George Welcome

St Augustine Bassmasters: Roy Wires: rwires@bellsouth.net

How's this for a south Florida forecast: Thursday Partly cloudy. Still breezy and cool. A slight chance of flurries through late morning.

It's always good to do homework before buying a product: Being offered by Dicks at the outlet 20% off price: Get an additional 20% off the Outlet! (See Promotion Details) List Price:$49.99* Our Price:$39.97 This reel can be bought anywhere for $39.97 without being on sale.

If Dicks is offering 20-25% off that means they are now selling it at recommended retail.

And to think this petty trivial nonsense comes during this seasonal time.

Right back at you young fella. May your holiday season be a fantastic one, and you, and yours have a healthy and happy 2008.

It's mine and yes you can copy it.

Twas the night before Christmas, when out on the lake All the Bass were a studying all the lures not to take. The Chug Bugs, the Senkos, the spinner baits too Were some to look out for, these but a few. While back at my house, I was snuggled in bed; As visions of big ones, danced about in my head. A cast to some stickups, a cast to some weed Produced bass after bass, it was a Mecca indeed. I arose in the morning, tree lights twinkling bright My eyes full of dream dust, I was quite a sight. I gathered the family, and sat them down near For the tale of the bass trip, I wanted all them to hear. I regaled them quickly, with all that I caught The big ones the little ones the lunkers I fought. Their eyes were like saucers, as they listened with glee But there thoughts were on presents beneath our great tree. As I finished my tale I heard from my wife Merry Christmas dear family, And George, Get a life.

The only "best" is the one that you like.

Temperature affect: only a thermal gradient, (thermocline) has an effect in that it will cause a return of signal. Above and below the gradient however will give the same return dependant on the bottom. So, in essence, temperature does not affect the sonar reflection.

Guntersville: Troy Jens http://www.anglingalabama.com/

it also includes motor

Correct: Draw a diagonal line from the fisherman's shack to the pump head on the east shore in your mind. Everthing south of that is idle country. The fisherman's shack area no longer has a builiding: just a metal wall with large pump stanchions on it.

There isn't any but it is relatively easy. The front side, (Stick Marsh), is flat and loaded with wood. present depth 6-7 feet. The back side was a radish field so it is also flat. However there are old irrigation ditches that run north and south, and a major that runs east and west. The south end of the lake was fallow and is loaded with wood. Present activity is in the south portion of the the Farm. Rattle traps, Senkos, and SwimSenkos have been doing the trick.

The amount of big fish caught in January on this Mecca of ours will convince anyone that they must be dreaming. However, it is no dream, but rather a reality that can only be experienced if you are here. We do have some opening left that are up for grabs. Leave that frozen north and head this way for what could be the bass fishing experience of your life. Onboard we carry a camera, tape measure, and a certified Boga Grip to record and validate your big fish. Are these pictures meant to get you itching. You bet they are! If it's a replica you want we have a company down here in Stuart, Florida that is second to none. If it's the thrill of the chase and catch we will do our best to put you in contact with one of these giant ladies of our lakes. Be aware that we are not responsible for broken lines, lost lures, or poles overboard, but we will take full responsibility for the tremendous smiles as you release one of these monsters back to the deep. Give us a call!

Yep, she's the dumb one all right. Her bankers, I am sure, agree also.

That it is post-spawn is incorrect information. It is an excellent time of the year. You need to go to my site, click on lunker gallery and take a look at some of the previous March catches.

Go to any canvas shop. Water sealer will do the trick.

