Zander Strikes on the Long Line – Precision Close to the Bottom

The Session

This time of year, zander respond brutally well to the long line technique. On Hollands Diep I put it into practice with spectacular results: strike after strike, all thanks to one simple principle – keeping the lure exactly where the fish want it.

How the Long Line Technique Really Works

Forget the myth of super‑slow winter fishing. Zander couldn’t care less about lure speed. The secret is precision:

• Hovering 5–10 cm Above the Bottom

  With a very long line, you can keep your lure riding perfectly close to the bottom – constantly. That’s the strike zone, and that’s why bites happen.

• Covering Water Fast

  If you manage to speed up the boat while still holding that lure at the right depth, you’ll cover huge stretches of water. More water covered means more encounters with fish.

• Perfect Presentation, More Strikes

  It’s not about tricking them with slowness – it’s about putting the lure in front of more fish, with flawless bottom‑hugging presentation. That combination provokes strikes again and again.

Why It’s Worth Mastering

Long‑lining is technically demanding. You need to balance boat speed, lure depth, and bottom contact constantly. But once you master it, the payoff is massive: consistent bites, explosive strikes, and the ability to find active fish faster than with almost any other method.

👉 If you’re ready to push your skills and experience what you see in this video, then book your trip on Hollands Diep with Lure Fishing Guide here.

If you want to explore zander fishing on the Hollands Diep in detail, the dedicated guide offers a full breakdown of techniques, structure and seasonal behaviour.