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Stick Marsh & Farm 13
Capt. George Welcome
August 23, 2001
Stick Marsh-Farm 13 - Freshwater Fishing Report
Time flies when you’re having fun as the saying goes and it is flying for me. I was reminded by a friend on the water yesterday and by several e-mails that I have been remiss in getting up reports.
8/15 and 8/16 I fished on Charlie McCoombs of Roanoke, Virginias boat. We started both days at daylight and fished until 3. Water conditions were: Surface Temperature 87-94. The heat was on as both days the air temperature rapidly rose into the mid 90’s and the humidity was extreme. Water clarity ranged from none to 1-3 feet depending on what part of the lake we were on. Wednesday found us working all day on the Stick Marsh in any open or semi-open area of water we could find. As long as the hydrilla wasn’t matted we worked it. Top water produced all but two of the fish for the day and that was a mix of chug bugs, buzz baits and soft jerk baits. 37 bass found their way to the boat with the biggest fish being 5.8 pounds. Thursday was a repeat with the exception that we added the canal area on the north end of the Marsh. Again most fish came on top water but we were able to pick up several flipping the edges of the canal. Soft bait superiority went to Senkos with color not seeming to be any issue. The bass that came hit the bait as it was falling so hook set speed was an important ingredient. We did a bit better on Thursday with 41 bass being the catch for the day. The other big factor was clearer water, which is to be expected. If you have a big motor that is capable of chugging through the green stuff then the Stick Marsh will definitely produce. A big trolling motor is a big help also.
8/20 Scott met Scott Reeves at the ramp at daylight and they put in a full day hitting several areas of both the Marsh and the Farm. Water temperatures had changed little with the high surface temp being 96. Air temperatures were brutal going in the high 90’s and the humidity made it feel like a steam bath. This is one of Scott Reeves last trips in the good old US of A for the next year as he is headed for Korea for Uncle Sam. However, he is coming out with us again of Friday and if he gets 1 fish it will be a 100% improvement over Monday. A few fish were missed but basically we just weren’t in the right place at the right time.
8/22 Scott and I hit the lake to check out a few likely spots in preparation for future trips. Water surface temperatures had dropped to 83 at the ramp at daybreak and the air was a tad cooler thanks to nighttime rains that blessed our area. As we entered the Marsh through the cut we decided to try the edges of the hydrilla that surrounds that area. A slight current was flowing and a friend was fishing Carolina rigs with his buddies. I suggested a slight adjustment on his boat location and they did really well there. Scott and I started with chug bugs and it proved to be quite the ticket with several nice fish caught. I am still sputtering over the one I goofed with that came off the edge of the Palm trees just to the west of the cut. As soon as the cloud coverage broke the heat started to rise and we headed to the NW area of the Marsh. Again as with last week, any areas that were open: (hydrilla not matted) had fish. We left at 10 AM satisfied that we had something to work with for the upcoming trips. Bait of choice was chug bug in silver/blue although Scott was able to pick up a few with Carolina rigged soft bait. 15 bass to 5 pounds made it to the boat.
8/23 Scott, Chris Arelt and his wife from Connecticut left the ramp at daylight and never got past the cut into the Marsh. With a good current flowing it was decided that this would be it since this was to be a ½ day trip. Clear skies and heat made this an ideal location as in the early part of the day some shade is afforded from the palm trees. Carolina rigs using blue/black Senkos and pumpkin seed worms produced the day’s catch of 17 bass with 5 pounds being the best of the day. Of course there were some misses so I would have to guess that they were all 16-pounders!
Look for areas that the hydrilla hasn’t matted. Look for cleaner water. Top water bite is still strong. If the grass is open enough don’t forget the Carolina rig, and use Texas rigs to open holes where the grass is thicker.
Some things to remember: Sun protection – even when it is cloudy the sun here will burn you. SPF40+ is an absolute must! Health – the heat is high and dehydration occurs rapidly if you don’t pay attention. Drink plenty of fluids! Check your big engine periodically to ensure water flow when moving through the heavier areas of hydrilla. Overheating your engine would most certainly ruin an otherwise great day of fishing. Be sure to check behind your trolling motor blade occasionally as grass wrapped back there can do as much damage as line can. See you out there; say hi as you pass and enjoy yourself. Any day out here is a day to remember.
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