5.0(5 Reviews)Private Half Day Fishing - Fellsmere, FL
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Top Rated
Half-day backcountry fishing trip targeting Florida bass populationsAll fishing equipment and tackle provided by experienced charter guidesSmall group capacity accommodates maximum two guests per trip
Picture yourself casting into some of Florida's most productive freshwater, where the bass are hungry and the action stays steady all morning long. That's exactly what you'll get on this private half-day fishing adventure at the famous Stick Marsh with Captain Rick and his crew. This isn't your typical pond fishing - we're talking about a world-class bass fishery that consistently produces quality fish and keeps anglers coming back season after season. With all gear provided and a maximum of just two guests, you'll have the personalized attention and prime fishing spots to yourself.
Your morning starts early when Captain Rick picks you up at the launch, coffee in hand and ready to put you on fish. The Stick Marsh isn't just another fishing spot - it's a 6,500-acre impoundment that's earned its reputation as one of the top-rated bass destinations in the entire Southeast. The water structure here is perfect for holding fish, with submerged timber, grass beds, and drop-offs that create the ideal habitat for both largemouth bass and crappie. You'll spend four solid hours working the most productive areas, and Captain Rick knows every honey hole, every piece of cover, and exactly where the fish are staging based on the season and conditions. The best part? Everything's included - rods, reels, tackle, and all the local knowledge you need to make this trip productive.
Captain Rick comes equipped with quality spinning and baitcasting setups perfectly matched to Stick Marsh conditions. Depending on the bite, you might be throwing soft plastics along the grass lines, working crankbaits over submerged structure, or flipping jigs into heavy cover where the big fish hide. The marsh responds well to both finesse and power fishing techniques, so whether you're comfortable with a Texas rig or want to learn how to work a chatterbait through the vegetation, there's a presentation that'll work. All tackle is provided, including a full selection of proven baits that produce here consistently. If you're new to bass fishing, Captain Rick will teach you the fundamentals - how to feel a bite, set the hook properly, and work different lures effectively. Experienced anglers will appreciate his knowledge of seasonal patterns and his willingness to try different approaches until you find what the fish want.
"Captain Rick took my kids and me bass fishing on the Stick Marsh in Fellsmere, FL, and we had an amazing time! He was laid-back, knowledgeable, and knew exactly where to take us to hook into some big fish. The boat was comfortable, the weather was perfect, and we spent the day laughing, sharing stories, and reeling in some impressive bass. It was a fantastic trip, and we'll definitely be back for another adventure!" - Nicole
"Captain Rick made the trip a blast, and his boat and gear were top-notch. We landed five big bass, and the Stick Marsh Headwaters truly lived up to its reputation as a world-class fishing spot. If you're looking for an unforgettable fishing experience, I highly recommend this trip!" - David
"Husband & I had a great time with Captain Rick. He put us right where the fish were biting, gave helpful tips & instruction (especially for a total novice like me), was patient & knowledgeable. We caught fish the whole time & totally enjoyed our time on the water. This was a Christmas present for the hubby & it was perfect! Thanks Captain Rick!" - Nancy
Largemouth bass are the main attraction here, and for good reason. The Stick Marsh consistently produces fish in the 3-8 pound range, with plenty of opportunities for double-digit bass throughout the year. These aren't your typical Florida strain bass either - the cooler water temperatures in winter and abundant forage base create chunky, healthy fish that fight hard and jump when hooked. Peak times are typically early morning and late afternoon, but the bite can stay strong throughout the day, especially during cooler months from November through March. Spring brings the spawn, when big females move shallow and become more aggressive, while summer fishing focuses on deeper structure and grass lines. What makes these bass special is their willingness to eat a variety of baits - from topwater frogs in the thick stuff to deep-diving crankbaits along the channels.
Crappie fishing at Stick Marsh is a customer favorite, especially during their winter and spring migrations when schools of slabs move into the shallows. These paper-thin fighters typically run 10-14 inches, with plenty of keepers in the 1-2 pound class. They're structure-oriented fish, so you'll find them around submerged timber, bridge pilings, and drop-offs where they ambush small baitfish. The best crappie action usually happens from December through April, when cooler water concentrations push them into predictable areas. Captain Rick knows exactly where to find them based on water temperature and time of year. While they don't fight as hard as bass, crappie make up for it in numbers - when you find a school, you can often catch several before they move on. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you're looking to take home a fresh fish dinner.
This private half-day trip gives you everything you need for a successful day on one of Florida's most renowned bass fisheries. With Captain Rick's local expertise, top-quality gear, and access to prime fishing areas, you're set up for the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years. The two-person limit means you'll get personalized instruction and won't have to share the best spots with a crowd. Whether you're planning a father-son trip, want to introduce someone to bass fishing, or just need a few hours to decompress and chase some quality fish, this is your chance to fish with a captain who genuinely cares about putting you on fish. Bring your sun
Jump aboard this nimble 19' Stalker center console, perfectly rigged for prowling Fellsmere's legendary Stick Marsh bass waters. Powered by a reliable 130 HP Incredible that cuts through shallow spots where the big ones hide, this compact fishing machine gets you into tight cover other boats can't reach. The center console design gives you 360-degree casting room while staying stable when you're fighting that trophy bass. Built-in icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh, while the GPS helps mark those productive honey holes for return trips. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the water without bumping elbows. This shallow-draft setup is your ticket to Florida's premier bass fishing grounds.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are some of the tastiest fish swimming in our local waters, running 7-12 inches and about a pound when mature. You'll find schools of them hanging around submerged brush, fallen trees, and deeper vegetation during the day since they're not big fans of bright sunlight. Both black and white crappie call these waters home - the blacks prefer clearer areas while whites don't mind a bit of stain. Spring spawning season is absolutely hot, but dawn and dusk fishing produces year-round. Guests love the steady action when you find a school, plus the sweet white meat makes for perfect fish fry. Pro tip: downsize your jigs and use light line - crappie have paper-thin mouths and small baits get more bites.
Micropterus SalmoidesThe king of Stick Marsh, largemouth bass here average 12-24 inches and pack serious attitude. These green fighters love hiding in thick vegetation and around submerged structure where they ambush prey. Their massive mouths can engulf surprisingly large baits, and when hooked, they'll jump and bulldoze like nothing else in freshwater. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're shallow and aggressive, but they bite year-round in Florida's warm waters. What makes them special? That heart-stopping strike and the way they fight all the way to the boat. My local trick: throw something red - bass here go crazy for red lures, especially around the grass lines where they stage to feed.
5.0 out of 5.0The captain and mate went above and beyond to make sure we had a great day on the water. When the captain noticed my 9-year-old da...
Captain Rick took my kids and me bass fishing on the Stick Marsh in Fellsmere, FL, and we had an amazing time! He was laid-back, k...
Captain Rick made the trip a blast, and his boat and gear were top-notch. We landed five big bass, and the Stick Marsh Headwaters ...
Had an awesome day on the water with Captain Rick! He put us right on some big bass and made the trip enjoyable with his friendly ...
Husband & I had a great time with Captain Rick. He put us right where the fish were biting, gave helpful tips & instruction (espec...
Fellsmere, FL, United States