Here's the guy to tell you what's in that area - Tell him I said howdy. Dr. Mike Allen http://fishweb.ifas.ufl.edu/Allen/Allen.htm

Experience has shown that December in and around Christmas week has given us the cold snap needed to start moving the fish towards their spawning grounds in the south end of Farm 13. Present water temperatures are in the low 70's which has the bass still holding to summer patterns but I would expect this coming week to change all that. The forecast for this coming week and particularly tomorrow morning is cool to cold. Monday AM should see temperatures in and around the upper 30's with a high of only the upper 50's. Certainly these are warm temperatures for most of this country, but for us Floridians this is downright frigid. We should certainly see the water temperatures drop with front. As the chill settles in the fish move to pre-spawn areas and start feeding heavily in preparation to that magic period on the water. From the initial cool down, through the spring spawn, those of us fishing out here all the time find it relatively easy to stay on the fish. Whether we are casting rattle traps, spinner baits, or plastics the fish that can be caught will amaze you in both quantity and size. Mike followed up a previous year's catch with this 10.5 beauty chucking a white Mini Me made by Billy Dee of SOB lures. As is readily apparent by James's clothing, cool brings big bass for us. I don't think anyone would be unhappy pulling a lunker such as this out of the water no matter how warmly they had to dress. Last winter we saw warmer temperatures with lots of wind. However, the Marsh's sister lake, Ansin/Garcia provides protection from the wind and an opportunity for some good sized bass. There is nothing like getting the youngsters involved, and the thrill of watching Ryan land this 10+ lady is just what Grandpa Bill set out for on this fantastic lake. These are but a sample of the fish that are caught here as the cooler temperatures move in. The upcoming weeks will find more satisfied anglers hauling in bass of equal caliber and lots of them. To catch fish like this does not require a tackle package that is huge. Spinner baits, rattle traps, chug bugs, buzz baits, jerk baits, and of course Senkos are all that's needed for your trip to this highly productive lake.

Well this just about screws everthing up. I am presently growing 5 bass that will exceed 13 pounds and be ready for Avid and Muddy's scheduled trip on Dec. 22, 2012. :'(

Canoe is over priced at 12 feet. Watch the classified ads - I have seen plenty for $100 - $150 for 16'.

Better than lead, but not better than brass. Won't close down on the line. More enviornmental friendly.

