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Stick Marsh & Farm 13
Capt. George Welcome
December 31, 2000
Stick Marsh-Farm 13 - Freshwater Fishing Report
As I am sitting here writing this report, the temperatures are in the 30's, the wind is chugging at 15 plus, the skies are cloudless, and Scott is plying the waters of the Farm with Shiners.
Sunday the 24th we had two trips booked for 1/2 day in the AM. Scott fished with R.L. Abaray of Apopka, Florida and had an excellent day using shiners in the NW Palms of the Stick Marsh. Good friend Jerry Austin came to our assistance as one of our boats was out of commission and took Eric and Josh Engle back to the Farm and also had a fantastic day using shiners.
Tuesday the 26th Shawn Leahy worked diligently at the bass in the lay downs and stumps of the NW Palms on the Marsh and left with good memories of the Stick Marsh/Farm 13.
Wednesday we again had two trips. With help from a great friend we had the use of a boat and I took Jamie Pride's group and Scott took Mary Beth and Eddie Revis out. Working with artificial baits in just about every area I could think of the inconceivable happened. We struck out. We could not buy a bite no matter what we threw. With head hung low and tail tucked between my legs I waited to hear from Scott on his day. Things would be different with shiners however and the Revis trip, which had scheduled a 1/2-day trip, converted to full day and had great success in the SE area of the Farm. The fish came alive for the shiners.
Things would prove to be quite different for artificials on the 28th as Wayne Issacs and party worked the Farm with me. Wayne was down through Saturday and went out to learn the lake, safe navigation, and catch some bass. Working the Farm we located willing bass along several irrigation canals, however the most profitable was the N/S ditch on the west side of the Farm. We boated over 25 with fish to 5 pounds and left one that would have gone to 7-8 pounds. With the wind rising and storms pushing their way across the Farm we headed for the ramp a little early with a great day to remember. Scott continued to work the SE area of the Farm with Mary Beth and Eddie Revis. Through wind and rain Scott said that they never gave up and with the last shiner of the day Eddie was rewarded with one over 7 pounds. Wet, but happy they came back to the ramp and left with good memories of our fantastic fishery.
On the 30th Sean Lackey went with me and opted to fish with shiners. Going to a spot on the N/S ditch that I had found previously with the artificials, theirs was to be a banner day on the Farm. We did try some other areas without great results but this location was to be the one. Located about 300 yards of the north end and on the east side of the ditch we found a school of bass and a half. The average fish that came into the boat was 4 pounds and one came over the rail at 10.2 pounds. After landing something in the neighborhood of 30+ bass we headed north in the Stick Marsh and set up at the NW Palms. The fish in this area however were smaller and less willing to bite. It seems that the big fish up here have finally spawned and moved, but to be honest we didn't try too long as the day was coming to an end.
All and all, the past week has been one of pretty good trips. The barometer still has Florida in a high-pressure grip and shiners are the better bait of choice. However, if you see the barometer dropping, grab the artificial and have a go at it. It doesn't take much of a drop to turn them on. We found the rattletrap to be the best artificial bait and we found the best bites on the north end of the trails of the Farm. Particularly we found the best bite on the western ditch, and on the northern end of it. One thing I would like to mention: the areas of heavy hydrilla have yellow algae on them. This alga eats oxygen and finding fish under these areas is unlikely. However, if you fish the edges of this hydrilla you will find fish. By casting to the edges with the traps and reeling back to the boat the bass we took hit within 4-5 feet of the hydrilla in almost every instance. Another point of reference: There are 5 canals that run N/S on the Farm. The two that run closest to the rip/rap are two that I never refer to. If you go to my page: www.imaginationbassin.com you will find an aerial view of the Farm and the ditches that are most productive are the three that run N/S and located in the center areas.
Just a final thought: the water is low so be careful out there. Don't run if you're not sure and have safe and enjoyable days fishing.
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