stick marsh bass fishing report

The bass bite is hot at the Stick Marsh lately. Early in the morning has produced lots of bass in the Southern section of the Farm 13 side of this reservoir. However, getting to this fish is not for the faint at heart as water depths of 2 feet and PLENTY of both submerged and noticeable stumps to navigate around. You will most certainly find yourself stuck on top of one now and then.

The Stick Marsh/Farm 13 is a 7300 acre impoundment and if you are uncertain about where you can and cannot run, please take extra caution. There are a few guides that fish this lake, but buyer beware. They will try to talk you into buying lots of wild shiners and go to a community hole famous for this through all these years, but you miss out on getting to really enjoy what this lake has to offer.

Soft Plastic swim baits rigged weedless in dark colors are a good choice. Always have your favorite topwater lure handy, too. Mine has been a bone colored Yo Zuri Topknock Pencil or their prop bait. When throwing any treble-hook lure, long casts aren’t recommended as once hooked it is imperative to keep it in the upper water column as the fish will surely wrap you up on one of the countless aforementioned stumps.

Also, be sure to keep your light-lined gear at home as this is no place for it. Braided lines in the 20-50 pound test range is needed. I always start off with the topwater, but if the bass are short-striking your lure, follow up with the soft plastic lure. Remember, you will bump lots of stumps this way but keep this in mind, “Bass will pull back, but stumps never do.” Be hesitant before you set your hook.

On a side note, a new lake just east of the Stick Marsh, Fellsmere Grade, also known as Lake Egan, has been in the works for several years now. From what I’m hearing, it will surpass the popularity of Stick Marsh bass fishing, for which it is so famously known. Right now, Lake Egan is a kayak/canoe, no-motor lake, but there is a ramp and parking lot being built for boaters. Currently, the date of opening to boaters still remains in question.

I hope everyone has been safe and healthy during the world’s lock-down as we slowly come out of our safe place. Until then, I hope anglers have an EASY DAYS fishing adventure.