Stick Marsh & Farm 13
Capt. George Welcome
December 7, 2004
Stick Marsh-Farm 13 - Freshwater Fishing Report
When analyzing the Stick Marsh/Farm 13 and choosing where
to fish during December it is necessary to look back at history to come up
with a solution. Fortunately for us, we have that history. First, it is
ingrained with the experience we gather by staying current and getting out
there regularly. Second, we maintain our old reports and are able to look back
through the past several years, with gives us tremendous insight for our
fishing forays.
First on our list of things to check is the weather
history. The end of November and December in Florida for the most part tends
to be a rather unpredictable period of mixed bags of wind, rain, and cold
fronts. This year has been one of warmer temperatures, and almost no rain,
however the wind has had its way with us and definitely narrowed the options
of fishing location considerably.
When the wind howls on this wide open 6700 acre
impoundment there is not many places to get protection. The spillway in the SE
area of the Farm offers the most protection but productive areas are limited
to the first few boats there unless the current is flowing and flowing strong.
This year the spillway has been the number one choice for many but with either
slight current from a partially open gate, to no current when closed, the area
that is productive is definitely small and only those first boats there will
reap the benefit of the location.
If the wind blows from the eastern quadrant another
option is the pump house area located about midway on the east wall of the
Farm. This is also a current area, with current being produced if the
Fellsmere Farm group is either pulling water or lowering their canals back
into the Farm impoundment. There can also be current caused by gravity flow,
so the running pump is not the only indication of current.
In both locations the choice bait when the current is
slight or even less the bait of choice is going to be wild golden shiners.
However, being on location and in the choice spots, and having shiners on
board is not going to be the answer if you don't know what to do with those
shiners. How the shiners are hooked and presented makes the difference between
success and not so successful.
When the wind is non-restrictive the rest of the lake
opens up and although shiners are always a good option, artificial baits can
and do present as many fish, if not more, and plenty of big fish
opportunities. However, on the Stick Marsh and Farm, knowing where the
structure is, and knowing locations of available cover are as important as
having good equipment on board. There is structure on both sides, and there is
cover on both sides that are there no matter what kind of conditions seem to
have altered the face of our fantastic lake. Having equipment on board that
allows an underwater view on this lake is extremely important and knowing how
to use that equipment is a must. With a solid performing piece of sonar
equipment and the knowledge to use it, you will be able to unlock all the
structure and cover out here. Remember, bass like cover, and they like
structure, and they really like cover that is related to structure with
emphasis on structural changes. With the Farm being dissected with several old
irrigation canals with road beds alongside, and the accompanying
intersections, you have lots of locations to try. Remember that structural
change is most often more important so a deepening or lessening of water depth
along a piece of structure will most often be the best area on that structure.
If the structure, (the ditches and road bed), are missing
cover, (hydrilla) or other grasses, and you don't find fish at the
intersections, move to some of the permanent cover the the Farm abounds with.
We have heard some cries of lack of grass on the Farm lately and this is
correct, but grass is but a small part of the cover available to the bass on
Farm 13. There is enough wood under the water on the south end of the Farm for
Noah to build 12 Arks, and for a few thousand bass to hole up and wait for
your proper presentation of bait.
Over on the Marsh side, the structure choices are not as
obvious, however they are there. This area, once very popular with hunters has
several areas of roadbed. In addition there is the divider ditch, and its
adjoining levees. Cover is everywhere in the form of wood and the wood that
adjoins the structure can be a hotbed of activity. However, unlike the Farm 13
side, the structure is not near as easy to find, and the cover is so abundant
that choices are a bit more difficult. The way we handle this puzzle is
through the experience of history, and historically this puts the fish most
often at Twin Palms, (which is greatly changed in appearance this year), the
NW area where the trees dot the watery landscape, the cut from ditch 7 back
into the Marsh, and the SW corner of the Marsh. This makes for a lot of water
to cover, and presence on the water on a regular basis makes for an
easier time of locating fish on the Marsh side.
What all of this boils down to is our report of success
fishing n the Marsh/Farm. Except for one blustery day of fishing with Jim Reto
and 6-year old Trevor from Cooper City, Florida, we have had good days each
and every time out there. Dr. Teel and his son Connor from Vero Beach, loaded
the boat with bass using wild shiners while fishing the pump house area and
the exit spillway area. Mike Waden and his wife Jennifer went though 8-dozen
shiners before 9 AM on their day out there. Bill Mahaffey loaded the boat with
Carolina rigged shiners once settled at the pump house area even though there
was no current being produced. Mike Jones and Greg Eaige had another banner
day as a result of another foray on this famous fishery with fish such as
Greg's 7-pound lady.
So if you are of the mind to head this way to ply these
waters that are teeming with bass, don't hesitate. Hone your skills, do your
homework, or better yet give us a call.
The road is in good shape, the ramp has been restored,
the fish are waiting for you, and it has to be warmer here than any area north
of the Florida line. To learn more about the Marsh/Farm, or to just get in a
good day on the water, give us a call. Perhaps you just might hook one of
those huge bass the lake is famous for, but at the very least you will have a
great time, and a great experience. Remember, you can't predict the weather,
but you can predict the outcome, as any day on the water is a great day as
nature is a wondrous place to play. The gators, ospreys, and myriad of other
birds and wildlife will fill in those moments between fish to make your trip
to the Marsh one you will remember for a long time.
See you on the water. Stop and say hi if you get the
chance.
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