Stick Marsh & Farm 13
Capt. George Welcome
December 16, 2005
Stick Marsh-Farm 13 - Freshwater Fishing Report
The culmination of all your planning for a fishing adventure hopefully ends
with good weather, calm winds, and bass that not only are willing to cooperate,
but are willing to do so with gusto. You have done all that you can on your end.
You did your research on the lake that you are going to, the guide that you are
going to use, and you have all the recommended bait and tackle that the guide
has recommended.
The above could be no more true than it was for Bill Topping and Jim Fry as
they loaded the car and headed south from their home in Somerville, SC. Last
minute calls to check again on equipment needed were made and the ensuing trip
to sunny Florida was underway.
Once here they called and we discussed the bait choice based on weather
forecasts. Of course, needless to say, the weather threw us a curve ball as an
early cold front sailed into the Stick Marsh region with winds forecasted to
blow to upwards of 25 MPH. Live bait and the protected area of the spillway were
definitely called for as the lake would present a roller coaster fishing
situation out in the open.
Scott met Bill and Jim at Stick Marsh Bait and Tackle at 6:15, and with
shiners in hand off they went for the ramp. Departing as the dawn glowed in the
eastern sky made for a brisk ride to the spillway. Carolina rigged shiners
produced bass, pickerel, and catfish.
The cold didn't hamper the bite terribly and it sure didn't happen Jim's
enthusiasm as he hauled this lunker to the boat for a quick picture and then
release.
The speed that these fronts move through Florida can be quite amazing, but
this one wasn't going anywhere quickly. At meeting time the following morning
the temperatures were a bit cooler, (41 at 7:00), and the wind a bit stronger.
However, this did nothing to dampen the spirits as Bill and Jim looked forward
to their second day of challenging the bass of the Stick Marsh. A different
spot, but still in the spillway produced several bragging fish for both.
Although the guys were hoping to be throwing traps and worms, the weather
called for the move to live bait and as you can see the decision was definitely
the right call.
A couple of days before Bill and Jim arrived Scott and I did a bit of
searching. Using traps and plastics we combed several areas for the SW of the
Farm to the middle south area. With four hours of fishing we were able to come
up with a measly, miserly, pitiful 4 bass. However, we did manage one nice one.
If you look at this gal's belly it is obvious the physical situation she is
in. The spawn is eminent, and the big gals are going to be biting. Our trip was
made after two days of high winds accompanied by a cold front so the bite was as
expected. If you are going with artificial bait, the south end of the Farm is
the place, and more than likely the traps, plastics, hard jerk baits, and
spinner baits are what you should be throwing.
See you out there.
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