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Stick Marsh & Farm 13
Capt. George Welcome
June 15, 2001
Stick Marsh-Farm 13 - Freshwater Fishing Report
Subject: Stick Marsh/Farm 13, Florida
Submitted by George, Imagination Bassin Guide Services
Date Fished: 6/15/2001
Water Temperature: 90
Water Clarity: 1 foot
Someone reached out and turned the thermostat up just a tad over the last few days. The weather until late afternoon has been relatively clear, but it was easy to feel as if it was pouring out. Temperatures have been in the 90’s and today we were in the 90’s by 9:00 AM.
This has three effects on the Stick Marsh. One, it turns the bass on: Two, it makes the hydrilla grow as if it is being fertilized, and three it turns the Stick Marsh into your own personal dietary facility. You are guaranteed a 3-5 pound loss in just one days fishing.
The key to finding fish over the last three days has been: Clean water! Much of the water is muddy from the water being stirred up with the storms that have been passing through late in the day. Areas of sparse hydrilla that is green and fresh! The hydrilla has been experiencing explosive growth during the last week and with the hydrilla comes a filamentous algae that will keep you busy cleaning your baits. Sticks both big and small! The bass are holding close but not necessarily in the sticks.
Wednesday, Dan Dickey from Texas, put the cream on his business trip by spending the day on the Marsh. Using split tail shad, lightly weighted Texas rigged worms, chug bugs, and buzz baits throughout the heavy wood produced some pretty good bass.
Thursday I went out with Scott to check out some areas we haven’t been working lately and to get in some personal fishing. The highlight of the day came when I cast a salt and pepper shad next to a patch of hydrilla and pulled out a 10.2-pound bass. With the heat we pulled out by 11:00 AM after boating 20 bass. While out exploring we checked several areas of the Farm to see what we could find in the way of clean water. Except for the SE area of the farm we found muddy water and an abundance of hydrilla in most areas. The North end is almost matted out and all ditches are lined on both sides with heavy mats. We did find some bass west of the first N/S ditch where the hydrilla is spread out and these came on top water baits. All of today’s fish came on top water baits.
Today I had out Rick Perrson and his friend Ted. Rick has been out with me previously and on his last trip the weather was a total contrast to today. The wind blew, the rain streamed down and the temps were quite cool. Today we were drenched by 9:00 AM and there was no rain in sight. Working in the same area of the Marsh as yesterday only provided a couple of bass and we spent a considerable period of time looking for clean water. We were able to pick a few bass here and there until we finally found what we wanted. Clean water, clean hydrilla, and top water baits provided some nice bass, including some picture quality fish. However, by 1:30 the heat provided the incentive to call it an early day.
All the fish we have been catching lately have been spread out between the middle of the Marsh and the south end. The better fish are hitting the top water baits with worm bite being mostly smaller bucks. It’s hot out there and the sun is a consideration, so have plenty of liquid and to drink and adequate sun protection to contend with the conditions. Cya out there.
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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