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October 2007
Submitted 10/30/07
The Marsh/Farm continues to toss a mixed bag of fishing
successes at us, but the progression of the bass southward is inevitable.
Without the presence of current things are picking up in several locations
on the Farm side of the equation.
This last week saw the return of regulars to venture forth with me with
Friday's trip be mediocre at best. We did see an increase over the beginning
of the week but what was expected based on the beautiful overcast day never
did come to be. However Will Dobes and his brother Matt are fantastic
fisherman who have been with us many times. Their presence on the boat
accompanied by their competitiveness kept things enjoyable throughout the
day.
Friday saw the return of Dave and Gina Fletcher. You talk about competition:
this couple went at it from first cast to last. The catch rate was improved
with 25-30 fish finding their way to the boat. These native Floridians love
their fishing and it truly showed as they aggressively attacked the waters
of Farm 13.
The weather this week has thrown a curve ball at us and high winds are
expected through the week. Clearing is expected through the weekend. I have
rescheduled the trips that I have for this week. Tropical storm Knoll is
bouncing around out there east of the Bahamas, but should be well on its way
NE by Saturday.
Our best producing bait has vacillated between the SwimSenko, and the rattle
trap with the edge going to the SwimSenko. Rigged with a 1/4 to 3/16th ounce
weight this bait is a killer in those areas where the stumps and brush are a
bit thick for the rattle trap. Another producer is the Bomber Long A, and of
course don't forget the weightless Senko. So far the spinner bait hasn't
done much for us, but have one at the ready. Also, it is a good idea to have
a top water bait ready to go. I like the buzz bait this time of the year
over those top water poppers, but I will still pick up the chug bug
occasionally.
Water temperatures have dropped into the mid to high 70's and clarity is
very good in most areas at 2-3 feet. Work the wooded areas, the irrigation
ditches, and keep an eye out for current producing structures.
See you out there. Say hi if you get the chance.
Submitted 10/24/07
The weather over the last three days has been super. Threats of rain have not come to be, and the winds have been pretty much calm. Water temperatures are holding in the low eighties. The bass are loosely scattered and I would imagine the first cold snap that drops water temperatures will push them towards their usual pre-spawn stomping grounds.
Monday's trip was a difficult one to say the least. The bass defiantly ignored our offerings and of the dozen or so fish that were caught, none made it over the 3-pound mark. The normal shad-busting that has been taking place was not observed. For those that were caught the rattle trap was the best producer: chrome/blue with orange belly.
Looking back through last years logs it amazes me on how this year's weather and fishing is following last years trends. We have much higher water levels so of course there are those days when current production makes for a super day. We have had more shad/bass activity, but on the overall, conditions are very similar. Also, as with last year's fishing, the end of the month is producing larger fish.
Yesterday's launch was at daybreak and the destination was the south end of Farm 13. Spinner baits, and SwimSenkos were the baits used with the SwimSenko definitely winning as the most productive. By 11:00 the 1/2 day trip came to a close with a dozen or so bass making it to the boat. The hits for the most part were a bit light and if the hook set wasn't there they got dropped at boat's edge. This happened a few times, however since the lake is catch and release for bass we just considered it as intentional so as to not get the hands wet.
As we approach the season the traffic on the lake is increasing and the parking lot showed it yesterday. Of course the majority of fishermen out there yesterday were looking to crappie. Both the crappie fishing and the bream fishing on this lake is outstanding. Yesterday in addition to the bass we caught two gills on spinner bait. One of them was a monster but unfortunately we didn't get a picture.
As evidenced by other reports, good things are happening here. Bookings are increasing so I would recommend you book soon to ensure the dates that you want. Multiple boats are not a problem as I have a couple of topnotch fishermen ready to pitch in. Both Don (WWF) and Steve P. have outstanding knowledge of the lake so your group is ensured an outstanding day on the water.
See you on the water. Say hi if you get the chance.
Submitted 10/7/07
The season has arrived and the results that some people are having on the Marsh/Farm is quite dynamic. A witnessed report from two anglers: 90+ bass to the boat including several 5-7 pound fish. I fished relatively near these guys and in an hour and a half boated 15-20.
Last year at this time we were spending a fair amount of time on Blue Cypress. Water levels were still good there but were receding. When we weren't there, we had limited time on the Marsh due to winds and was spending a lot of time on Ansin/Garcia because of the afforded wind protection that lake offered. In addition the water levels were dropping quickly which made working the staging bass, (south end of the Farm) difficult to work anytime the wind blew due to the heavy wood found there. This year the scenario is completely different. Water levels are at or above previous seasonal levels which will allow us to work the south end using wind socks this year. For any that have fished this area previously in late fall to early winter you know how exciting this fishing can be. In addition there is always a strong possibility of moving water as the continuing rains flood the marshes to the south which can only move north through the Stick Marsh.