As the saying goes, "time flies when your having fun", and that has been the case here on Stick Marsh/Farm 13, Ansin/Garcia, and Blue Cypress Lake. We have been fishing all three locations depending on weather and winds with most of our time being spent on Stick Marsh/Farm 13. Blue Cypress Lake: This is one of the most enjoyable lakes to fish, and although it doesn't have the reputation for and abundance of big fish, they are there to be caught. The lake is a large oval, and the only natural lake in the Blue Cypress Conservation Area. Surrounded by towering cypress trees that in many areas come well out into the water the lake offers good bass fishing and a stellar reputation for producing big crappie. Access to the lake is good via 2 ramps that are located at Middleton's Fish Camp and Middleton's offers the finest shiners if you wish to live bait fish. Unlike many of the Florida man-made impoundments this is a lake well suited to shore pounded with varied offerings around the lake. The west shore from Middleton's Fish Camp south is heavy with Kissimmee Grass, Bulrush, and Maiden Cane as well as cypress trees. This grass continues along the south rim and then north along the east rim to about mid-point of the lake. The northern have of the lake is cypress laden with access well back into the cypress. It's all great fishing but my favorite is working the grass areas of the lake. Exiting out the mid-point of the north shore is the M-Canal that runs the length of the Marsh/Farm and the Zig/Zag which heads east along the south end of the Farm. At times both legs can be excellent. Over the next couple of months the spawn will be setting up and taking place. You can get the hot spot information by talking with the gang at Middleton's Fish Camp. The only drawback to the fishing here is the dirt road access which can be quite rough with washboard effect at times. The access road is located going north off Route 60, approximately 3 miles east of YeeHaw Junction. Ansin/Garcia Lake: This man-made impoundment located off Route 512, 1.5 miles north of Route 60 and just 8 miles west of I95 Vero Beach exit is another winner in this group of lakes. Although it shares the same waters as the Stick Marsh, it was designed totally different which makes it a great place to go when the wind makes the Marsh a difficult place to fish. For many, its tranquil scenery, and varied impoundments make it the favored choice over all the lakes. This lake was at one time a horse ranch which included a race track for training. The outline of the racetrack is still very visible and can be traced by boat, and at times can produce some excellent fishing. From areas heavily covered with spatter dock, to impoundments of open water this lake offers a much varied fishing mecca. Navigational concerns are few compared to the Marsh however, the false levees that separate some of the impoundments should be approached with caution. With lake levels up as they are right now there is no concern, but as lake levels drop, groundings become possible. Access to this lake is directly off 512 and pavement all the way. Two ramps and a spacious parking lot make this one easy to get to. Stick Marsh/Farm 13: This man-made lake is reputedly one of the finest producing lakes in North America, and rightfully so. The numbers of fish caught each year that are in excess of 10-pounds is staggering, and days presenting catches of more than 50 bass are common. It is not a small lake as is the common perception based on its name, presenting 6700 acres, (11 square miles), which can be quite daunting to figure out at times. The conditions below the surface vary tremendously with the Stick Marsh being a lake of cover which ranges from a mixture of Cypress, Palm, and Wax Myrtle. Although not prominent features, there are a couple old hunting roads that criss-cross the lake and knowing where these start and end can give you a distinct advantage in tracking bass on this side. Although fish can be found on the Marsh side throughout the year, the spring holds the better fishing. Areas of historical preference seem to be the northwest quadrant, an area called Twin Palms, (located sort of in the middle of the lake), and the SW. Separating the lake to force the water to flow greater distance is a divider levee that goes 3/4 of the way from the east to the west. The south side of that levee is Farm 13, which is totally different from the Marsh side. The bulk of area is open flat field which was once a radish field, farm #13 of Fellsmere Farms, hence the name. Although there is only grass for cover in the open area, this side has structure. There are 3 irrigation ditches that run from the north to the south, and one major feeder ditch that runs from the east to the west at mid field. In addition there are two current producing structures: an irrigation pumping station at mid-point on the east wall, and the famous spillway allowing access to the water flowing into the Marsh/Farm from Ansin/Garcia, which is in the SE corner. If either structure is producing current and attract the bass the fishing will simply blow your mind. Days of 250 bass and more have been had by two people fishing in these locations. The only way to know if there is current is to go and look as neither structure is operated on any schedule and both are controlled by two different entities. The south end of Farm 13 holds much of interest for our spawning season. With wood located everywhere below the surface it offers the bass conditions that are ideal in support of their reproduction endeavors. This is also the area of the lake that sees the most boat damage, so a word to the wise: be careful across the entire southern width of the Farm. For all three lakes, bait selection can be quite varied. However there are some that are a staple to production and should be a major portion to your tackle selection. Rattle traps, small crank baits, hard jerk baits, plastics, spinner baits, and top water baits are all requisite in your box and will cover just about all the bases for you. Line strength should be in the 17# plus range as you need to get the fish up and keep them out of the wood. Also poles should have adequate backbone to facilitate moving the fish quickly. When fishing any of these lakes remember: The next cast can produce a fish that is in excess of 10-pounds. Stay alert, and keep casting. See you out there. Say hi if you get the chance.

