Stick Marsh/ Farm 13 Report 1/1/08
Hard as it is to believe 2007 has passed by and ready or not here comes another new year. Last year was a good one for me personally and I am hoping for another in 08. As some of you may already know, legendary Stick Marsh guide Hugh Crumpler, retired in August of 07. Hugh handed the reigns over to me after some 20 years in the business. I can only hope to have the longevity and success that he experienced. I still see him on occasion out on the lake, enjoying his retirement with a bit of fishing.
The fishing at the Stick Marsh continues to shine as does the warm Florida sun. Thus far this winter season the weather has been generally warm with daytime highs in the high 70's to low 80's. There have been a couple cool spells and the predictable passing cold fronts which will tend to slow the bite but for the most part it has been pleasant and the fishing has been good. Average fish size has been around 3 pounds and most often some quality fish over 5 have been landed. Water levels remain good and the temperature is right around 70 degrees. The bass are in all phases of spawn now and I expect they will remain so for the next two months. Wild shiners have worked well as expected as have soft plastics in the wooded areas.
The holiday / winter season is upon us and the larger numbers of anglers are here early, especially on the weekends. The access road is in relatively good shape these days, but the parking area has been at overflow shortly after dawn. The congestion is mainly in the parking area and the launch ramp though as the lake absorbs the number of boats nicely and many nice spots can be yours alone. This lake remains one of Florida's premier fishing spots with quality fish in abundance and an unrivaled nature experience reminiscent of days gone by in many areas of the state. There are still plenty of days available for you to come out and enjoy the experience. Contact me by calling 321-722-3134 or go to www.onecastaway.com
Good luck and best wishes for 08, Capt. Dean Herdman