My name is Juul Steyn. Sport fishing has been the common thread throughout my life from a young age. I started as a passionate competitive coarse fisherman and, at the age of 15, took part in the Junior World Championships in Turin (finishing 11th overall as the best Dutch competitor). That competitive mindset and attention to detail are things I still bring with me on the water today. My goal is to excel as a fishing guide and help you fish like a true professional.
The writing angler
In 1999, after an unfinished course at forestry school, I started working as an editor for Sportvissersmagazine Beet. Under the guidance of editor-in-chief Pierre Bronsgeest, who sadly passed away far too early in 2021, I took my first steps in professional angling journalism. Between 2002 and 2006, I studied at the School of Journalism in Utrecht to further develop my skills, after which I became editor-in-chief of Hét Visblad in 2006. During those years, I combined hands-on experience with analysis and in-depth research — always with one goal in mind: to better understand what fish do, and why. They were wonderful years, but I increasingly missed independence and life outdoors.
Ever since I was introduced to predator fishing during my forestry studies, I have been fascinated by everything that swims and has teeth.
Career as a fishing guide
In 2011, I started working as an AHV-certified fishing guide in Amsterdam. At that time, the focus was solely on zander, mainly caught using vertical jigging and later the dropshot technique. Since then, I have significantly expanded my fishing area, particularly towards the Randmeren, where I now target large pike and perch together with my guests. In addition, I have continued to specialise in modern finesse techniques. “Keep developing, keep discovering” is my motto — in terms of techniques, tackle and fishing waters alike. This mindset unconsciously pushed me to fulfil a long-cherished dream: writing a book about predator fishing.
Sport fishing book Thinking Like a Fish
In 2020, the time had come: I wrote the book Thinking Like a Fish, published by Uitgeverij Pluim. In it, I share my perspective on modern predator fishing — learning to understand what happens beneath the surface, rather than blindly repeating techniques. The book is the result of years of fishing, observing and experimenting, and it perfectly reflects the way I work as a fishing guide as well — with attention, curiosity and an eye for detail.
Alongside my work as a guide, I travel the world — often together with former Beet colleague and specimen hunter Arnout Terlouw — in search of large, powerful and characterful predator fish. I bring those experiences back with me to the Netherlands, and into every fishing day I spend with my guests.
My guiding style
Based on Google reviews of Private Fishing Guide Juul one thing comes through again and again: my guiding style is enthusiastic, personal, and completely tailored to the guest. No rushing, no going through the motions, but truly fishing together and understanding what’s happening. I take the time to explain, think along with you, adapt to your level, and create a relaxed atmosphere on board — whether you’re holding a rod for the first time or you’ve been fishing for years.
At the same time, I stay sharp and goal-oriented, ensuring we make the most of the conditions and maximise our chances of great catches. Guests especially appreciate the combination of knowledge, patience, humour and attention. I also communicate effortlessly with international guests: I speak fluent English and German, and I’m comfortable in French and Spanish. This helps everyone feel at ease quickly, so we can focus on what truly matters: good fishing and a great day on the water.