Fly fish in the largest harbour of Europe

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
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.