Beyond the Northwest: Chasing Zander on Amsterdam’s Mastermeer

Here at FishNorthWest.ie, I’m usually the one guiding, sharing my passion for the incredible fishing we have here in the northwest of Ireland. But every angler has a bucket list, and sometimes you have to become the student again to cross a fish off it. For me, that fish was the zander.

This pursuit recently took me all the way to the stunning, vast waters of Mastermeer in Amsterdam. My mission: to finally feel the unique fight of a zander with the help of a true local expert, Patrick van der Wal from Dusk Till Dawn Fishing Experience.

Patrick isn’t just a guide; he’s a member of the prestigious Westin Fishing Pro Team and possesses an almost intuitive understanding of Dutch predator fishing. From the moment we met, his friendly, professional demeanour put me at ease. He was incredibly generous with his knowledge, and it was immediately clear that his goal was singular: to get me on my first zander.

Mastermeer is a breathtaking expanse of water, a stark and beautiful contrast to our intimate Irish loughs. Aboard Patrick’s well-equipped boat, we worked methodically. He explained the behaviour of the zander, their preferred structures, and the specific tactics needed to tempt them. It was a masterclass in modern predator fishing, from interpreting the live sonar to the precise presentation of soft plastic lures.

Then, it happened. A subtle tap on the line, different from the aggressive take of a pike. A strike, and the rod loaded into a solid, dogged weight. After a short but powerful fight under Patrick’s expert guidance, I slid the net under a beautiful, patterned zander—my first ever!

The feeling was pure elation. It was a moment made possible by Patrick’s immense skill and dedication to his craft. He knew exactly where to be and what to do, turning my long-held ambition into reality. We went on to land several more that day, each one a thrill.

The experience was a powerful reminder of why we fish. It’s about the camaraderie, the shared passion that transcends borders, and the endless pursuit of learning. Huge thanks to Patrick for an unforgettable day on the water. He runs a first-class operation, and if you ever find yourself in Holland with or without a rod, I cannot recommend his guiding service highly enough.

It just goes to show: no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn, and new friends to make on the bank—or in this case, on the boat!

Tight lines,

Martin

Ready for your own angling adventure?

· Explore the world-class fishing here in the North West of Ireland with me at www.fishnorthwest.ie
· Plan an incredible Zander trip to Amsterdam with Patrick at www.dusktilldawnfishingexperience.com