The man, known only by his surname Zhang would cast his rod into the homes and gardens of women to steal their bras and pants.
Zhang, was finally caught after being stopped by police during a routine vehicle check in the eastern Chinese city of Liyang last month.
As officers opened the doors of his van, they were stunned to discover a seedy haul of 285 bras and 185 panties - all worn.
He also stole 102 items of clothing and later admitted he had collected the items over a three year period.
According to reports in China, Zhang told officers he had started by simply taking one or two items but soon became unable to control himself.
As his lust for used lingerie grew he took greater risks and created his "fishing rod" to help him swipe even more unmentionables.
Police said the man has been sent for psychiatric assessment and that a criminal investigation has been opened.
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This is not the first case where a man has stolen women's underwear, earlier this year a 44-year-old man was arrested after he was accused of stealing and wearing hundreds of pairs of panties.
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