Stick Marsh & Farm 13

When analyzing the Stick Marsh/Farm 13 and choosing where to fish during December it is necessary to look back at history to come up with a solution. Fortunately for us, we have that history. First, it is ingrained with the experience we gather by staying current and getting out there regularly. Second, we maintain our old reports and are able to look back through the past several years, with gives us tremendous insight for our fishing forays.   First on our list of things to check is the weather history. The end of November and December in Florida for the most part tends to be a rather unpredictable period of mixed bags of wind, rain, and cold fronts. This year has been one of warmer temperatures, and almost no rain, however the wind has had its way with us and definitely narrowed the options of fishing location considerably.   When the wind howls on this wide open 6700 acre impoundment there is not many places to get protection. The spillway in the SE area of the Farm offers the most protection but productive areas are limited to the first few boats there unless the current is flowing and flowing strong. This year the spillway has been the number one choice for many but with either slight current from a partially open gate, to no current when closed, the area that is productive is definitely small and only those first boats there will reap the benefit of the location.   If the wind blows from the eastern quadrant another option is the pump house area located about midway on the east wall of the Farm. This is also a current area, with current being produced if the Fellsmere Farm group is either pulling water or lowering their canals back into the Farm impoundment. There can also be current caused by gravity flow, so the running pump is not the only indication of current.   In both locations the choice bait when the current is slight or even less the bait of choice is going to be wild golden shiners. However, being on location and in the choice spots, and having shiners on board is not going to be the answer if you don't know what to do with those shiners. How the shiners are hooked and presented makes the difference between success and not so successful.   When the wind is non-restrictive the rest of the lake opens up and although shiners are always a good option, artificial baits can and do present as many fish, if not more, and plenty of big fish opportunities. However, on the Stick Marsh and Farm, knowing where the structure is, and knowing locations of available cover are as important as having good equipment on board. There is structure on both sides, and there is cover on both sides that are there no matter what kind of conditions seem to have altered the face of our fantastic lake. Having equipment on board that allows an underwater view on this lake is extremely important and knowing how to use that equipment is a must. With a solid performing piece of sonar equipment and the knowledge to use it, you will be able to unlock all the structure and cover out here. Remember, bass like cover, and they like structure, and they really like cover that is related to structure with emphasis on structural changes. With the Farm being dissected with several old irrigation canals with road beds alongside, and the accompanying intersections, you have lots of locations to try. Remember that structural change is most often more important so a deepening or lessening of water depth along a piece of structure will most often be the best area on that structure.   If the structure, (the ditches and road bed), are missing cover, (hydrilla) or other grasses, and you don't find fish at the intersections, move to some of the permanent cover the the Farm abounds with. We have heard some cries of lack of grass on the Farm lately and this is correct, but grass is but a small part of the cover available to the bass on Farm 13. There is enough wood under the water on the south end of the Farm for Noah to build 12 Arks, and for a few thousand bass to hole up and wait for your proper presentation of bait.   Over on the Marsh side, the structure choices are not as obvious, however they are there. This area, once very popular with hunters has several areas of roadbed. In addition there is the divider ditch, and its adjoining levees. Cover is everywhere in the form of wood and the wood that adjoins the structure can be a hotbed of activity. However, unlike the Farm 13 side, the structure is not near as easy to find, and the cover is so abundant that choices are a bit more difficult. The way we handle this puzzle is through the experience of history, and historically this puts the fish most often at Twin Palms, (which is greatly changed in appearance this year), the NW area where the trees dot the watery landscape, the cut from ditch 7 back into the Marsh, and the SW corner of the Marsh. This makes for a lot of water to cover, and presence on the water  on a regular basis makes for an easier time of locating fish on the Marsh side.   What all of this boils down to is our report of success fishing n the Marsh/Farm. Except for one blustery day of fishing with Jim Reto and 6-year old Trevor from Cooper City, Florida, we have had good days each and every time out there. Dr. Teel and his son Connor from Vero Beach, loaded the boat with bass using wild shiners while fishing the pump house area and the exit spillway area. Mike Waden and his wife Jennifer went though 8-dozen shiners before 9 AM on their day out there. Bill Mahaffey loaded the boat with Carolina rigged shiners once settled at the pump house area even though there was no current being produced. Mike Jones and Greg Eaige had another banner day as a result of another foray on this famous fishery with fish such as Greg's 7-pound lady.   So if you are of the mind to head this way to ply these waters that are teeming with bass, don't hesitate. Hone your skills, do your homework, or better yet give us a call.   The road is in good shape, the ramp has been restored, the fish are waiting for you, and it has to be warmer here than any area north of the Florida line. To learn more about the Marsh/Farm, or to just get in a good day on the water, give us a call. Perhaps you just might hook one of those huge bass the lake is famous for, but at the very least you will have a great time, and a great experience. Remember, you can't predict the weather, but you can predict the outcome, as any day on the water is a great day as nature is a wondrous place to play. The gators, ospreys, and myriad of other birds and wildlife will fill in those moments between fish to make your trip to the Marsh one you will remember for a long time.   See you on the water. Stop and say hi if you get the chance.