Private Inshore Fishing - Stick Marsh
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
Extended fishing trip targeting trophy Largemouth Bass in renowned watersCaptain Rick provides expert guidance and all necessary fishing equipmentPrivate backcountry experience accommodating up to two guests maximum
Looking for a fishing trip that delivers consistent action and trophy potential? Captain Rick knows every creek, cut, and honey hole in Stick Marsh, one of Florida's most productive bass fisheries. This private charter gives you and one buddy exclusive access to his local knowledge, with all the gear you need to land some serious largemouth. You'll spend quality time working the structure that makes this fishery famous, from submerged timber to grass lines that hold fish year-round. Pack your cooler with cold drinks and snacks – you're going to want to stay out there as long as possible when the bite gets hot.
Stick Marsh isn't your typical Florida lake – it's a controlled water level impoundment that creates perfect bass habitat. Captain Rick will put you on fish using proven techniques that work in these waters, whether that's flipping heavy cover, working topwater over grass beds, or dragging soft plastics along the deeper structure. The boat comes rigged with quality rods and reels matched to the conditions, plus a tackle box full of lures that consistently produce here. You won't waste time tying on the wrong bait or guessing where to cast. Rick reads the water like a book and adjusts tactics based on weather, season, and what the fish are telling him. The beauty of a private charter means you can focus on the techniques you want to learn or stick with what's working when you're on a hot bite.
Stick Marsh rewards anglers who understand structure fishing and aren't afraid to get their lures dirty. The marsh has incredible cover – fallen trees, standing timber, and thick grass mats that bass use for ambush points. Captain Rick will show you how to pitch jigs into the gnarliest cover without losing every lure in your box. When the fish are relating to grass, you'll learn to work spinnerbaits and swim jigs through the vegetation at just the right depth. Early morning and late afternoon often fire up the topwater bite, and there's nothing like watching a big largemouth explode on a popper in the shallow water. The key here is precision casting and understanding how bass use this unique habitat. Rick provides all the essential tackle, from heavy flipping sticks for working cover to medium action rods perfect for finesse presentations when the bite gets tough.
Largemouth Bass are the main event at Stick Marsh, and these aren't your average pond fish. The controlled water levels and abundant forage create ideal conditions for growing trophy-class bass. These fish are healthy, aggressive, and can push well into the double digits during peak season. Spring and fall produce the most consistent action, but summer mornings and winter warm spells can deliver some of the biggest fish of the year. What makes catching bass here special is their fight – they use the heavy cover to their advantage, bulldogging into timber and making long runs toward the grass. You'll need to stay tight and keep pressure on them, but when you slide a 7-pounder into the net, you'll understand why anglers travel from across the country to fish this marsh.
Crappie add another dimension to your fishing day, especially during their spawning periods in spring and again in fall. Stick Marsh crappie are thick-bodied and fight harder than most lake fish, often running in schools around the same structure that holds bass. Captain Rick knows the specific trees and brush piles where crappie stack up, and he'll put you on them with light tackle that makes every fish feel like a monster. These fish respond well to small jigs and live bait, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. The beauty of targeting both species is the variety – you might be flipping for bass one minute and dropping down for crappie the next, keeping the day interesting and your cooler full.
Captain Rick's private charters fill up fast, especially during the prime fishing months when Stick Marsh really comes alive. This trip gives you everything needed for a successful day on the water – expert guidance, quality gear, and access to one of Florida's top-rated bass fisheries. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, target your personal best largemouth, or just enjoy a day of consistent fishing action, this charter delivers. The intimate setting with just two anglers means plenty of rod time and personalized instruction. Don't wait until the calendar fills up – book your spot now and get ready to experience why Stick Marsh has earned its reputation as a world-class bass destination.
You'll be fishing from a nimble 19' Stalker center console that's built for navigating Stick Marsh's shallow waters with ease. The 130 HP Evinrude gets you to the bass hotspots quickly and quietly, while the boat's compact design lets Captain Rick access those productive backwater areas where the big largemouth like to hide. The center console layout gives you plenty of casting room from all angles, and the stable platform keeps you comfortable during long fights with trophy fish. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold throughout the day, and GPS navigation ensures you never miss a productive fishing spot. Perfect for up to 2 anglers looking to target Florida's famous Stick Marsh bass population.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie might be smaller than bass, but they're pure gold for families and anyone wanting steady action. These 7-12 inch panfish travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually find more. Look for them around brush piles, fallen trees, and deeper structure during the day - they're not big fans of bright sunlight. Spring spawning season is fantastic, but dawn and dusk fishing works all year. Folks love crappie because they're some of the best eating fish in freshwater - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for getting kids hooked on fishing since they bite readily. Here's a local trick: use small jigs or live minnows under a bobber, and don't set the hook too hard - their mouths are paper-thin.
Micropterus SalmoidesStick Marsh's largemouth bass are what bring most folks out here, and for good reason. These green fighters average 12-24 inches and pack serious attitude when hooked. You'll find them around submerged timber, grass lines, and shallow cover where they ambush prey. 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 few other freshwater fish. Plus, they're excellent table fare when prepared right. My go-to tip for Stick Marsh: work those red baits slowly around the deeper grass edges. These bass have a thing for red, and patience pays off when they're being finicky.
Fellsmere, FL, United States