THE VOLKERAK – NO WATER FOR COMPROMISE
The Volkerak is a large, open water with an extremely low margin for error.
Wind, waves, depth and structure interact directly. Every decision matters – mistakes add up.
There are no fixed spots, no routines and no shortcuts.
On the Volkerak, everything has to be earned.
Casting is the core approach: covering water, working areas systematically and staying precise throughout the day. Long periods without any feedback are normal. Even days where everything is done correctly can pass without a single bite.
You don’t choose the Volkerak because it’s easy.
You choose it deliberately – because of what it can produce.
GUIDING ON THE VOLKERAK
Precision, experience and a structured approach
My name is Thom Prüst, full-time predator fishing guide.
My focus is on structured fishing under real conditions. No show fishing, no empty promises – just consistent, focused work on one of the most demanding waters in the Netherlands.
We fish exclusively by casting.
During the day you will learn:
-
how to approach large open water systematically
-
how to read structure and make decisions
-
how to stay focused, even without immediate results
The goal is not just catching fish – but becoming a better angler.
FISHING METHOD – A CLEAR CHOICE
On the Volkerak we fish exclusively by casting.
This is not a limitation – it is a deliberate choice.
Techniques such as pelagic fishing or trolling are not part of my approach and are not used during guiding trips.
NO PELAGIC FISHING
Actively tracking individual fish using technologies such as PS30 or Livescope, and targeting them directly, is a specialized discipline.
This is not how I fish, and it is not what you will learn during a guided day.
If you specifically want to experience pelagic fishing, I recommend booking a guide who specializes in it.
No TRolling
Planer boards out, oversized lures in the water and covering distance by trolling – if that is what you are looking for, you are not in the right place.
I am not set up for it, I do not have the equipment for it and it is not where my focus lies.
Regardless of the size of fish that can be caught that way.
If that is your goal, you should book a different guide.
PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT
To fish the Volkerak effectively, everything needs to be right – from the boat to the smallest detail in your setup.
We fish using top-tier tackle only:
-
St. Croix rods – sensitive, powerful and precise
-
Shimano reels – reliable and perfectly balanced
-
Delalande soft baits – proven on this type of water
-
Thin, high-visibility braided PE lines – maximum bite detection and control
Everything is focused on one goal:
direct contact with the lure, maximum control over presentation and zero loss of information while fishing.
No compromises. No standard gear.
Everything is chosen because it simply performs better under these conditions.
TARGET SPECIES – A REALISTIC PICTURE
The Volkerak holds zander, pike and perch in all size classes.
Like any large body of water, the majority are average fish.
The difference lies in the outliers.
-
Pike: abundant, ranging from average fish to true specimens. The Dutch record (138 cm, over 20 kg) was caught here. Not the standard – but part of reality.
-
Zander: my main target. Big fish are realistic, but never predictable. Reports of fish over one meter exist, but remain rare. Around ten years ago, there was a report of a fish measuring 114 cm.
-
Perch: average size is common, but fish over 50 cm are absolutely possible for anglers who do things right.
The opportunities are there. Guarantees are not.
CONDITIONS & REALITY
The Volkerak demands everything from you — physically, mentally and technically.
-
Long periods without action are normal
-
Wind and weather dictate everything
-
Mistakes are immediately exposed
The Volkerak is a large open water with full exposure to wind.
I am not willing to risk my own safety or that of my guests for a fish. If I consider conditions unsafe, the trip will be postponed.
If another water can be fished safely, we may choose to move the trip. In that case the guiding day will go ahead – no refund applies.
IS THIS THE RIGHT TRIP FOR YOU?
If you:
-
expect constant action
-
need guaranteed hotspots
-
or are not willing to stay focused for 8 hours
→ then the Volkerak is not the right choice.
In that case, the Hollands Diep is a better option.
If you:
-
want to seriously improve your fishing
-
are willing to invest time and energy
-
and want a realistic chance at an exceptional fish
→ then the Volkerak is one of the most interesting waters you can fish.
