Stick Marsh bass fishing
Largemouth bass in the flooded farmland west of Vero Beach, near Fellsmere.
Guided bass trips on the Stick Marsh (Farm 13), inland from Vero Beach near Fellsmere. Fish standing timber, grass and open water for largemouth bass with artificial lures or live shiners. Trips book online with live dates.
Book your bass trip
Bass trips launch near Fellsmere, west of Vero Beach. Every calendar below shows live availability. Choose your number of guests, a date and a time, then book.
4-hour bass trip
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6-hour bass trip
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8-hour bass trip
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- Free cancellation up to 72 hours before
- Full refund or free reschedule if the guide cancels for weather
Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm. Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip.
What's included and what's not
- Professional local fishing guide
- Boat and fuel
- Rods, reels and tackle
- Artificial lures
- Life jackets
- Florida freshwater fishing license (required for most anglers 16 and older)
- Live wild shiners (optional; ask your guide about the cost)
- Guide tip (10–20% is customary)
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to the boat ramp
What to bring
Stick Marsh / Farm 13
West of Vero Beach near Fellsmere, the Stick Marsh (Farm 13) was built from flooded farmland in the upper St. Johns River marsh, next to Headwaters Lake. Every trip on this page fishes its standing timber, grass beds and open water for largemouth bass.
Fish you can catch on the Stick Marsh
Know your fish →
Largemouth bassLearn more
Black crappieLearn more
BluegillLearn more
Redear sunfishLearn more
BowfinLearn moreSize limits, bag limits and seasons change: see the FWC freshwater fishing regulations.
Reviews from Stick Marsh trips
5.0200 reviews
Always enjoy coming out to fish Headwaters with Captain Paul! I’ll be back!
Jim Amsler · October 2026 · Google
Epic day on the water!
First time fishing with Captain Lemay and he did not disappoint at all. He was very courteous and worked great with my grandson Giving him advice on the ins and outs of landing them all . We did a four hour trip on headwaters and it was a great day of memories of epic proportions, He put my…
William Cooper · April 2026
Captain Bill was on the money again! Had a great day fishing with 32 in the boat! If you’re looking for Florida bass fishing, sign up with Capt Bill. You won’t be disappointed.
Jim Burch · March 2026 · Google
Fishing the Headwaters
Capt Paul Was very knowledgeable about the headwaters, and instructed us about the best methods used to catch Bass with live bait. We caught ten Bass during our afternoon charter and had an enjoyable day. My friend and I would recommend Capt Paul for your next charter. J Cattell
J Cattell · March 2026
We had a fantastic time at Headwater lake today with Captain Paul!
Holly Oconnell · February 2026 · Google
Second time I have fished with Captain Bill Goudy Jr. He did an incredible job putting me on a pile of fish on Headwaters Lake on an unseasonably cold day. Caught 56! large mouth bass. Already planning my next trip with Captain Bill.
Warren Barratt · February 2026 · Google
Great guide on a great lake.
Steve is very knowledgeable and really cares if his clients get results. He is easy to talk to and share information. If you need a seasoned and experienced guide for Fellsmere sign him up! You will not be disappointed.
Tony · February 2026
I had a great trip today with Captain Mike at Headwaters! Caught many quality fish! Absolutely beautiful day! Loved the spots Mike took me too! Wonderful conversation too!
John Linton · January 2026 · Google
Excellent fishing with Bill Goudy
A friend of mine and I went fishing with Bill Goudy at headwaters Lake in mid January. We caught a lot of fish. My friend got one over 6 pounds and I got one just under 5 pounds and a whole lot of them from their own down. The action was steady, sometimes slow, but if you waited it out, it wouldn’t…
Gary Doering · January 2026
We fished with Capt Bill Goudy Jr on Headwaters Lake on 3 Jan 2026 just after the cold weather. He put us on plenty of large bass with our best 5 weighing 24 lbs. He is knowledgeable and friendly and an excellent guide. Highly recommend him for a great day of fishing.
