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Stick Marsh & Farm 13
Capt. George Welcome
December 11, 2000
Stick Marsh-Farm 13 - Freshwater Fishing Report
Water Temperature: 64
Water Clarity: 1
Fishing the Marsh at this time is kind of like playing in a candy store and all the candy is free.
I was scheduled for a 1/2-day trip on the 3rd but the customer on the 2nd canceled the trip because they thought the wind might be too strong. I was scheduled for a 1/2-day trip on the 4th but the customer on the 2nd canceled the trip because the people that were supposed to fish couldn't be lined up. These two events however are part of being a fishing guide and there is a silver lining to these occurrences. All the fish that would have been caught just waited for the trip on the 5th.
On the 5th I departed the ramp with two souls on board and eager anticipation of the fish that would come our way. Working in the Stick Marsh with shiners aplenty, we landed over 100 bass, with at least 30 coming in the last hour on free lined shiners. No giants, and no dwarfs came on board, with the average fish in the 5-pound area. The area we fished was the same that I have been working for three weeks now. The NW area of the Marsh is loaded with fish just waiting to chomp on a shiner.
On the 6th & 7th I acted as guide and camera boat for an upcoming TV show on the Outdoor Channel produced and presented by Bob Dillow. Working the Marsh on the first day we found several good bass to take pictures of and the show was well on its way. Most of the shooting that day was at the Twin Palms area of the Marsh. On the second day we started again at Twin Palms, caught several, and then headed back to the Farm. As Bob and fishing partner Frank Carbone of Hawghunter Guide Service worked some of the hydrilla edges I wandered into the stump area in the SW and started working a Carolina rig. Two casts later, a quick stop caused by a stump and yours truly was in the water. Unfortunately I caught a stump with my side and am nursing a sore side at this time. Fortunately it was only a severe bruising. As we wrapped up the day, (I continued to fish after the dunking), Bob and cameramen Jim and Larry announced the take a smashing success and back to the ramp we headed. Today’s trip, unlike yesterday's trip for Bob was made expeditiously. Unfortunately for Bob, his prop met a stump first thing yesterday and the hub was spun. You can visit Bob at this site: www.bobdillow.com and Frank Carbone at his site: www.fbnonline.com . If you are looking for a great Peacock Bass guide in the Miami-Ft Lauderdale area, then Franks your man.
On the 8th Andy and Pam Olds arrived ready for their day on the Marsh. Armed with shiners we attacked the SW corner of the Farm and the Bass proved they were up for the challenge. 50+ bass later we headed home, certainly not fished out, but quite worn by the workout nonetheless.
On the 9th Russ and Cynthia Gillman arrived and again shiners were the bait of choice. After trying several spots on the Farm including yesterday's we headed to the NW palms on the Marsh. The bass were highly receptive to the Gillman's coaxing and two fisher people went home tired and happy.
On the 10th I spent the day working on the boats. I had hoped to get out and do a little river fishing near home but the boats kept us busy all day long.
Today’s trip was another with shiners and again the fish cooperated completely. Fishing the SW area of the Farm on the same school of a couple of days ago 56 bass came into the boat. Largest landed was about 8 pound and one that broke off at the boat was probably in the 10+ category.
Shiner fishing is definitely strong and the artificial bite requires work. However, the artificial bite is there. If you catch one, stop and work the heck out the area as there are more there. We had good success with rattletraps, spinner baits, and worms during the week. Today, things appeared to be coming back to normal with gators out and about and baitfish on the water. See you out there and if I don't have a great holiday season.
George & Scott Welcome are full time guides and full time fishermen on Stick Marsh/Farm 13. Our goal is to share these fantastic areas and our love for the sport. Two boats allow us to accommodate to six people. Contact us; you will be glad you did!
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