Hello All

[Ed Franko]

My name is Ed Franko (aka Big Ed).  I am a fishing guide here on beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. I live around the three and a half mile marker in Downing Branch Cove. My wife and I own Bass and Baskets Bed and Breakfast. The name of my guide service is Big Ed's Guide Service. I am strictly a catch and release Bass Guide. I do fish for food fish, crappie from time to time, however I would rather catch something that pulls my string.  I fish mainly from the dam to the Gravios.  My objective is for you to have a great time and learn something as I will learn from you.     

I fish out of a 2016 Phoenix 921 XP (thank you Howard McCallister) rigged with 250 Mercury Pro XS, Lowrance Electronics,  and MinnKota Trolling motor.  Yes I love my Phoenix. Nothing like a great fishing platform. I start my guide trips from my house and will give you all the attention I possibly can. Can I put you on the biggest bass in the lake?  Will we catch them like the guys on TV on every cast?   Oh son, I believe in magic but it simply does not work like that. Fish bite when they want to.  They never are in the same place and they come in all different sizes.  If a client catches one over 8 we will measure it, weigh it, take lots of pictures of it then Release It. Yes I said release it.. HOWEVER I will pay for a fiberglass replica of it for you. This is how strong I feel about catch and release.

I will post as much as possible and will report the good, the bad and the ugly.  Those that know me, know that I tell it like it is.  And yes you should have been here yesterday,  just kidding.  I normally fish everyday and hope to report every day as well. My reports will include water temp, water color, what my clients are fishing for what I am fishing. More than anything the truth of what is really going on. No I will not give exact locations or baits but i will give you information such as a jig , worm or a topwater. Do I know everything about bass fishing? HECK NO but I know enough to get by.  

 I have back surgery scheduled in a week.  So until the end of March it is going to be hit and miss.  I have friends that will keep me up to date so I will post when I can, what I can.. 

I hope you find my posts helpful.  Please comment if you like . Please don't call for fishing info unless you are booking a trip. Please don't take this wrong.  I love to talk but I want to give my time to my present clients and in the evening I like to spend it with family.. Send me a message and I will answer it as soon as possible. If you call to book a trip and I don't answer leave me a message and I will call you back..  Thanks for understanding. 

Good Fishing! 

Big Ed

bigedsguideservice.com

573-692-6710

 

[WeekendWarrior]

Welcome aboard Big Ed! Good luck with the back surgery. 

[rps]

Welcome! Any information you share will be welcome and we hope you enjoy what we share.

[slothman]

Howdy Ed. I've been by your dock fishing many times. Caught a pretty nice one just a couple docks down the last time I was over there. Sometime, when I'm out there, I'll have to give you a shoutout. 

[WHARFRAT]

welcome!

[nomolites]

Been by your place many times; actually, do you have a BIL named Denny?  Used to see him often at work and talk fishing the lower end...I like to spoon that roll off to your south.

Mike

[MOsmallies]

Welcome Ed! Look forward to having you around

[Bass Enforcer]

Welcome Ed. Thanks for the info and I am looking forward to what you have to offer. I hope all goes well with your surgery and I wish you luck. Thanks again.