Giovanni Vanhooren
Belgian canal specialist & Monkey Climber magazine publisher.
Giovanni Vanhooren represents Fortis across mainland Europe, bringing a unique perspective shaped by Belgium's canals, syndicates and historic carp waters. Based in Ostend on the Belgian coast, Gio is best known as the founder of the cult carp fishing publication Monkey Climber, a magazine respected for its independent thinking, distinctive design and commitment to authentic carp fishing culture.
Sharing the same appreciation for quality, creativity and attention to detail that underpins Fortis, Gio's work both on and off the bank has helped inspire anglers across Europe. Whether exploring vast canal systems, documenting influential anglers or discussing new ideas over coffee beside the water, his passion for the sport remains firmly rooted in the pursuit of challenging fishing rather than easy results.
Going It Alone
When many anglers think of continental carp fishing, they often picture large commercial venues packed with fish. Giovanni's reality is rather different.
Much of his angling takes place on demanding Belgian canals, lakes and syndicate waters where bites are earned through effort, observation and persistence. Some venues are so challenging that a single fish in a season can be considered a genuine achievement.
Living just one hundred metres from the North Sea in Ostend, Gio is located some distance from the famous canal systems that many UK anglers will have heard about. However, his local waters offer challenges and rewards of their own. Smaller syndicates, character-filled venues and intimate reserves provide the kind of fishing where one opportunity can mean everything.
Over the years, these waters have hosted many visitors from abroad, often leaving them surprised by both the beauty and difficulty of what Belgian angling has to offer.
Life On The Belgian Canals
Belgium's canal network presents a style of fishing that remains unfamiliar to many UK anglers.
Stretching for miles, often more than one hundred yards wide and connected through an intricate system of sluices and waterways, these venues demand a completely different approach. Carp can move significant distances between sections, travelling through interconnected canal systems and creating an ever-changing puzzle for those attempting to stay on them.
Pressure is high and baiting campaigns are commonplace, making mobility one of the most important tools available to an angler.
Rather than setting up in a swim and waiting for opportunities to arrive, Gio often favours a more active approach. Travelling light, covering water and searching for signs of fish are central to his thinking. On many canals, public access routes prevent vehicles from being used, making a bicycle and a small amount of tackle far more valuable than a heavily loaded barrow.
It is a style of fishing built around observation and movement — finding opportunities rather than waiting for them.
Affen-Kletterer
Running Monkey Climber magazine takes Giovanni throughout Belgium and across Europe.
Interviews, features and collaborations regularly place him on new waters and in the company of some of the most interesting anglers in the sport. The publication has become known for celebrating originality, good design and thoughtful storytelling, values that closely align with Fortis' own approach to product development and brand culture.
The constant travel also creates opportunities to fish a wide variety of venues, ensuring there is always another challenge waiting somewhere along the journey.
Location
Ostend, Belgium.
