The Netherlands 🇳🇱

Maasvlakte

Fly fish in the largest harbour of Europe

Water

Sea, canal

Lines

Sinktip, DI3 to DI7. A shooting head helps because there often is a strong wind.

Rods

AFTMA 6 to AFTMA 9

The Maasvlakte is an artificially created extension of the Rotterdam Europort harbor. With stretches of sandy beaches, as well as kilometers of big rock and builder quay, it's the perfect habitat for sea bass.

And sea bass fly fishing is an exhilarating experience. Its strike is unforgettable – no tentative nibbles or hesitation, just full force and ferocity. Once you've located hunting sea bass, they're usually not difficult to catch. A swiftly fished streamer or shrimp imitation will often be taken without hesitation.

To find the fish, you'll need to consider several factors, such as the wind. In the Europoort and at sea, there's almost always a strong breeze, so you must choose your spot accordingly. Fortunately, Europoort offers various suitable locations to accommodate different wind conditions. Tide also plays a significant role in sea bass fly fishing. Some spots may be inaccessible or too challenging to cast during high tide due to a high dike behind you. Tidal conditions also influence current strength, which is crucial for sea bass fly fishing. You should always look for a strong current seam where prey fish, crabs, and shrimp struggle, making them easy targets. You can find tidal information on this website.

Google Maps is another useful tool for finding interesting spots. Look for breakwaters extending from the shore into the water, or areas where a straight edge turns towards a harbor entrance. Reefs can also be appealing as they often create current seams.

The sea bass here gets seriously large
The sea bass here gets seriously large

For sea bass fly fishing, it's best to use a 7-weight saltwater rod with a matching reel. A slow-sinking line allows you to fish near the surface by quickly stripping or deeper by letting the line sink for a few moments after casting. A fast-sinking line is helpful only when the current is particularly strong to reach the right depth. If you spot surface activity from hunting sea bass, a floating line with a popper or gurgler can produce spectacular strikes. A stripping basket is essential for sea bass fly fishing. Long casts are generally unnecessary, as the hiding spots of prey fish, crabs, and shrimp are often just a few meters away.

In the Europoort and North Sea areas, busy shipping traffic can cause significant waves. Many spots also feature slippery surfaces covered with stones and plants. Beware of the razor-sharp open oyster and mussel shells hidden among the stones. Exercise caution and keep a close eye on the shipping traffic. It's typically best to choose a spot and remain there rather than actively wading and fishing over long distances.

Lastly: if you're really, really lucky, you might even catch a sea trout here.

Proof that can it can be done: a sea trout on the fly in the Netherlands
Proof that can it can be done: a sea trout on the fly in the Netherlands

Photos

Not your typical fly fishing scenery • Maasvlakte • The Netherlands Some spots require serious climbing • Maasvlakte • The Netherlands A nice sea bass on the fly • Maasvlakte • The Netherlands

Species

Sea bass

Sea Trout

Twaid shad

The best months to fish

Fishing is best in the summer, with July to September often being the best months.

Not allowed
Don't bother
Doable
Best time
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Map

The area is very large, and it's recommended to go by car so you can discover lots of spots. The map indicates some of the primary fishing spots, but there are definitely more. As you can see from the pictures: sometimes a rope is handy to help you climb down, but there are plenty of spots where you don't need that. Make sure that you don't forget about the tide, and never fish alone. The big boulders and rocks can be slippery, and you don't want to be alone if something happens.

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Guides

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The Netherlands 🇳🇱

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