Zander Fishing: Casting Tips for Cold-Season Success

Why target zander in late autumn?

As the days grow shorter and the first frost sets in, zander behavior shifts dramatically. For many anglers, this is the moment to grab a rod and start casting. Just before winter, zander are often active — but their hunting patterns demand a specific approach.

Why now?

• Feeding up: Zander are building reserves for the cold months ahead.

• Movement: They migrate toward deeper zones but often remain reachable from shore or shallow plateaus.

• Chance of big fish: The truly chunky specimens tend to show themselves more often now.

Techniques for success

Casting with shads

Choose well-controllable shads and switch between paddle tails and V-tails depending on depth and current.

• Use a paddle tail when you want support to keep your shad off the bottom.

• Use a V-tail when you need to get your shad down — even in deeper or faster water.

Jighead variation

Here, lighter is often better than heavier. Mission number one: get that shad to the bottom. Sure, you might catch a fish mid-water in theory — but in practice, 99 out of 100 bites happen near the bottom.

Stay in contact

As always, every tap matters. Zander can bite subtly, so a tight line and sensitive rod are essential.

This castle was caught on a 12 cm paddletail with a 20-grams jighead.

Autumn hotspots for zander

• Drop-offs and edges: Transitions from shallow to deep are prime zones.

• Current seams: Zander love positioning where baitfish pass through.

Guide tips: how to make the difference

• Present slowly: Zander are willing to hunt, but not to chase. Let your shad hang in the current, just above the bottom, right along the drop-off.

• Fish where you expect fish: It’s not about casting far or hard. If you want to fish the drop-off, don’t throw 30 meters onto the plateau. Late November often means snagging leftover weeds — ruining your entire retrieve.

• Be flexible: Switch weight and shape until you gain control over your lure at a specific spot. Only once you’ve got control, the bites will come.

Conclusion

Casting for zander just before winter is a game of finesse and timing. It demands patience, feel, and the right choices in lure and location. But if you get it right, you’re in for unforgettable catches — often the best fish of the year.

Book your guided zander trip on the Hollands Diep

Want to experience these techniques firsthand on one of the Netherlands’ top zander waters?

Check out my offer and book directly via the Hollands Diep page — and let’s hit the water together.