When you hear about the Rhine delta for the first time, you think of a large expanse of water. In reality, it is a system of waterways: Connections, locks, canals, with their own conditions, with commercial shipping - and huge areas in between, in which fish are not evenly distributed, but stick to the structure like a magnet. There are three fishing grounds here, each with its own character in terms of the conditions for boat fishing: Volkerak, Haringvliet and Hollands Diep. This issue focusses on the Volkerak. This stretch of water is centrally located and is perfect for delta training: large, structured and in some ways legendary. The Haringvliet follows to the north, the Hollands Diep to the east.
The Volkerak
The Volkerak lies between Noord-Brabant, Goeree-Overflakkee and Sint Philipsland. It is a tideless freshwater lake - large, open and susceptible to wind. The official data: Approximately 63 square kilometres in area, the depth is between 6 and 13 metres. That's big enough to get lost in. But also structured enough to find yourself - if you follow the right sequence. Historically, the area is part of the Delta Works system and used to be influenced by the tides, but was later sealed off for flood protection - one reason why issues such as water quality and algae keep cropping up here. The Volkerak is rarely a "numbers water". It is a water that rewards structural action. Those who drift haphazardly drift past opportunities.
Rule for the first trip
The most important rule for the first trip can be found in the practical literature of the guides: first forage fish, then predators. Without prey fish, you'll be looking for a needle in a haystack on this water. The second principle is: The Volkerak is not "run off" - the Volkerak is divided up. If you want to fish the entire water map on the first day, you will end up fishing one thing above all: kilometres.
A safety note
Safety on board comes first - whether in the fairway, outer harbours or lock areas. Wherever there is traffic, keep your distance. Especially around the Krammersluizen, there have been repeated dangerous situations between recreational fishermen and commercial shipping in the past. Accordingly, areas on the VISplanner map have been marked as prohibited or adapted - expressly for safety reasons.
Orientation
A first orientation that really helps (without secrecy): You don't need GPS points for the Volkerak. Instead, you need three recurring "images" that you will find on every nautical chart and echo sounder screen: Fairways and channels - where depth, hard transitions and shipping structure define the line. Plateaus and drop-offs - the shallower areas that suddenly break off, often within reach of deep water. Plant edges (or weedbeds in shallow water) close to depth - classic pike area when the vegetation is there.
Starting points and base camps: where to start the trip in a relaxed manner
1st Oude-Tonge - the comfortable start to the Volkerak. Boat on your doorstep, the luxury is your own jetty.
Oude-Tonge is the smartest base for many boat anglers because it's "like being on holiday": modern marina park facilities, houses on the water, almost all with private moorings/boat moorings right next to the house. In addition, there is the direct proximity to the Krammer-Volkerak system. Why this is worth its weight in gold: If you want to get to know the area, you don't have to deal with tedious logistics every morning. The day begins with spot decisions and not with searching for a parking space.
2nd Galathese Haven - the pragmatic trailer option. No frills, just function: slip, park, go. The direct start for day trips.
The trailer slipway at Galathese Haven has been modernised specifically because it is an important entry point for sport fishermen. For the first trip, this means: clear procedures, sensible solutions, short distances - ideal if the boat stays on the trailer and you want to fish day windows.
3rd De Heen/De Schapenput - quiet harbour, nice approach, good rental options. De Heen: Less hustle and bustle, more atmosphere.
De Schapenput is located on the Steenbergse Vliet - the approach is part of the experience: from the Benedensas you sail across the Vliet, after around three kilometres the junction into the harbour canal is on the starboard side. And: the site is designed for boats - including a slip option. Chic holiday homes with their own jetty right outside the living room door.
Orientation: Volkerak at a glance
"First route"
Start: First choose a base that suits your requirements. Set a zone: To do this, define a rectangle on the map, with a maximum of four to five kilometres of edge and plateau.
Schedule in the zone: 2 hours of pike (casting/drifting), 2 hours of zander (vertical) and 1 hour of perch (with finesse tackle) - then it starts all over again. Why? Quite simply, the Volkerak rewards repetition. A spot only becomes "good" when you learn to read it. And that's not necessarily the case on the first run.
Spots and techniques
Pike
Edges of plant fields
Many Volkerak approaches follow the same pattern - plant edge and proximity to deeper water. Guides describe precisely these edges as recurring key spots. Pike are found along the weed edges, while zander tend to be deeper and steeper. Technique that works: Don't go into the weed with the boat. Drift along the edge within casting distance or anchor with the bow motor. Lead the bait along the line.
Plateau ends and drop-offs
The Volkerak is full of plateaus and edges - and this is where the water becomes legible. The end of a shallow plateau, the jump into deeper water: these are places where forage fish can be found - and predators patrol.
Mix of techniques (depending on wind)
Casting (jerkbait/spinnerbait/rubber): Fishing off the edge, first shallow, then deeper. Drift (controlled using the bow motor): Hold the edge and repeat. Keep the drift short, with a clean line - better 5 perfect drifts than 50 hectic ones.
Towing (if it is permitted, then also in accordance with the rules)
Search mode with large lures - then stop and cast as soon as contacts are made
Big Bait
Large lures are not marketing in Volkerak - they are strategy. Many anglers report trips with deliberately oversized lures when targeting large pike.
Zander and perch
The Volkerak pikeperch
It is not to be found just anywhere, but on edges, near channels, on hard transitions. The depth sounder is not a luxury, but the searchlight. The structure should show "hard", the rubber fish should jig on the right head weight: Bottom contact yes, ploughing no. Find a good anchoring position with the bow motor and cast and fish consistently.
Perch like structure - and the Volkerak has enough of it.
In practice, perch often appear where currents, structure and transitions come together. However, in sensitive lock and outer harbour areas, the safety and regulatory situation must be taken seriously.
Thorsten Trojan
Freier Autor, Angelexperte
