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Jordy Kuijper on Lake Duyl

Finding peace in the countryside at Het Duylmeer (part 1); For 10 years, my father and I have been going on annual trips for a few nights at a paid fishing lake in the Netherlands, always full of adventure and good times. Last year you read about De Ganzenkuil, this year we're taking you to Het Duylmeer with new catches and great experiences. Curious? Read on quickly!

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The first introduction to Het Duylmeer.

It is the year 2016 that my father and I left for Brabant to spend a week fishing on Het Duylmeer. At the time an unknown water for us. Upon arrival, we were quickly sold. The water is totally secluded among the meadows, nature is neatly maintained and the idyllic cottage completed the picture. Fortunately, the fishing also went well for us. In that week we landed 21 carp! You can understand that we had a great time. That we will come back here again was for sure.

Four years later, that’s it! After visiting some other waters we decide to return to Lake Duyl this year. A phone call to Angling Escapes is made and Monday, July 6 through Friday, July 10 is set. With the knowledge of our previous visit it can’t go wrong. The tactics are discussed, the necessary feed ordered and the rig boxes equipped with hand-knotted leaders. We are ready to go again!

Monday, July 6, the beginning of rest.

It is a little past 11 in the morning when the VW Caddy is fully loaded and we leave Amsterdam for Brabant. It is a vacation for us and besides catching, rest is our priority these days. No hassle with a dinghy or a feeding boat. No, just relax and enjoy!

Before we take the turnoff to Almkerk we drive on for a bit. The angling store Fauna Hengelsport is not far from here. A gigantic angling store with a large stock of all the top brands for every fishery. Like two little boys in a candy store we walk through the store.

Around two in the afternoon, we finally drive along the path toward the water. The caretaker trims the last tree and welcomes us. He recognizes us from last time and after a brief chat, the best man leaves again. In between showers we walk around the water. It still looks as beautiful as four years ago and after seeing a few fish turning it feels like coming home. A feed of boilies, particles and pellets is prepared. The choice has gone to small baits such as: corn, hemp and buckwheat. I hear you already thinking. That will catch bream! During our previous visit we had absolutely no trouble with this and with that experience we made the gamble. After some gauge work, the intended spots are brought in and left alone for a while. Meanwhile, the camp is set up and the stomachs are provided with a sandwich of shoarma. Around nine o’clock in the evening, all the rods are on edge. It remains an exciting moment!

Tuesday, July 7, finding our bearings.

It is around three o’clock in the night when I am awakened by some beeps. It is one of my father’s bite alarms which makes the sound. Then he stands and drills the first carp of the vacation. A nice common is the result and with a big smile we crawl back into our sleeping bags.

In the morning, we slowly wake up from what was quite a busy night. It wasn’t just that one carp. A few bream kept us awake. The small bait doesn’t just attract carp this time. Once again, a few beeps sound from my father’s bite alarm. Bream? Then a few beeps sound from my bite alarm. Bream? No is the answer to both questions. Two beautiful tench of a nice size end up in the landing net. For some, this is a bycatch. We, on the other hand, are super happy with it!

In the afternoon we haul in the rods, feed the sites and drive to the village for the necessary groceries. When we return to the water and put the meat for the BBQ in the refrigerator, we have a drink in front of the house. The catches don’t sit well with us after all. Many bream and few carp. We still have to find our way.

A dull and loud sound can be heard in the distance. It sounds like a helicopter but a lot louder. Since we live under the smoke of Schiphol Airport, we are used to something. However, this does not sound like an average helicopter. Soon we find out where the sound is coming from. Right above us, an Apache attack helicopter and a Chinook transport helicopter are flying overhead. Since this is a low flying area, they fly over the meadows with less than 100 meters off the ground. Beautiful and spectacular to see!

While my father focuses on catching rudd chub, which swim there of nice size, I keep myself busy with a new swim. The intended swim is on the other side of the water. Due to the wide reeds and forestation it is difficult to reach. All the greater the challenge! During our previous visit, I led this swim for a week without fishing it. It yielded us seven carp in one night then. The tactic of feeding there and not fishing right away is planning again.

Around eight in the evening, the last piece of meat disappears from the BBQ. With a slightly overfull stomach, I stand on the dock peering over the water. My thoughts are disturbed when I see a big shadow in the back corner. Right on top of the landed spot! What now? A few hours of quick fishing? Keep the plan of feeding and not fishing? The decision was made and a rod was quickly retrieved. Only the necessary gear is collected and I move to the other side of the water. My father stays at the cottage and watches over the other rods. “See you in fifteen minutes, this is going to work for you!” he calls after me. To disturb it as little as possible, I fish the spot from the edge of the woods. I maneuver myself through the forest and carefully place the rod in the water. It begins to rain and, taking shelter under the trees, I stare at the rod. Doubts about this action arise. Is this smart or…. The rod is not even 15 minutes in and is completely bent. Hanging in the rod I block the fish away from the obstacles. The tension mounts and sweat drips from my forehead. After a few maneuvers, I manage to land the fish in the net. Super happy and proud, I call my father. “And! How heavy is it?” sounds a proud voice on the other end of the line. 11kg is my answer and after a few pictures it slides back into the water. Mission accomplished!

In this first part of the article you were able to read about the first two days of our vacation at Lake Duyl. We still have to find our way around. In part 2 you can read about the next three days on Lake Duyl. Will we manage to find our feet then?

Catch!
Jordy & Joost

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I am proud of myself, but especially of the people around me. And of my loyal regular customers! Because I could never have reached where I am now on my own. And even after so many years, I still do my work with pleasure! I wish everyone the trip of a lifetime! And above all, to enjoy being by the water!

Jordy Kuijper on Lake Duyl

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