Stick Marsh/Farm 13 Florida

[George_Welcome]

This report is late in filing and covers the last two weeks of December. It was a period of some really good fishing and some really poor fishing depending on whether the wind howled or laid down long enough to give you the chance to work the lake.

Both artificial and live bait fishing has moved as frequently as the wind did. The cleanest water was usually the answer, although there were times that the fish bit in some of the dirtiest water. Artificial baits that worked best were plastics either un-weighted or when the wind was up, slightly weighted. In every case the presence of wood was a major factor.

Bill Florence with a live bait caught bass in the spillway area. Bill and his father hail from Opelike, Alabama and had a day of a combination of bass, pickerel, and catfish. However the 8-pound bass was the highlight of the day.

Brennon Fitzpatrick and his daughter Ellie came for a day of fishing with artificial bait and the day was very poor. One fish found its way to the boat, but Ellie was totally undaunted and fished the entire day. At the young age of 8 this was quite a showing for a dedicated fisher gal.

For two days I had Andy and Liz Brewer Columbus, Ohio out. Artificial bait was the choice and plastics accounted for over 50 bass in the two days making their way to the boat.

Andy managed the first fish that weighed in at 5-pounds.

Liz quickly followed with the big fish of the day and their trip which weighed in at 8-pounds.

Biggest fish of the trip, but not what we were looking for: 10-pound mudfish.

Both caught their biggest fish ever, however unfortunately one didn't make it to the boat that would have been a trophy. Lily pads interfered and came to the bass's rescue.

Scott had Reid and Pierce Ofseur from Port Orange, Florida out and they plyed live bait on the Farm. 7-dozen were gone before day's end with quite a few good size fish to remember.

Pierce Ofseur with one of many grand ladies that made it to the boat. Unfortunately the biggest managed to outsmart the anglers as wood came to its rescue.

Bob Eisenhauer and crew from Florida's Fish and Game were out shocking on the Farm in the last week and results were outstanding. According to Bob, big fish and plenty of them turned up in the areas that they shocked. Bob is the head biologist for the Stick Marsh/Farm 13 for the Fish and Game. I spent an hour chatting with Bob on the phone this morning and he reports that the shocking results were as good as they have ever been. Lots of the ladies shocked up were egged up and if the conditions are right with the upcoming full moon he is expecting quite a good spawn result.

Contrary to reports being put out by some, the Marsh/Farm is in good condition. However, if weather is against you, or you don't have adequate knowledge of the area, the lake can and will get you. Historically, the fish are going to do this spawn on the Farm side. It is no different this year except you don't have hydrilla to lead you to the area you need to be in. However, it wasn't the hydrilla that they were holding to, but rather the wood that was under all that weed. If it is windy the water will not only be stained but also muddy. Look for areas of cleaner water. They are there, you just have to find them.

If you know the lake I think 2006 is shaping up to be an outstanding year. If you don't know the lake I would suggest you get a guide for a day of show and tell.

See you out there.