Stick Marsh/Farm 13

[George_Welcome]

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.

[scrap]

nice fish guys. looks like ya all had a great time. all we have is snow, ice, and cold up here in the north. have fun and knock em out.