Stories

Father & Son on Lake Gooimeer – A Day to Remember

It’s still dark when we pull up at the ramp. My son’s hands are jammed in his pockets, eyes wide with excitement. Today we’re heading out with Ewoud van Dulken from PPZ Fishing Guide, and he’s promised to show us his Livescope system. “You’ll see the fish move before they bite,” he’d said. We couldn’t wait.

We head out onto Lake Gooimeer just as the first orange glow hits the sky. Ewoud sets up the gear, calm and confident, explaining what we see on the screen. Then suddenly — a shadow shifts. “That’s a zander,” he says quietly. My son stares in awe. He drops his shad right in front of it and whack! Fish on!

For the rest of the day, we follow fish live under the boat, watching them chase, turn, and strike. We land three beautiful zanders and a strong, angry pike that hits my son’s lure like lightning. Ewoud keeps teaching, laughing, and sharing stories between the bites.

As we pack up, my son grins from ear to ear. “Dad, this was the best day ever.” He’s right. Fishing with Ewoud isn’t just about catching — it’s about learning, seeing, and sharing something real together.

Two Friends on the IJ – When Livescope Came Alive

We’d been talking about it for weeks: a full-on PPZ Fishing Guide day to really test the Livescope. We thought we’d seen it all — until we joined Ewoud van Dulken on the IJ.

Morning mist, calm water, and that tingle of expectation. Ewoud sets the boat perfectly over a deep drop-off. The screen lights up with baitfish — tiny dots moving in slow motion. Then, out of nowhere, a big shadow glides in. “That’s a predator,” says Ewoud with a grin. We cast. The lure drops… bang! Fish on, hard.

The rest of the day is pure madness. Zanders smashing our Westin shads, a surprise pike over the metre mark, and us yelling like kids. Seeing fish react live before the strike — that’s something else.

What makes it all special is Ewoud’s calm energy. He’s never in a rush, just focused and genuinely passionate. By the end of the day, we’re both hooked — not just on the fish, but on the tech, the water, the whole experience.

Three Women on Alkmaardermeer – From Curious to Completely Hooked

We had no idea what to expect. Three friends, zero experience with predator fishing, but curious to see what the fuss was all about. So, we booked a trip with Ewoud van Dulken from PPZ Fishing Guide on Lake Alkmaardermeer.

The morning was calm, the water like glass. Ewoud welcomed us warmly, explaining every detail — from how to cast to how his Livescope worked. “This is real-time,” he said, pointing to moving shapes on the screen. We were fascinated.

A few casts later — tap. I strike, unsure, and suddenly the rod bends deep. The reel screams and I yell, half in shock, half in joy. My first-ever zander! My friend cheers, Ewoud laughs. “You see? You’re natural-born anglers!”

As the day goes on, we catch more — even a chunky pike that gave us a proper workout. Between laughs, coffee, and wide-eyed excitement, we realise we’re totally hooked. We step off the boat cold but glowing. What started as curiosity turned into a brand-new obsession.

Two Colleagues on the Randmeren – Teamwork on the Water

A rare day off, two office guys swapping spreadsheets for spinning rods. We booked Ewoud van Dulken for a day on the Randmeren, and right away, the weather looked… interesting. Windy, choppy, the kind of day that scares off amateurs. But Ewoud just smiled. “Perfect predator weather.”

We geared up with Shimano rods and Westin shads — proper kit that lets you feel every twitch. The Livescope lit up the action below. You could see a pike follow your lure, hesitate, and then strike. Heart in your throat kind of stuff.

My mate hooked the first fish, a big, golden zander. “Best team-building ever!” he yelled. I followed up with a solid pike, and we were both buzzing.

Ewoud kept the vibe easy but focused — guiding, joking, teaching. We learned more in one day than in years of YouTube watching. When we finally stepped off the boat, soaked and smiling, we knew we’d found our new kind of office retreat.

IJmeer – Between City Noise and Still Water

The IJmeer is a strange kind of place — half wild, half urban. You can see Amsterdam’s skyline in the distance, but out here it’s just wind, water, and silence. Perfect for a day with Ewoud van Dulken.

We set up early, the Livescope glowing like a radar in the morning light. “There,” says Ewoud, pointing to a clear arch on the screen. “Active zander.” We cast, hearts racing, and a few seconds later — thud! The rod bends double. That electric moment never gets old.

As the hours pass, we drift from spot to spot, watching fish move and react in real time. It’s part science, part instinct, and Ewoud reads it like a book. He’s not just a guide; he’s a storyteller, a translator between water and angler.

By sunset, we land one last zander — heavy, golden, and perfect. The city glows behind us, the boat rocks gently, and we know this day will stick in our minds for a long time.

Father & Daughter on the Amsterdam Lakes – First Cast, First Catch

She surprised me with it: “Dad, can I come fishing with you?” Of course, I said yes. So here we are, early morning on the Amsterdam Lakes, with Ewoud van Dulken ready to take us out.

The air is crisp, the water still. Ewoud sets up the Livescope and my daughter can’t take her eyes off it. “You can actually see them swim!” she says, amazed.

A few casts in, she feels that first tap. “I think I” Wham! Rod bends, drag screaming, laughter everywhere. A bright, powerful perch surfaces, shining in the morning sun. Her face says it all. “Dad, fishing is awesome!”

We spend the rest of the day catching, missing, laughing, and snacking on sandwiches. Ewoud is patient and cheerful, explaining everything in simple steps. As we pack up, my daughter looks at him and says, “Next time, I’m driving the boat.”
And I know right then — this won’t be our last trip.