Tim Harrington · January 2026 · Google
Third trip with Captain Paul Dampier today,brought my daughter, she crushed it. Captain Paul had her pulling in 4# after 4#, then lined her up with a 5# ..... not done,she finished it off with a 6#...... Thank you Captain ☘️☘️☘️
Shannon Mccarthy · December 2025 · Google
I went out with Captain Bill and two of my best friends. We had a great experience. Captain Bill was amazing. He was great at communicating the best fishing technique to be successful at catching bass. All three of us caught a lot of bass and enjoyed learning about bass fishing, the area…
Rick Reeves · December 2025 · Google
Stick Marsh bass fishing: what you can catch
Stick Marsh bass fishing near Vero Beach is mostly about largemouth bass, which hold on the standing timber and grass beds of this flooded farmland near Fellsmere. Crappie, bluegill and shellcracker round out the catch in season. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big bass; in summer, the early-morning bite is best.
What's biting by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Bass spawn season and the best shot at a big fish
- Crappie at their best
Spring Mar–May
- Late spawn and post-spawn bass, bluegill and shellcracker on beds
Summer Jun–Aug
- Early-morning topwater bass, then deeper grass edges as it heats up
Fall Sep–Nov
- Bass feed up as the water cools
- Crappie start to school late in the season
- Every angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. Buy it online before the trip.
- Black bass: 5 per person per day, and only 1 may be 16" or longer. Some waters have special bass rules; your guide will tell you before the trip.
- Crappie: 25 per person per day, 10" minimum.
Source: FWC. Limits change; your guide has the current rules.
How do you book a Stick Marsh bass fishing trip?
iOutdoors books 4-, 6- and 8-hour guided bass trips on the Stick Marsh (Farm 13), near Fellsmere west of Vero Beach, with live dates online. The guide provides the boat, fuel, rods, reels and lures. Each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license.
Stick Marsh bass fishing guide
West of Vero Beach near Fellsmere, the Stick Marsh (Farm 13) was built from flooded farmland in the upper St. Johns River marsh, next to Headwaters Lake. Standing timber, grass and open water hold largemouth bass, and the marsh is a short drive inland from the beaches.
Where you'll fish
The Stick Marsh / Farm 13 is flooded farmland with standing timber and grass beds. Every trip on this page fishes the Stick Marsh. Your guide confirms the boat ramp before the trip.
How the trips work
Trips run from a bass boat with a trolling motor. Your guide provides rods, reels and artificial lures, and can set you up with live wild shiners, which is often the best way to catch a big bass. Shiners are optional and cost extra; ask your guide when you book. Most bass are photographed and released.
Best time to go
Bass fishing is good all year. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big fish. In summer, go early for topwater action before the heat and afternoon storms. Fall brings cooler water and active fish.
Tips for planning your trip
- Get your license first. Buy a Florida freshwater fishing license online before the trip and bring it with you.
- Morning trips usually fish best, especially in summer.
- Ask about the rules. Some waters here have special bass rules; your guide will explain them.
Questions about Stick Marsh trips
How much does a Stick Marsh bass fishing trip cost?
Trips start at $400 for 4 hours. The live calendar shows the price for each trip length and date.
What is included?
Your guide, the bass boat and fuel, rods, reels and tackle, artificial lures and life jackets. The Florida freshwater license, live shiners and the guide's tip are not included.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. Freshwater guides don't carry a license that covers guests, so each angler 16 or older needs a Florida freshwater fishing license unless exempt. You can buy one online before the trip.
How many people can come?
Bass boats usually take 2 to 3 anglers. Choose your number of guests in the calendar.
Which trip length should I book?
A 4-hour trip is a good first trip and fits families. Book 6 or 8 hours for more time on the water and a better shot at a big bass.
Where do we meet?
Your guide confirms the boat ramp and start time with you before the trip. Trips launch near Fellsmere, west of Vero Beach.
What should I bring?
Your fishing license, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a light rain jacket, water and snacks, and a phone or camera in a dry bag.
What if the weather is bad?
If the guide cancels for weather, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 72 hours before your trip.
Is it good for kids?
Yes. A 4-hour trip, often with live shiners for steady action, is a good fit for families.
Can I keep my fish?
Most guides release bass after photos. You may keep fish within FWC limits; ask your guide before the trip.
When is the best time to fish the Stick Marsh?
Bass fishing is good all year. Winter and early spring bring the spawn and the best shot at a big fish; in summer, go early in the morning.
Nearby lakes
More lakes with guided bass trips around Vero Beach and Lake Okeechobee.
