Meet the ulimate rod selection for zander and perch

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s top predator fisheries, offering incredible zander and perch fishing—especially when your gear is tuned to the water. We sat down with Juul Steyn, your UFX fishing guide in Amsterdam, to talk high-end rods, finesse tactics, and what really matters for zander & perch in his beloved ‘Zanderdam’.

St Croix Rayfin zander fishing: The St. Croix Rayfin is a beautiful, forgiving rod series that works for everyone—from first-time guests to seasoned anglers.

Q: Juul, you’re known as a fishing guide in Amsterdam who pays a lot of attention to tackle. Let’s start simple: do guests actually need to bring their own rod?

Juul: Not at all. Just like any fishing trip you book with UFX, everything is taken care of. The boat is fully rigged with technique-specific, high-end setups—so we can start fishing the moment we leave the dock.

That said, many anglers want to understand what they’re fishing with. And I respect that. Knowing why a rod behaves the way it does makes you a better angler, whether you’re using my gear or your own.

Q: What’s the most common tackle question you get from visiting anglers?

Juul: Without a doubt: “What rod should I use for zander and perch in Amsterdam?”

Amsterdam looks simple on a map, but the fishing is very nuanced. Light rigs, subtle bites, and often cautious fish. If your rod isn’t tuned to that style, you’ll miss things—sometimes without even realising it.

Massive Amsterdam zander fishing rod: Especially for bigger zander, you want a rod that really forces the hook point into the hard jaw.

Q: Let’s talk rod type first. Spinning or baitcasting—what works best in Amsterdam?

Juul: For zander and perch here, a spinning rod is usually the smartest choice.

Distance matters more than pinpoint accuracy. We fish long edges, open water, and light jigheads with thin braid. A spinning setup simply casts those rigs more effortlessly and manages line better.

And there’s a practical side too: I guide anglers of all experience levels. Nobody books a fishing trip to spend half the session untangling a baitcaster backlash.

Q: How about rod length? Does that change much between boat and shore fishing?

Juul: Absolutely. Rod length is about comfort and control, especially on a boat.

For boat fishing in Amsterdam, I mainly use 7 ft rods. They give great casting distance without getting in the way. For vertical jigging, I go shorter—around 6 ft—because it gives you much more direct contact under the boat.

If you’re planning to fish from the shore, a 7 ft rod works perfectly, but if you want extra reach and better line control around obstacles, an 8 ft rod can be very useful.

Q: Amsterdam isn’t known for heavy current. How does that affect rod power?

Juul: That’s one of the biggest misconceptions visitors have—they bring rods that are too heavy.

Most zander and perch fishing here is about finesse. You want to stay in contact with your bait without overpowering it.

For perch and finesse zander fishing, I prefer Medium-Light power rods, usually rated around 3.5–14 g. For more standard zander fishing—jigs, crankbaits, slightly heavier work—a Medium power rod up to about 18 g is ideal.

Anything heavier just reduces sensitivity and enjoyment.

Q: You often talk about rod “action”. Why is that so important in Amsterdam?

Juul: If I had to sum up my Amsterdam rods in two words, it would be Fast and Extra Fast.

My rule is simple: for Medium-Light power rods, I prefer Extra Fast action and for Medium power rods I want a Fast action.

Fast actions give you two crucial things here. In the first place sensitivity in order to feel even the smallest hesitation. And second a fast rod gives you hook-setting authority, especially in the hard mouth of a zander.

With finesse techniques like dropshot or Ned rig, Extra Fast rods let cautious fish test the bait without feeling too much resistance, but the moment you strike, the hook goes home cleanly.

Legend Xtreme big Amsterdam perch: The St Croix 6’10 Legend Xtreme MLFX is possibly the best rod in the world when it comes to big perch.

Q: On your boat, you fish almost exclusively with St. Croix rods. Why that brand?

Juul: Guiding is the ultimate stress test for equipment. Rods get used daily, by different anglers, in all conditions.

St. Croix has proven—over years—that they combine sensitivity, durability, and consistency better than anything else I’ve used. I don’t believe in a “one-rod-does-everything” approach. Different techniques demand different blanks and tapers, and St. Croix offers that range without compromise.

Q: Let’s get specific. Which finesse rods stand out for perch and zander in Amsterdam?

Juul: Two rod series really sit at the top for finesse work: the Rayfin and the Legend Xtreme.

The 208 cm Rayfin Medium-Light Extra Fast is one of my absolute favourites. It’s perfect for Ned rigs, dropshots, Carolina rigs, and light jigheads. It has incredible feel, but it’s also forgiving enough for long guiding days. In many ways, it reminds me of the first-generation Legend Xtreme—just slightly less aggressive, more gentle.

Then there’s the Legend Xtreme 7’3” MLXF. That rod is simply next level. The sensitivity is unreal—it feels like a direct fibre-optic connection to your bait. Deep water dropshotting, long casts, subtle bites… everything comes through instantly.

It’s expensive, yes. But it’s a true no-compromise rod. Watching guests feel that level of feedback for the first time is honestly one of the best parts of my job.

Q: You also fish a shorter Legend Xtreme for city work, right?

Juul: Yes—the Legend Xtreme 6’10” MLXF. That rod is pure fun.

It’s incredibly accurate, which makes it perfect for casting tight to docks, piers, and urban structure. It’s technically a perch rod, but I love targeting zander with it too. When a zander bites, you feel that unmistakable “TOK”—no doubt, no delay. Just Wham-Bam-Thank-You-M’am!

Q: What about heavier work—bigger baits and bigger zander?

Juul: That’s where Medium power rods come in, especially on the River IJ and the larger lakes around Amsterdam.

The Rayfin Medium Fast gives you controlled power: smooth casting, clear bite detection, and serious backbone when you set the hook. It handles big zander—and surprise pike—without any stress.

And then there’s the Legend Xtreme 7’0” MF. Nothing gentle about this rod for sure. This is pure aggression. The first bite on that rod feels like an electric shock. It’s fast, brutally crisp, incredibly light, and unbelievably powerful. It’s one of those rods you don’t fully understand until you’ve fished it.

Q: Final question—what would you say to anglers considering a guided trip in Amsterdam?

Juul: Rods, specs, and techniques are important—but they’re only part of the story.

What really matters is being on the water, feeling that first bite, and understanding why the right setup makes such a difference in Amsterdam’s unique fishery.

If you want to experience that—and fish with exactly these kinds of rods—you’re more than welcome aboard. Whether you’re a beginner or a very experienced angler, my goal as a fishing guide in Amsterdam is simple: to make sure you fish comfortably, confidently, and with gear that lets you truly feel what’s happening below the surface.

Sometimes the best way to understand it… is simply to feel it for yourself. Curious? Book your next Amsterdam fishing trip here.

Fishing Guide Juul Steyn with zander: Amsterdam fishing guide Juul Steyn is pretty maniacal about rods and he loves to share his enthusiasm with his guests.