February, 6 marks an important anniversary in my bass fishing career. It was on this day in 2002 that I landed the first of many largemouth bass. I never expected that day just how much of an impact that small fish would have on my future. Sure I fished a lot as a kid but I had lived my life on the ocean and had never really been exposed to fresh water fishing much. However we had just purchased a house on Lake Griffin and it was high time I got out there and explored the world of bass fishing.
Tony Kob, Sr. had long been telling me of the story behind the Stick Marsh and the day had come for us to hire a guide and check it out. Tony had a friend who had taken him several times before, his name was Hugh Crumpler, so we loaded up the truck and headed to Fellsmere for our day on the lake. In the early morning darkness, Hugh met us at the hotel and led us to the ramp and prepared for a day of wild shiner fishing. Things worked quickly and before you know it I had my first fish in the boat. I proudly displayed fish for the camera and thought to myself that was easy enough and pretty fun too. Fish number two in the boat and I prepared to have another photo taken, when I learned that you don’t need to photograph every fish we catch. Oh OK, I responded and dutifully returned the fish to the water. When fish number 3 came over the rail we measured and weighed it and I quickly returned her to the lake, nothing to this I thought. Hugh and Tony were all over me as to why I didn’t wait for pictures. “You told me we don’t take pictures of them all”, I exclaimed. Turns out I had just released a 25 “, 9.5 lb. trophy without the benefit of photographic proof. Who knew? I would $pend the next several years trying to match that catch on day one. Bass fishing became a serious obsession with me that day which would eventually lead to me actually living the life of a bass professional and purchasing that guide service from Hugh Crumpler when he decided to retire several years later.
A whole lot has happened between that day and the present but one thing has not changed and that is the fact that a day on the Stick Marsh fishing with friends can be one of the most exciting and fun ways to spend your leisure time. I have learned so much since that day and I really enjoy being able to share the experience with others. Fate or destiny? I don’t know for sure but the seed was planted that day and the tree has grown rapidly and strong. Eight years ago I could not spell Bass Professional Guide now I are one.
I invite you all to come out and enjoy the scenery and experience for yourself the thrill of a guided tour of the famous Stick Marsh Farm 13. There are plenty of good days still available so check your calendar and send me an e-mail to arrange your trip. Oh and when you catch that trophy fish of a lifetime I will be sure to get it photographed before you send it back to bite again.
