Submitted by: Kevin "Swede" Oleen - 9/8/08

Florida's famous Stick Marsh and Mr. George Welcome summoned me to prepare my gear and depart Tampa eastbound at O dark thirty yesterday morning. George and I agreed to meet up at about 6:30am - so I left early enough to beat George to our meeting spot. No such luck - arrived at 5:55am and George was there waiting on me. After grabbing a quick McDonald's breakfast - we made the trek to the Marsh.

What a beautiful morning we had after TS Hanna departed for the NE USA. Partly cloudy skies, water 85 degrees and a light breeze - perfect. We pulled up on the first stop - George says lipless CB or TX-rig - so I pull out an El Grande 6 inch Pepper Stick in Tilapia color. George hooks up with a couple smaller fish to start the day off right. Then I get a thump - I set the hook - and fight the fish pictured below to the boat. It went about 4.5 pounds and man what a fight. My 5/0 Gami was bent - a first for me - had to replace a hook after fish number 1.

We went and checked out a couple more areas with not a lot happening - probably due to effects of Hanna passing through the day prior. We picked up a couple of fish though - one here and one there. George's experience on this water showed and he kept up the search. We idled into another area of Farm 13 - and there they were. Fish started busting shad out in front of us. I cast that lipless CB as far as I could in the direct of the fish and wham - fish on. Did I mention these fish can fight. I lost count - but guessing George and I had fish on - on each of our next 10 casts. All these fish in the 1.5-4.0 lb class.

The fish took a short break before schooling once again - more catching action ensued before George and I decided to call it a day at 3pm. I was a hot day and I was plum wore out.

I've fished most of Florida's larger bodies of water - and I can definitely tell you - fish here fight better than any other. They'd give Coosa River Spots a run for their money. They just refuse to give up.

Additionally - I was thoroughly impressed by George Welcome and had an absolutely fantastic time. George and I shared some life stories, he has great equipment, and he put us on fish. I've never actually fished with a guide before, but as George now knows - I will be back. Thanks for the adventure George!

Great testimonial.

The stick marsh bass do seem to fight harder.

Wonder why that is?

A great deal of them attend attitude class which is held the 3rd Wednesday of the month on alternating months sometimes at 9:30 and sometimes not. Being members of Bass Local 301 they have the opportunity to further educate themselves and most take advantage of that opportunity.

The fish don't fight harder there, they're just scared to death of George,lmao!!!

They recognize the boat

Great report, nice job guiding GW

Wow!

Stick Marsh/ Farm 13, a slice of paradise!

8-)