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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT FARM 13/STICK MARSH
We have been so busy helping people catch fish that it has been near impossible to get anything done on our web site. The fishing reports have really suffered and I apologize for that. I really intended to keep you updated on condition and fishing patterns, in the event you decided to make a trip to the Stick marsh anytime soon.
There sure do appear to be a lot of folks headed this way, too!! Even when I was traveling out of state for early Christmas visits to relatives, the cell phone stayed busy with inquiries about fishing conditions, best times to fish, our guide service, the weather, and a multitude of other things. So, before I get to updating the latest fishing action we've had (look under the Bass Fishing Report section), I believe I will provide the answers to a few of the most asked questions we get.
Q: When is the best time to fish the Farm 13/Stick Marsh impoundment?
A: In truth, there is no bad time. The place is lousy with fish and they cooperate well all year (we have no winter, remember?). But, in my humble opinion, the middle of the hot summer is actually the BEST time. That is because the water is warm and the cold-blooded fish's' metabolism is at its highest. That means, simply, that the fish has to eat almost continually to sustain life. The schools of bass start to roam and chase the baitfish schools with total abandon. A big bunch of 3-6 lb. bass blowing baitfish 3 feet into the air is really something to see (as well as toss a lure into the middle of!!). But, the heat, afternoon thunderstorms/lightening, and bugs are darned uncomfortable.
- The comfortable fishing period runs November through April, with cool nights and 65-80 degree days.
- The best time for a visitor looking for strictly a giant bass is December through February, the basic spawning window. We caught a big, egg-laden female yesterday and you will see her in the new fishing reports dated 24 Dec 03.
- The crappie are great from late October through April, with the late February - March being spawning time. Hugh schools of giant crappie are frequently found in the south end of the Farm during the spawn window.
- Catfish spawn about the same time as the crappie and will be found in the grass beds. Find a hole in the grass and drop an appropriate bait down to the bottom. It won't last long. They particularly like small live minnows during their spawn window. I assume it is because they think the minnows may try to eat the eggs.
- Shellcrackers are big and heavy in the impoundment and bed in huge schools during March and April. Once you locate a bedding area, there often appears to be no end to them. Small green jigs, crickets and red worms do the job well.
- Bluegills appear to start their spawn slightly after the Shellcrackers. They can be found bedding all the way into May. However, the giant bluegill are so numerous in the impoundment, they are usually simple to catch year-round.
A: Probably the most consistent lure for the past year, or so, has been the sinking soft jerk bait (Yum Dinger, Stik-O). There is no bad way to fish it, so long as it is slowwww. Just get over submerged grass and wood and that lure will do the rest.
The plastic worm is the next best choice. Texas rigged or Carolina style, fish the worm in thin grass and on the submerged levees of the Farm 13 canals. Try to find locations that have a rough bottom (such as shell beds) and you will have no trouble with the bass. Starting in March, expect a Rat-L-Trap to be a great lure. Work it fast across the top of newly emerging grass. Of course, live shiners will be great until the warm heats so much that it starts to shorten their lives (starting around early May). Besides, artificals catch more bass because you fish them faster and cover a lot of water. For crappie, it is hard to beat a small jig. Take a look at our PERFECT jig in the Outdoor Store section and use a jig that resembles it as much as possible. Of course, live minnows are always good crappie teasers. For the Shellcrackers and bluegill, crickets and redworms do the trick year-round, as well as the PERFECT jig with the red tail feathers. Catfish will readily go for live minnows on the bottom, pieces of cheddar cheese, pieces of frozen or fresh shrimp, and just about any type cut bait.
Q: What type tackle do I need for Stick Marsh bass?
A: In most cases, 12-14 pound line is fine, unless you are in the submerged wood on the Stick Marsh side of the impoundment or in really thick grass areas. In those places, you may as well use well rope for line. You will rarely land a big bass in dense grass or in wood. The best bet is to just hold her until he tires and then go to the bass, run your hand down the line, and hope you can reach her.
Q: Are there any boats for rent on the Stick Marsh?
A: No, none at all. And, there are no facilities except a ramp and a small rest room. There are plenty of motels within 30 minutes of the ramp (maps and listings are available on our web site). A very large, magnificent campground and resort (Encore) is located a few miles from the ramp at exit number 156 (Fellsmere/Sebastian) on Interstate 95. It handles everything from tents to giant motorhomes.
Q: What does is cost to fish there?
A: The Farm 13/Stick Marsh impoundment is public water. All you need is a Florida fishing license (call 1-888-FISHFLO and use a credit card; simple, easy and fast).
There is still a LOT of great fishing to do before the mid-May heat starts to build up. The Farm 13/Stick Marsh impoundment has amazed many anglers and provided the angling experiences of a lifetime. You may as well get off your duff, thaw out the boat, and come sit in the sunshine for awhile.
Someone has to do it!!
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