitfish, and active predators — even in complex urban waters.
Having two Ultra 122sv units ensures that both the helm and the front casting deck have full access to real-time data — so no matter where you’re fishing from, you’re fully informed and in control.
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 92sv (9”)
I also use the ECHOMAP UHD 92sv, offering:
- Compact and fast operation with ultra-clear sonar returns.
- A third viewpoint when guiding multiple anglers.
- Real-time sonar, GPS, and LiveScope integration for flexible, full-boat coverage.
It’s the perfect complement to the Ultra units — quick, reliable, and perfect for guests who want to understand what’s happening below and around them at a glance.
Garmin LiveScope LVS34 (Panoptix)
This is where things get really exciting. Juul’s setup includes the latest LiveScope LVS34 — Garmin’s most advanced live sonar system. It allows you to:
- See fish swimming in real time under and around the boat — even follow individual predators.
- Watch how fish respond to your lure, and adjust your technique on the spot.
- Experience next-level pelagic fishing — ideal for vertical jigging or targeting suspended zander and pike in deep water.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to high-tech fishing, LiveScope will blow your mind. It’s not just fishing — it’s sight-hunting below the surface.
When targeting trophy zander, precision is everything — and that’s exactly where my Garmin electronics come in. With cutting-edge sonar technology, including LiveScope, you’ll have the best possible view beneath the surface. Whether we’re scanning structure, tracking individual fish, or positioning perfectly above a mark, Garmin ensures you’re always one step closer to your next big catch.
Why It Matters
I don’t just use Garmin gear — I rely on it, every day, in every condition. This advanced setup:
- Saves time locating fish
- Increases your catch rate
- Lets you see and understand what’s happening underwater like never before
Don’t miss your chance to hook into some serious action — book your private fishing trip in Amsterdam today!
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