The Art of Catching Trophy Largemouth Bass on Stick Marsh

Stick Marsh, also known as Farm 13, is a 6,500-acre reservoir in Fellsmere, Florida that's famous for its big largemouth bass. Many anglers come here hoping to catch a trophy fish, but it takes skill and knowledge to be successful. Here's what you need to know to improve your chances of landing a monster bass on Stick Marsh.

Understanding Stick Marsh

Stick Marsh is different from many other lakes. It's a flooded agricultural area with lots of underwater structure like old farm equipment, tree stumps, and ditches. This creates perfect hiding spots for big bass. The water is often murky, which can make fishing challenging but also helps big fish grow without being caught easily.

Best Times to Fish

While you can catch bass year-round on Stick Marsh, certain times are better for trophy hunting:

• Spring (February to April): Bass are spawning and more aggressive
• Fall (October to December): Bass are feeding heavily to prepare for winter
• Early morning and late evening: Lower light conditions when big bass are more active

Effective Techniques for Trophy Bass

To catch trophy largemouth bass on Stick Marsh, try these proven methods:

1. Live Bait Fishing

Using live shiners is one of the most effective ways to catch big bass in Stick Marsh. Rig a large shiner under a float and let it swim naturally around structure or grass edges.

2. Flipping and Pitching

With lots of cover in Stick Marsh, flipping and pitching heavy jigs or Texas-rigged soft plastics into thick vegetation or near submerged structures can entice big bass to bite.

3. Topwater Lures

Early morning or late evening, try walking baits, poppers, or buzzbaits over grass beds or near structure. The commotion can trigger explosive strikes from large bass.

4. Deep Diving Crankbaits

When bass are holding deeper, use large, deep-diving crankbaits to cover water and bump into underwater structures where big fish might be hiding.

Key Areas to Target

Focus on these high-potential areas in Stick Marsh:

• Submerged tree lines
• Old farm ditches and canals
• Edges of grass beds
• Underwater points and drop-offs

Gear for Trophy Bass

When targeting big bass, make sure your gear is up to the task:

• Heavy action rod (7' to 7'6")
• High-capacity baitcasting reel
• Strong line (20-30 lb fluorocarbon or 50-65 lb braid)
• Large, sturdy hooks (4/0 to 6/0)
• Heavy-duty landing net

Practice Patience and Persistence

Trophy bass fishing requires patience. These big fish didn't get large by being easy to catch. Be prepared to put in time and effort. Sometimes, waiting out a big fish can pay off more than constantly moving around.

Respect the Resource

Stick Marsh is a catch-and-release only lake for largemouth bass. This rule has helped create the trophy fishery it is today. Always handle big bass carefully and release them quickly to preserve this amazing fishery for future anglers.

Catching a trophy largemouth bass on Stick Marsh is a thrilling experience that takes skill, patience, and the right approach. By understanding the lake, using effective techniques, and being persistent, you can increase your chances of landing the bass of a lifetime.

Ready to try your hand at catching trophy bass on Stick Marsh? Fishin' Big Bass offers guided bass fishing charters with experienced local anglers who know all the secrets of this famous lake. Contact us at 321-298-3261 to book your trophy bass fishing adventure today!