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Stick Marsh & Farm 13
Capt. George Welcome
April 30, 2005
Stick Marsh-Farm 13 - Freshwater Fishing Report
The first thing that I have for you is a "POTENTIAL NAVIGATION
WARNING"!!!!!
This sunken boat is located on the south side of (Ditch #7) which is the ditch
that separates the Stick Marsh area from the Farm 13 area. It is approximately
1/2 way between the east and west end of the levy and presently as you can see
is right against the levy. The boat is carrying Georgia registration numbers and
appears to be abandoned as it has been there for a couple of weeks now.
Presently it poses no threat, however if winds were to break it loose and it got
into the ditch it could be a very serious threat as (ditch 7) is a main
navigational transition ditch to the Farm. Keep a watchful eye out as this could
be an extreme hazard.
Fishing, as was expected for April has been extremely good as long as the
weather cooperated. However it is a heavily dependant on what the winds do in
strength and direction. Thursday was a day where the wind simply didn't want to
cooperate in both strength and direction. The wind blowing out of the north
primarily, (not good for most of the lake areas) with gusts over 20, took out
the entire south end of the Farm. The south end of the Farm has been out best
producing area, but with strong north winds the abundance of wood can make that
area not just uncomfortable, but also quite dangerous for both equipment and
occupants of the boat. These conditions restricted Scott and his passengers Mike
Gingerich and Leon Butler of York, PA. to working the north end of the Marsh,
and only a couple of bass for the outing.
Yesterday was a complete flip with winds between 5-10 varying throughout the
day from the east to the south-south east. The bass cooperated from almost the
first cast hitting rattle traps with gusto. The was a real good mix in size
throughout the day with Don Willis, (he pleaded to go and we took the chance
that we could overcome his jinx), landing several nice bass including this gal.
Don was hoping for 10+ but the Boga Grip said 7 pounds. Actually, taking Don on
these working forays that we do in between trips is extremely helpful, as Don is
a pretty good stick and helps us keep track of where the fish are and there
almost constant movements. His claim of being "the world's worst" has slipped
away as far as we are concerned. We simply put a mask on him and once he has
hooked the fish we remove the mask. You have to see the look of absolute
surprise in the bass's eyes as Don (sans the mask), hauls them aboard. According
to Don, that look is one of pure joy because it is he that is holding them, but
to us it looks more like one of shear terror as the bass struggle to get back to
their watery abode.
Big fish for the day also came on a rattle trap and yours truly, (did you
really think it would have been someone else), hauled her out.
This lady tipped the scale at 9.25 pounds. She slammed the trap about 20
feet from the boat and did just about every trick in the book to get loose, but
the hook set held, (which is always a question mark ? when using rattle traps.
We, Scott, Don, and myself were working the traps in about 5 feet of water with
medium speed retrieves. By the time we quit, (1:30), we boated 60 bass of
various sizes.
As we move into the time of the year when the fishing is at its best the
parking lot has less and less cars. Also, another factor for the drop in number
of boats is the lack of weed to be found on the lake. However, if you can get
past the mental block of not having a target to cast to and remember that the
grass only led you to the wood that the fish were hanging around year after year
you can have a really good day out here. The fish are exactly where there were
this time last year with the only change being the bait that is working the
best. Top water isn't quite as good yet but it is there in bits and pieces. When
top water is working Chug Bugs and buzz baits have both produced, but for most
periods of the day the baits need to be down. Rattle traps have been ruling as
far as we can tell, but don't forget the plastic bite.
See you on the water. Say hi if you get the chance.
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