Tips

Frog

How to use: Retrieve slowly across lily pads, weeds, or shallow cover, with frequent pauses.
Where to use: Deadly in weedy shallows where pike ambush prey; imitates real frogs perfectly.

Hard bait

How to use: Cast or troll at different depths; retrieve with twitches or pauses for lifelike action.
Where to use: Effective in open water or near structure; matches baitfish and triggers predatory strikes.

Twister

How to use: Cast and retrieve at steady or varied speeds to activate the spinning blade.
Where to use: Great for covering lots of water quickly; ideal in rivers, lakes, and when fish are scattered.

Jig with Shad

How to use: Bounce or jig it along the bottom with slow lifts and drops.
Where to use: Best for deeper water; works year-round, especially vertical jigging.

Spoon

How to use: Cast, let sink if needed, then retrieve at varied speeds for a wobbling flash.
Where to use: Classic lure for pike; heavier spoons excel in deeper lakes and rivers.

Popper

How to use: Cast into calm shallows and “pop” the lure with jerks, leaving pauses.
Where to use: Thrilling surface lure for pike or perch; best in summer shallows with little wind.

Vobler

How to use: Cast or troll, pausing occasionally to trigger strikes.
Where to use: Versatile baitfish imitation; works in cloudy water, at night, or around drop-offs.

Soft bait

How to use: Retrieve steadily or rig weedless to glide through vegetation.
Where to use: Mimics live prey; perfect for night fishing zander, trophy pike, or schooling perch.

Vib Bait

How to use: Cast and retrieve with steady speed, or jig vertically mid-water.
Where to use: Excellent for zander in deeper zones; rattling vibration attracts from far away.

Spinner bait

How to use: Retrieve steadily through weeds, wood, or murky water.
Where to use: Excellent in snaggy spots; blades add flash and vibration to draw fish from cover.

Crank Bait

How to use: Retrieve quickly to dive fast and wobble aggressively near structure.
Where to use: Best for covering rocky areas or shallow-to-mid depths fast; great for active fish.

Spinning Rods & Reels

Spinning setups are the most beginner-friendly choice. The reel hangs underneath the rod with a fixed spool, letting the line uncoil freely during the cast. This design makes them easy to handle, with fewer tangles and less chance of backlashes. Spinning rods work best with light to medium lures, making them ideal for versatile fishing styles and species like perch or zander. For beginners, they’re the simplest and most reliable way to get started.

Casting Rods & Reels

Casting setups, often called baitcasters, are built for power and precision. The reel sits on top of the rod, and the spool rotates as the line comes off, giving skilled anglers more control and accuracy, especially with heavier lures. This makes them excellent for targeting larger predators such as pike or when fishing around heavy cover like weeds and wood. However, they require more practice, since backlashes are more common if the reel isn’t adjusted properly.

Fishing isn’t only about the gear you buy—understanding the small details can make every trip more enjoyable and much more successful. Here are a few things that beginners often overlook:

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Many new anglers run into the same problems: using line that’s too light for their target fish, reeling against the drag when a fish is running, or casting into areas where fish simply aren’t present. These mistakes are easy to fix once you know them. Always match your rod, reel, and line to the type of fish you’re after, let the drag do its job during the fight, and spend time learning where fish like to hide—edges of weed beds, shaded spots, or drop-offs in deeper water. A little preparation makes a huge difference.

Safety on the Water
Fishing is safe when done right, but small habits can protect you from accidents. Polarized sunglasses not only cut glare but also protect your eyes from sharp hooks. A good pair of pliers keeps your hands away from teeth and treble hooks when unhooking a fish. Checking the weather before you leave is just as important—sudden rain, wind, or lightning can turn a calm session dangerous. Dress appropriately for the season and always bring water to stay hydrated, especially in summer.

Types of Water
Different waters demand different approaches. Canals often have clear structure like walls and boats where perch love to stay close. Rivers usually hold zander in deeper holes or near currents where baitfish gather. Lakes are classic pike territory—weed beds, reed lines, and shallow bays are prime ambush spots. By learning how fish behave in each type of water, you’ll be able to choose the right lure, adjust your technique, and greatly increase your chances of success.

