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Stick Marsh & Farm 13
Capt. George Welcome
September 25, 2001
Stick Marsh-Farm 13 - Freshwater Fishing Report
Date: 9/25/01 - Time: 8:45-4:00 PM - Water Temperature: 81 Surface – Weather: Relatively clear and warm with temperatures from 76 – 87.
Someone commented to me today; no matter how often they get out to the Marsh it just almost never seems to appear the same. Certainly in the last month and a half this is the absolute truth. Day to day, what you saw yesterday will probably be changed today. Hand in hand with the physical changes that you see, so will the fishing conditions change; and what we post as a location for fish could very well be quite different tomorrow.
The one constant present in all of the reports of late is the running water. If you find running water that is not loaded with floating debris and it doesn’t smell funny, than you will more than likely have found the fish. However, I would suggest that you don’t live and die with one location of running water if your not catching fish. Even if all things look great, the area that you are in may have been hammered the day before. Such is the case for example of the opening into the Stick Marsh. There is a however to that statement though, in that you should try several different baits and presentations before calling the area a wash.
The spillway was one such area today. The crank baits that had worked well just the day before wouldn’t buy a fish today. What did work in there however were surface baits that were thrown into the midst of bass chasing bait. Flukes and rattletraps both would get slammed if you could cast into the middle of a foray while it was happening. What also worked and worked extremely well were Carolina rigged soft baits but not just placed anywhere. The bottom of the area between the pole and the cable is not a constant. There are troughs and bowls, caused by the varying current, and if you’re off on the one they are hanging in by a few inches than you are off the fish. Boat placement and casting is very important in here. You may have to make several adjustments with you boat and the locations of your casts before finding the fish. This area is totally different from last year and knowing the bottom is critical to having a good catch in there.
Farm 13 on the northern end has become a bit tricky to navigate with islands of grass in several places. Not just hydrilla, but islands that have grass floating that can be 4-5 feet tall are floating around out there and can block your travel. The south end of the Farm is pretty much wide open but remember if you get too deep into the south end there are plenty of stumps that could make your day a disaster. Even with the high water be careful if you get down there. The northern end of the Stick Marsh holds the same cautions.
Look for current, the cleanest water you can find and work the area thoroughly. Watch for the bass busting on bait. If you’re lucky you will be next to them when it happens and get into some of that exciting top water bite. Although it has cooled off a mite here still be aware of the sun. Sunscreen and fluids are still very important parts of your trip on these waters. Another very dangerous hazard that we have here is the thunderstorms. If at all possible don’t get caught on the water. What looks small could turn into a storm that completely blankets the lake and gives you no escape route. Be versatile in your fishing approaches with baits and locations and you will have a good day out here. See ya on the water.
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