5.0(5 Reviews)Private Half Day Bass Fishing in Fellsmere, FL
5.0(5 reviews)
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Top Rated
Halfday bass fishing trip at renowned Stick Marsh locationAll fishing gear and tackle provided by experienced charter companySmall group experience accommodating maximum two guests
Looking for a solid bass fishing trip without the crowds? This private half-day charter on Stick Marsh puts you right in the heart of one of Florida's top-rated freshwater fisheries. Captain Rick and his crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll have you hooked up with some serious largemouth bass in no time. With all your gear provided and a boat that's built for comfort, you can focus on what matters most – landing fish and making memories on the water.
Stick Marsh isn't your typical Florida fishing hole. This sprawling freshwater system near Fellsmere has earned its reputation as a world-class bass destination, and for good reason. You'll launch into crystal-clear waters surrounded by cypress trees and grass beds that hold some seriously chunky fish. Captain Rick runs a clean, well-equipped boat that handles these shallow backcountry waters perfectly. The trip keeps things intimate with just two anglers max, so you're not fighting for casting space or competing for the captain's attention. Every rod, reel, and tackle box comes stocked and ready – just bring your sunglasses, some cold drinks, and maybe a few snacks to keep your energy up between hookups.
The beauty of Stick Marsh lies in its variety of fishing structure and cover. Captain Rick reads these waters like a map, positioning you over submerged vegetation, fallen timber, and drop-offs where bass love to ambush baitfish. Depending on conditions, you might be throwing topwater plugs early in the morning, working soft plastics through grass beds, or pitching jigs into heavy cover. The captain adjusts techniques based on what the fish are telling him that day – sometimes they want fast-moving baits, other times you'll need to slow down and finesse them. Don't worry if you're new to bass fishing; Rick's patient teaching style has helped plenty of first-timers land their personal best. The gear setup is top-notch too – quality spinning and baitcasting combos matched with the right line weights for pulling fish out of cover.
"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 Stick Marsh grows them big and healthy. These aren't your typical pond bass – we're talking thick-shouldered fish that'll test your drag and make your arms burn. The average fish runs 3-5 pounds, but don't be surprised when something in the 6-8 pound range crushes your bait. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, but summer early mornings and evenings can be absolutely explosive. What makes these bass special is how aggressive they are – the abundant forage base keeps them well-fed and willing to chase down just about anything you throw at them. The clear water means they're spooky sometimes, but it also makes for some heart-stopping topwater strikes you can see coming from 20 feet away.
Crappie add another dimension to your Stick Marsh experience, especially during their spring spawning run from March through May. These slab-sided fighters might not pull as hard as bass, but they're excellent table fare and fun to catch on light tackle. Captain Rick knows the deeper holes and structure where schools of crappie stack up, particularly around submerged timber and creek channels. They typically run 10-14 inches here, with some real slabs pushing over a pound. Crappie fishing often requires a more finesse approach – small jigs, live minnows, or tiny soft plastics presented with a gentle touch. When you find a school, you can often catch several before they wise up and move on.
Half-day trips book up fast, especially during peak season when the bass are most active. Captain Rick's reputation for putting clients on fish and creating great experiences on the water means his calendar fills quickly. Whether you're planning a father-son trip, introducing someone new to bass fishing, or just want to escape to some of Florida's best freshwater fishing, this charter delivers consistent results. The Stick Marsh system continues to produce quality fish year-round, and with expert local knowledge guiding your trip, you're almost guaranteed to come back with some great stories and maybe a new personal best. Don't wait too long to secure your dates – the fish are biting, and Captain Rick's ready to put you on them.
Your fishing adventure takes place aboard a nimble 19' Stalker center console, powered by a reliable 130 HP Thrude that'll get you to the best bass spots on Stick Marsh without breaking a sweat. This shallow-water specialist cuts through Florida's backcountry waters like butter, letting you access those hidden honey holes where the big bass like to hang out. The center console design gives you plenty of room to move around and fight fish from any angle, while the built-in icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during the Florida heat. GPS navigation ensures you'll never miss a productive fishing spot, and the boat's stable platform makes casting and reeling in those trophy bass a breeze. Whether you're working topwater lures at dawn or flipping jigs into heavy cover, this compact fishing machine handles it all with room for two anglers to fish comfortably without getting tangled up in each other's lines.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are the sweet-eating panfish that travel in schools around Stick Marsh. Both black and white varieties run 7-12 inches, perfect for a fish fry. They love hanging around submerged brush, fallen trees, and vegetation in 6-15 feet of water. Dawn and dusk fishing produces best, especially spring when they move shallow to spawn in 62-68°F water. What guests love most is the steady action - find one crappie school and you'll usually boat several. The white, flaky meat is some of the tastiest freshwater fish around. Here's the key: use small jigs or live minnows under a bobber, but don't set the hook too quick. Crappie have soft mouths and will spit the bait if you rush them. Patience pays off big time.
Micropterus SalmoidesThe king of Stick Marsh, largemouth bass here average 12-24 inches and can hit 4+ pounds. These green fighters love our thick vegetation and shallow muddy areas - perfect ambush spots for hunting bluegill and shad. Spring through early summer is prime time when water temps hit that sweet 60-70°F range. What makes bass special? That mouth opens past their eyes, and they'll absolutely hammer your bait then jump and fight all the way to the boat. The meat's solid eating too if you want to keep a few. Local tip: throw anything red-colored near those submerged timber lines. Bass here go crazy for red, and the structure holds the biggest fish. Carolina-rigged plastics work magic in deeper holes.
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