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FARM 13 / STICK MARSH FISHING REPORT
Feb. 9, 2001
Water levels are still low! Idle from the ramp to the eastern rim canal. My marker says it is still 22 inches down, but I suspect the local farmers will be drawing water soon for spring irrigation, so it will drop even more. A new lower unit is around $3K; you are worth a bit more, I suspect. So, be careful. Fishing is great, but not worth everything.
Topwater action is improving some, as the artificial action continues to improve. Our old friend and TV personality, John Fox, reported decent catches on white spinnerbaits in the south-central section of the Farm, around the major hydrilla and grass growth. We found somewhat the same pattern in the lower south end earlier, but we had to burn the lure just under the surface. The floating worm still seems the topwater of choice (by the fish). I suspect this slow, weightless surface worm approach can also be done with the Zoom Trick Worm rigged 'wacky worm' style, but using a weedless hook. The key appears to be very slow, subtle motion and the wacky rig does that well.
We did find some small bass pushing shad in the middle of the Stick Marsh side near the twin palms marker. All that indicated they were there was a lone baitfish skittering across the surface. These bass readily took a Rat-L-Trap and shallow running Swimmin' Image lure, but they were only 1.5 - 2.0 pounds. However, fish are fish and they tightened our lines.
Our latest guide party was yesterday with Terry Atienza and Bart Savage, out of Ft. Lauderdale. An absolutely beautiful day, with a stout breeze from the SE. Starting early, we got not one (not even a trace of one) topwater bite. We switched over to shiners and worked very hard in 4 really good locations. I think they may have had 10-12 fish all day. Free-lining small shiners was the best approach. After talking to Fox and 3 other guides at the ramp, it turned out we did pretty good, in comparison. However, I would have to rate that as maybe 'the better of the poor' performances. We certainly did not do well and I cannot even guess why. But, SOMEDAY, I am going to get to talk to a fish and I have a BIG list of questions to ask!
The full moon is NOW. That means the BIG crappie should be moving in on the accessible grass line and stump fields. Those stump areas in the south end of the Farm were the crappie (as well as bass) hotspots last year. But, they have too much grass to fish effectively now. Plus, the water is so low, it is difficult to navigate. Push poles are needed to get off the stumps, as well as luck not to damage a boat hull. I believe the outer grass lines along the canals and bordering the stump zones may be the key locations this year. I have a number of anglers awaiting word that the crappie action has started so they can travel down. When it starts, I will post it here, too.
Today's Weather for
the Stick Marsh Area
Past Fishing Reports
Farm 13/Stick Marsh Information Guide
Email questions to jporter@jimporter.org.
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