Stick Marsh/Farm 13 is part of the Blue Cypress Conservation Area, and one of 5 areas that make up the head waters to the St Johns River. As you know, the St Johns runs north. All or most of the Ft Drum marshes, and the three areas of Ansin/Garcia have to flow through the Stick Marsh, and with the continuing rains that we are experiencing this means a fairly reliable and constant flow. To add to this northward flow is water from a private reservoir that is just south of us. Anyone that has fished the current on the Marsh/Farm knows that these current flows means a phenomenal number of fish caught in a day, and size to go with the numbers.
Typical of October's fish when current is running.
Some of the scenes that we encounter on the Marsh/Farm are quite spectacular.
This exception shot of a double rainbow was captured a couple of days ago by Don
Wills, (AKA Don the Worlds Worst Fishermen).
So far this month we have seen in excess of 4" of water in this area. It seems however that much of the rain stops before reaching the inner areas of the state so inland lakes are not coming up as we have. Okeechobee is reporting 10 feet (above sea level) which still leaves them down by as much as 5 feet. Hopefully some rain will reach them a bring their levels up.
There is nothing like spending a family day doing anything, however there is a
magic to doing it fishing. The Fletcher family found it to be so and I am sure
you will also. Bookings are coming in a bit faster this year for this season. To
ensure you get dates of your choice get on the phone and give me a call. We will
fish shiners or artificial bait, but artificial is preferred. If needed we
supply rods and reels. (Shimano) We do not supply bait or terminal tackle but
will give you a list of what is working just prior to your days. The boat is 20'
and ready to carry you to what in most cases is a trip of a lifetime.
See you on the water - say hi if you get the chance.
Submitted 10/17/07 by George
Every year at this time the fish start getting quite predictable and not only is this year following the patterns, but the volume of fish make the forecast look like it's going to be a banner year.
Days of catching over fifty, and yes, over 100 bass have been seen in the last week. Shad busts are happening and if you get in the right spot and use the right bait that's what you will see. Being in the right spot will make the difference between catching almost nothing and catching the big numbers. In addition, get in the right spot and see multiple fish 6-pounds or better.
I have had several e-mails asking about Don Willis and Steve P. Yes people, they are still very active out there and yes they have been spot dead on them. Their lack of reports are for the same reason: they are sick of the internet rebuttal crap, and they don't wish to inform some where they are fishing. I know for both they have had multiple days over the last week with huge numbers and jumbo bass.
Booking a trip for the upcoming season is going to be a bit tougher if you don't get your desired days in earlier this fall. With the last years drought, the ensuing difficult fishing because of water levels and conditions, and the high gas prices, the numbers of guides out here has dropped drastically.
Safe navigation on the lake presently is of little concern as unlike most Florida lakes, we have plenty of water. Drifting the south end of the Farm with drift socks will pose no problem this year, so breezy conditions will be far less of a concern. The road coming in is in fair to good shape.
Baits that have been working best: rattle traps - small crank baits - hard jerk baits - Swim Senkos - Carolina rigged plastics. Plastics are dark, traps are chrome/blue. Watch for shad busts: realize that you are not watching for a single bait/prey situation but rather substantial top water activity. I you start chasing the single events you will be running all over the place and not having much success. If you find a school of bass, sit still as the shad will come back through the area again and re-excite the bass. You have to be ready, you have to be fast, and you need to cast accurately.
Basically this time of the year finds the bass south of the E/W ditch on the Farm. However don't forget to check those ditch edges! Running water can be a real producer, but so far this year the spillway area has not been a hot and heavy area. However, it is an area to check as it can change anytime there is running water. The pump house has been good if you know what to do in there, and how to set up.
November has always been a good month on this lake.
Yes, she is over 10-pounds. As you can see, sometimes it can get cool.
Another November monster. Again, another chilly day.
This one went over 12. As you can see we also have nice warm weather also.
Over 10 and fell for a deft presentation of a Senko/watermelon. Mark caught this
one in the 1st 1/2 hour on the lake.
This lake is a producer, and we know where to find them and how to fish for them. It's early enough for me to have quite a few days open, but that isn't going to last. Give a call and book now. See you on the water.
Submitted 10/19/07 by George
Expectations run high when our clients depart the ramp at the Marsh and for the most part those expectations are met and even passed. October on is going to be the right time.
Timing counts obviously but it's not as critical as the abundance of bass and the large amount of big ones make most days successful ones.
