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Stick Marsh & Farm 13
Capt. George Welcome
February 5, 2004
Stick Marsh-Farm 13 - Freshwater Fishing Report
The last week has presented us with some interesting weather and some
interesting fishing on the Marsh. I have to honestly say we have had no banner
days, and a couple of downright stinky days. The biggest fish we have seen in
the last week just nudged the Boga Grip over 8 pounds, although we did see a
couple that might have done better that didn't make it to the boat.
The finish out of January was a big disappointment for a 1/2 day trip with Bo
Walsack from Marlboro, NJ and his Father, and then another 1/2 day trip for Bo
and his wife Joyce. Both trips were AM trips and with what seemed to be
relatively good weather we expected the fish to cooperate fully. However, the
bass seemed to have other plans and the catch was extremely lean for the trip.
It's not often that we see swings of this nature but if we told you that every
trip out here is spectacular we would be shading reality.
Our next trips proved to be a little better with regulars John Marchi of
Vandalia, Ohio and friends. Our trip to the Farm was interesting as we traveled
in a magical mist of pea soup fog. It's good to know where you are going, and we
hit the south shore exactly where we wanted to be. The fish were still buried
deep and we did manage to have at least an acceptable day, but still not what I
consider to be a typical Stick Marsh outing. All four guys are involved with
some area of the PGA so golf jokes were coming now and again. I thought I might
fall overboard a couple of times I was laughing so hard. We fished both the Farm
and the Marsh side and the one thing of note was the fish we found moving into
the Marsh. John, his wife Debbie, and friends will be back on the 17th, and John
is coming with vengeance in mind. Based on John's previous trips here they will
be looking for that 50+ day and I am sure that the Marsh/Farm will accommodate
that expectation.
On all of the above trips most of our time was spent on the Farm side and our
primary baits were Senkos, rattletraps, and spinner baits. We have worked the
south end primarily east of the center N/S ditch over submerged hydrilla and
stumps. As you move away from the south end to the north you get into hydrilla
that is just below the surface and most of that is covered with filamentous
algae. However the break line where the hydrilla drops to a level 3.5 feet below
the surface is well defined and there are fish all along that line. The one
thing you do have to tolerate there is the hydrilla gnats and blind mosquitoes.
Fortunately neither bite but they can get quite thick and make things very
uncomfortable.
My last trip out there was with Tammy and Chris Wooley from Paducah, Ky. As
with the trip with Marchi group the fog was like pea soup and hung until almost
11. It was a bit cooler and there was a breeze that made it downright chilly,
but unlike the trip with John the fish were biting throughout the morning. We
started the day at Twin Palms in the middle of the Marsh but moved to the NW
corner shortly after starting at that proved to be the right area for the AM.
Quickly Tammy landed the first fish of the day and then to make sure that Chris
new how, she did it again on the next cast. Chris shortly followed up with his
first of the day and the battle was on.
This had to be one of my most memorable days on the water. Tammy and Chris:
thanks for a fantastic day.
We were rid of the fog yesterday and Scott and I headed into the outback for
some exploring. We will be soon offering wilderness fishing at its finest and
are testing waters and equipment whenever we get the chance. We have finally
settled on a craft: an inflatable that will carry guide plus one. This has been
an interesting exploration for us as we have tested several different craft
before settling on the inflatable. The boat needed to carry two comfortably and
have the ability to be a stable platform when standing. It needed to be light
enough to be easily carried some distance. We will be announcing soon some
possibilities for fantastic fishing where most never even venture.
The moon is full, the temperatures are right and as I write this report I
would imagine a lot of fish are busy at the Marsh increasing the population.
Look for the fishing to become super as the ladies finish their exhausting work
and hit the lanes for food. I would expect the action to get fast and furious.
Also look for the annual migrations to the spring spawning grounds as those
ladies move in and start checking the nests the bucks have been preparing for
them. If you have any questions about where, when, or how, give me or Scott a
call. We will gladly help you with whatever we can to make your fishing day a
better one.
See you on the water. By the way: when hiring a guide it is good practice to
get references and that includes getting them about me.
http://www.imaginationbassin.com
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