As the saying goes, "time flies when your having fun", and that has been the case here on Stick Marsh/Farm 13, Ansin/Garcia, and Blue Cypress Lake. We have been fishing all three locations depending on weather and winds with most of our time being spent on Stick Marsh/Farm 13. Blue Cypress Lake: This is one of the most enjoyable lakes to fish, and although it doesn't have the reputation for and abundance of big fish, they are there to be caught. The lake is a large oval, and the only natural lake in the Blue Cypress Conservation Area. Surrounded by towering cypress trees that in many areas come well out into the water the lake offers good bass fishing and a stellar reputation for producing big crappie. Access to the lake is good via 2 ramps that are located at Middleton's Fish Camp and Middleton's offers the finest shiners if you wish to live bait fish. Unlike many of the Florida man-made impoundments this is a lake well suited to shore pounded with varied offerings around the lake. The west shore from Middleton's Fish Camp south is heavy with Kissimmee Grass, Bulrush, and Maiden Cane as well as cypress trees. This grass continues along the south rim and then north along the east rim to about mid-point of the lake. The northern have of the lake is cypress laden with access well back into the cypress. It's all great fishing but my favorite is working the grass areas of the lake. Exiting out the mid-point of the north shore is the M-Canal that runs the length of the Marsh/Farm and the Zig/Zag which heads east along the south end of the Farm. At times both legs can be excellent. Over the next couple of months the spawn will be setting up and taking place. You can get the hot spot information by talking with the gang at Middleton's Fish Camp. The only drawback to the fishing here is the dirt road access which can be quite rough with washboard effect at times. The access road is located going north off Route 60, approximately 3 miles east of YeeHaw Junction. Ansin/Garcia Lake: This man-made impoundment located off Route 512, 1.5 miles north of Route 60 and just 8 miles west of I95 Vero Beach exit is another winner in this group of lakes. Although it shares the same waters as the Stick Marsh, it was designed totally different which makes it a great place to go when the wind makes the Marsh a difficult place to fish. For many, its tranquil scenery, and varied impoundments make it the favored choice over all the lakes. This lake was at one time a horse ranch which included a race track for training. The outline of the racetrack is still very visible and can be traced by boat, and at times can produce some excellent fishing. From areas heavily covered with spatter dock, to impoundments of open water this lake offers a much varied fishing mecca. Navigational concerns are few compared to the Marsh however, the false levees that separate some of the impoundments should be approached with caution. With lake levels up as they are right now there is no concern, but as lake levels drop, groundings become possible. Access to this lake is directly off 512 and pavement all the way. Two ramps and a spacious parking lot make this one easy to get to. Stick Marsh/Farm 13: This man-made lake is reputedly one of the finest producing lakes in North America, and rightfully so. The numbers of fish caught each year that are in excess of 10-pounds is staggering, and days presenting catches of more than 50 bass are common. It is not a small lake as is the common perception based on its name, presenting 6700 acres, (11 square miles), which can be quite daunting to figure out at times. The conditions below the surface vary tremendously with the Stick Marsh being a lake of cover which ranges from a mixture of Cypress, Palm, and Wax Myrtle. Although not prominent features, there are a couple old hunting roads that criss-cross the lake and knowing where these start and end can give you a distinct advantage in tracking bass on this side. Although fish can be found on the Marsh side throughout the year, the spring holds the better fishing. Areas of historical preference seem to be the northwest quadrant, an area called Twin Palms, (located sort of in the middle of the lake), and the SW. Separating the lake to force the water to flow greater distance is a divider levee that goes 3/4 of the way from the east to the west. The south side of that levee is Farm 13, which is totally different from the Marsh side. The bulk of area is open flat field which was once a radish field, farm #13 of Fellsmere Farms, hence the name. Although there is only grass for cover in the open area, this side has structure. There are 3 irrigation ditches that run from the north to the south, and one major feeder ditch that runs from the east to the west at mid field. In addition there are two current producing structures: an irrigation pumping station at mid-point on the east wall, and the famous spillway allowing access to the water flowing into the Marsh/Farm from Ansin/Garcia, which is in the SE corner. If either structure is producing current and attract the bass the fishing will simply blow your mind. Days of 250 bass and more have been had by two people fishing in these locations. The only way to know if there is current is to go and look as neither structure is operated on any schedule and both are controlled by two different entities. The south end of Farm 13 holds much of interest for our spawning season. With wood located everywhere below the surface it offers the bass conditions that are ideal in support of their reproduction endeavors. This is also the area of the lake that sees the most boat damage, so a word to the wise: be careful across the entire southern width of the Farm. For all three lakes, bait selection can be quite varied. However there are some that are a staple to production and should be a major portion to your tackle selection. Rattle traps, small crank baits, hard jerk baits, plastics, spinner baits, and top water baits are all requisite in your box and will cover just about all the bases for you. Line strength should be in the 17# plus range as you need to get the fish up and keep them out of the wood. Also poles should have adequate backbone to facilitate moving the fish quickly. When fishing any of these lakes remember: The next cast can produce a fish that is in excess of 10-pounds. Stay alert, and keep casting. See you out there. Say hi if you get the chance.