Thom Prüst - Predator Fishing Guide in the Netherlands
Thom Prüst is a full-time predator fishing guide and true specialist of the Hollands Diep — one of Europe’s most legendary waters for zander, perch and pike. Every day, anglers from across the globe join Thom to chase monster fish with lures, guided by his sharp instincts and relentless drive.
His approach to zander fishing — precision, technique, and control — also comes to life in his book No Rock Ever Bit. An honest read that takes you deep into his hunt for brutal strikes.
When he’s not guiding, Thom is still on the water. Testing new spots, refining techniques, and chasing his ultimate dream: catching a meter+ zander on his signature method — casting softbaits with precision and power.
Fishing Areas & Specialisms
Biesbosch - Shallow Power, Big Pike
The Biesbosch is raw, shallow and full of life. A tidal jungle of reed beds, willow forests and submerged structure — perfect for hunting big pike in less than two meters of water.
Specialisms:
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Trolling with hardbaits, chatterbaits and oversized softbaits
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Casting into shallow weed zones and creek mouths
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Real-time pike hunting with LiveScope in 1.5m water
Why it matters:
The Biesbosch is a pike paradise — wild, scenic and protected from wind. When Hollands Diep gets rough, this is where the action continues. And when a big pike hits in clear, shallow water… you’ll feel it in your bones.
Hollands Diep - Big Zander Territory
This is Thom’s home base — a vast, dynamic water system where structure meets current, and monster zander roam. Whether casting softbaits along drop-offs or vertical jigging in deep channels, this is where precision pays off.
Specialisms:
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Casting softbaits for zander (Thom’s signature technique)
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Long line jigging with baitcasters
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Targeting perch around structure and weed edges
Why it matters:
The Hollands Diep offers real chances at trophy fish. It’s not just numbers — it’s quality, power, and technique.
Volkerak - Deep Water, Sharp Tactics
The Volkerak is a beast. Deep, clear and unpredictable — with brutal zander, gigantic pike and perch that hit like freight trains. This is not casual fishing. This is tactical hunting in open water, where sonar, timing and precision decide everything.
Specialisms:
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Casting for zander and pike in deep open water - feeling is everything!
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Vertical jigging for zander in deep zones
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Targeting perch with soft- and hardbaits
Why it matters:
The Volkerak is unforgiving — but when it fires, it’s magic. Big fish, big depth, and big decisions. You need the right gear, the right guide, and the guts to go all-in.
Boat & Equipment
Boat
Crestliner 1600 Vision Tiller, 60 HP Yamaha, Minn Kota Terrova 80 Lbs front troller.
Electronics
Raymarine Axiom 9 RV with Navionics Autochart Live watercharts, Garmin LiveScope GLS 10 and Pantoptix LVS34, Panoptix PS30 down transducer and GT56 transducer with GPSMAP 8412XSV, GPSMAP 8410XSV and GPSMAP 922 with Navionics Vision+
Fishing Equipment
St. Croix Rods (ranging from Mojo Bass, the Legend Tournament series to a variety of Legend Xtremes), Shimano reels, Spro, Savage Gear and Lunker City lures as well as other high-end tackle and gear.
Why Fish with Thom
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Specialist in casting for zander, perch and pike with lures
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Honest, no-nonsense guiding with real results
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Multilingual: Dutch, English, German, Portuguese and Spanish
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Personal coaching, sharp feedback, and full focus on your experience
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Always adapting to conditions, always chasing the next big fish
Ready to fish the best waters in the Netherlands with a guide who lives it every day?
Join Thom Prüst on the Hollands Diep, Volkerak or Biesbosch — and fish like it matters.