My dad and I took a trip down there in the fall of 2000 and spent two days with a guy named John Leech (www.bassfishingguideflorida.com). I have no hesitation in recommending him for a guided trip, as he was very knowledgeable, friendly and patient over the course of both days we were with him. We spent 2 days fishing Stick Marsh/Farm 13, and between my dad and I we caught nearly 200 largemouth bass with an average of about 4.5 – 5 pounds. The biggest went about 7.5, but we had more 5-6 pounders than you can shake a stick at. We watched another guy catch one that went over 10 pounds…until you’ve seen one in person, you can’t imagine what that looks like.

On our trip we used shiners both days, which can be a little spendy at about a buck a piece. While it may not be the most technically challenging method for catching bass, it certainly makes up for it in entertainment value. It is truly something to watch a 10″ shiner swimming across the surface for it’s life and then get pounded by a big ol’ bucketmouth. Even after a couple hundred fish, this never got old.

I could go on and on about that trip….in short, I would strongly encourage you to try Stick Marsh/Farm 13. There is a ton of information available on the web about this lake, so you can decide for yourself. If you can’t get with John, we were talking to another guide, George Welcome (www.imaginationbassin.com) who seemed to be a nice enough guy. Incidentally, he’s the one who caught that 10 pounder.

I’m happy to answer any other questions you might have….good luck.

I must agree that In-Fisherman is the best show going, but I have to take offense to the less than flattering comments about Bill Dance. Granted, it’s not necessarily the most educational of programs but you can’t tell me you don’t sit there and drool as he hauls in one 5 pounder after another. For pure entertainment value, Bill Dance is OK in my book. On additional show that I’d like to throw out there is the Spanish Fly….that deep sea fishing is a nice break from watching bass and walleyes all day. My last comment is a simple one: Gillespie is a moron, plain and simple. I’ve never seen more HUGE!!!! 1 1/2 pound walleyes in my life…the guy is virtually unwatchable.

That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it….

Great forum by the way…cabin fever stinks.

Though not as fancy as a Leatherman, I’ve found that a simple box cutter has worked very well….watch your fingers though!

Do you have a schedule, or can you point me in the direction, of future seminars that you and/or your colleagues will be involved in? I would be interested in attending these in the future….thanks.

I just sent you a private message with some information