Stick Marsh & Farm 13

Date: 10/7/03 Weather: Partly cloudy and breezy Water temps: 75 Air Temps: mid 80's Jean Laney finished his day at work and with his friend Bob they headed out to the Marsh/Farm to spend another day in search of the heart pounding minute when a big bass smashes the bait. This was Jeans second 1/2 day within a week and today and we sure did not want a trip like his last one. Everything pointed to a "not so bad" afternoon as we found fish in the SW of the Farm right away. The bream were popping under the mat, some crappie were tailing, and the bass were sporadically biting. One hour into the trip there was a tremendous explosion on a soft jerk bait. In the heart of a small clump of hydrilla this massive lady attempted to inhale the offering but as her mighty head burst into view the bait rode away on a wave of water and hydrilla. Bob followed the miss with a Senko as did Jean. As the seconds ticked by it seemed as if she might have moved off and then Jean announced with a bit of a grunt, "I think I have her". In that heavy weed condition the fight was short but tense and within less than a minute I lipped her and hauled her on board. Size guessing had begun as soon as she was on and Jean had guesstimated 6-7 pounds. Here is 156 reasons why the Marsh/Farm is considered one of the best bass fisheries in the country, and why you need to stay on your toes when fishing it. Here is 156 reasons why we use Senkos as our number one soft plastic out here, and here is 156 reasons why you need to keep casting even if the bite is a tad slow. Here is 156 reasons why Stick Marsh/Farm 13 is a "catch and immediate release" fishery. This 9.75 pound beauty is back in the water ready to strike the bait of the next lucky fisherman who gets in her neighborhood. As I prepare to set forth on yet another day of fishing I thank God for such a beautiful place to fish and such fantastic fish to catch. See you on the water. Say Hi if you get the chance.