Private Inshore Fishing - Stick Marsh
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Trophy Largemouth Bass fishing in renowned Florida watersCaptain Rick provides expert guidance to prime fishing spotsAll gear included with option for live bait
When you're ready to get serious about bass fishing in Florida, Stick Marsh is where you want to be. This top-rated fishery has been putting trophy Largemouth Bass in boats for years, and Captain Rick knows every honey hole, channel bend, and grass line that holds fish. You'll have the boat to yourself (plus one buddy) for a full day of fishing one of Florida's most productive bass waters. All your gear is handled – rods, reels, and tackle are included – so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat.
Stick Marsh isn't your typical Florida lake. This 6,500-acre impoundment sits right along the Indian River, creating a unique mix of freshwater structure and tidal influence that bass absolutely love. You'll be fishing a system that's got everything – submerged timber, grass flats, deep channels, and creek mouths that concentrate baitfish. Captain Rick has been working these waters long enough to know which spots fire off during different conditions, whether you're dealing with a cold front, post-spawn blues, or those perfect overcast days when the bite goes crazy. The marsh gets its name from all the dead timber sticking up from the water, and those same sticks create the perfect ambush points for big bass. You'll spend your day moving between different zones, from shallow grass beds where bass cruise for bluegill to deeper timber where the real giants hang out during midday.
Captain Rick comes equipped with everything you need to handle whatever Stick Marsh throws at you. You'll have access to both spinning and baitcasting setups rigged for different presentations – from finesse worms for pressured fish to big swimbaits for trophy hunters. The tackle box includes all the Stick Marsh standards: plastic worms in various colors, topwater plugs for early morning action, spinnerbaits for covering water, and jigs for working through the timber. The techniques here vary with conditions and seasons. Early morning typically calls for topwater around the grass edges and timber. As the sun gets higher, you'll switch to subsurface presentations – working plastic worms through the sticks, burning spinnerbaits over grass tops, or slow-rolling jigs along channel drops. Live bait isn't included in the trip price, but Captain Rick can arrange shiners or other live options if that's your preference. Most days, artificials produce just as well and let you cover more water efficiently.
Largemouth Bass rule the roost in Stick Marsh, and for good reason. This fishery consistently produces bass in the 5-8 pound range, with double-digit fish always a possibility. The bass here benefit from abundant forage – bluegill, shad, and crawfish – plus the perfect combination of shallow cover and deep water access. Spring brings the spawn, when big females move shallow and become more aggressive. Summer finds them relating to deeper structure during the heat of the day, but they'll still crush topwater baits early and late. Fall is prime time as cooling water temperatures trigger feeding binges that can make for epic days on the water. Winter bass go deep but still feed, especially during those warm afternoons that Florida delivers even in January.
Crappie add another dimension to your Stick Marsh experience, especially during their spring spawn when they school up in shallow cover. These slab-sided fighters aren't just bonus fish – they're legitimate targets that can make a slow bass bite turn into a memorable day. Crappie here run bigger than average, with 2-pounders common and fish over 3 pounds definitely in the mix. They love the same timber that holds bass, but they're often suspended or relating to brush at specific depths. Small jigs, live minnows, and tiny soft plastics work best. The beauty of targeting crappie is that you can catch numbers – where you find one, you'll usually find more. They're also excellent eating if you're looking to take a few home for the dinner table.
Stick Marsh fishing trips with Captain Rick book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bass bite is at its best. This world-class fishery offers the kind of consistent action that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Whether you're a seasoned bass angler looking for your next personal best or someone wanting to experience Florida's renowned fishing scene, this private charter puts you on fish with minimal crowds and maximum opportunity. The combination of Captain Rick's local knowledge, quality gear, and Stick Marsh's productive waters creates the perfect recipe for a successful day on the water. Don't wait – the best fishing dates fill up quickly, and you don't want to miss out on what could be your best bass fishing trip yet.
Get ready to chase trophy Largemouth Bass aboard this nimble 19' Stalker center console, perfectly rigged for Stick Marsh's shallow waters. The 130 HP Unforgettable outboard delivers smooth, quiet power that won't spook fish in tight spots. This compact boat's shallow draft lets Captain Rick slip into those honey holes where the big bass hide, while the stable center console design keeps you comfortable during long casts and battles with hefty fish. The onboard icebox keeps your drinks ice-cold during Florida's heat, and GPS navigation ensures you'll hit the most productive bass grounds. With room for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work the shorelines and structure where Stick Marsh's famous bass population thrives.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie in Stick Marsh are scrappy little fighters that make for fantastic eating. You'll find both black and white varieties here, typically running 7-12 inches and weighing up to a pound. They school up around brush piles, fallen trees, and deeper grass edges, usually 8-15 feet down. Spring spawning season is prime time when they move shallow, but they bite consistently through cooler months too. What guests love most is the steady action - once you find a school, you can fill the cooler quick. Their white, flaky meat is some of the best freshwater eating you'll find. Here's a local secret: use a small jig tipped with a minnow and work it slow around those cypress trees. Crappie are light biters, so keep your drag loose and watch your rod tip closely.
Micropterus SalmoidesStick Marsh's largemouth bass are what dreams are made of. These green fighters average 12-24 inches but can push well beyond that here. They love hanging around submerged timber, grass lines, and drop-offs where they ambush prey like bluegill and shad. Spring and fall are prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot, but they bite year-round in Florida. What makes them special? That famous fight - they'll jump, shake, and test your drag like no other freshwater fish. Plus, they're excellent table fare when handled right. My go-to trick for Stick Marsh: work a Texas-rigged worm slowly through the hydrilla beds. Bass here are used to seeing fast-moving lures, so slowing down often triggers strikes from those big, lazy ones sitting tight in cover.
Fellsmere, FL, United States