What barometric pressure is

It is the weight of the atmosphere in a specific area, measured in inches of Mercury (inHg) or millibars (mb).
At sea level, a column of air weighs about 14.7 pounds per square inch.
Influenced by altitude, wind, temperature, and weather systems.

Why it affects fish

Fish have swim bladders filled with air to maintain buoyancy.
These bladders are highly sensitive to pressure changes.
Low pressure → bladder expands → fish move deeper, less active feeding.
High pressure → fish may become lethargic and suspend deeper until stable.
Shallow-water fish are more affected than deep-water fish.
Fish senses change through their lateral line and pressure-sensitive anatomy.

Best barometric conditions for fishing

Fish bite best when pressure is steady and normal: around 29.70–30.40 inHg.
Falling pressure before a storm often triggers strong feeding activity.
Very high (>30.50 inHg) or very low (<29.60 inHg) pressure usually slows down fishing.
Extended steady pressure (fair weather) creates reliable and predictable feeding patterns.

How to measure

Use a barometer (analog or digital).
Digital barometers often give graphs and trends to help track changes.

Chain reaction in nature

Pressure changes affect plankton, sediment, and baitfish movement.
This triggers feeding opportunities for larger fish (bass, pike, walleye, etc.).
Sudden drops can spark feeding frenzies; sudden rises or cold fronts can shut feeding down.

Practical fishing tips

During moving pressure, target active feeding zones with aggressive lures (swimbaits, crankbaits, spinner rigs, topwaters).

When pressure stabilizes again, switch to finesse tactics.
Expect stronger responses in shallow waters compared to deep ones.

Fishing Seasons in the Netherlands

Pike fishing is closed from 1 March until the last Saturday in May. Zander and perch are closed from 1 April until the last Saturday in May. During these months, you are not allowed to target these species.

Licences & Permits

The main permit is the VISpas, which costs around €40 per year and comes with membership of a fishing club. It allows you to fish with two rods and use permissible bait. Children under 15 can fish for free with one rod if they are accompanied by a VISpas holder. If they want to fish independently with two rods, they will need a JeugdVISpas. Anglers who prefer not to join a fishing club can choose the KleineVISpas, valid for selected waters and only with one rod.

Bait Restrictions (April–May)

During the closed season, some baits are not allowed: worms (and imitations), offal, live or dead baitfish, chunks of fish, and most artificial baits. The only exception is artificial flies smaller than 25 mm.

VISplanner

The VISplanner is a digital, interactive map that shows exactly where you are allowed to fish with your VISpas. It is available on the website, mobile site, and as a free iOS or Android app. The VISplanner is legally valid, just like the paper “Joint List of Dutch fishing waters,” and is updated regularly.

The map uses colour codes to make things clear: blue waters mean you can fish with your VISpas, orange or red waters mean you need a different permit, and light blue or unmarked waters should be assumed off-limits. You can log in with your VISpas number, use GPS to see your location, or search by place name, postal code, or water. Even without internet, the app works in offline mode with a list of waters.

Disclaimer

Please note that other countrries may have other regulations and laws regarding fishing and permits required to fish. Please make sure to lookup local rules and regulations to ensure that you don't commit any violations while fishing.

VISplanner

Fishing accessories come in all shapes and sizes, from simple tools to high-tech gadgets. What you choose depends on your fishing style and how much you want to spend. Some anglers stick to the basics, while others invest in gear that adds comfort and convenience.

For beginners, a few key accessories make the biggest difference:

Landing Net – Helps you safely land fish without losing them at the bank or boat.

Tackle Box – Keeps lures, hooks, and small items organized and easy to find.

Fishing Pliers – Essential for unhooking fish quickly and safely.

Polarized Sunglasses – Cuts glare on the water so you can see fish and structure below the surface.

Measuring Tape or Ruler – Useful for checking legal sizes and tracking your catches.

These items aren’t required to start fishing, but having them on hand makes your time on the water easier, safer, and more enjoyable.