Brian6428 Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 Hi guys, I am planning a one day fishing trip to the Lake of the Ozarks in mid-April (I'm not too concerned about the lake in specific, otherwise it would be in central bass fishing thread). I have only been fishing for about 6 months on a lake that has a reputation for being pretty bad, and doing it from shore, too. That said, I get skunked about half the times I go. I had a real good late summer pattern but can't find the fish since then. So we are going to LOZ, which is supposed to be very good for bass fishing. I would be using my Grandpa's canoe. However, I do not want to get skunked. Do you guys think I should hire a guide for the morning and go on the canoe in the afternoon? Or should I be fine on my own. I haven't ever fished in spring before so don't know what to expect. So, guide or no guide? Thanks in advance! Quote
CKFishin Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 Please DO NOT get out of the backs of the coves in a canoe stay AWAY from from the main channel... That lake is dangerous when you get outta the coves.. Is a guide worth getting put on better fish or knowing the pattern already? Quote
Super User Felix77 Posted March 25, 2013 Super User Posted March 25, 2013 If you can afford it a guide should put you on fish. They can be expensive though. With that said my 1st experience with a guide transformed me into the obsessed fisherman that I am now. He taught me a ton! Quote
Brian6428 Posted March 25, 2013 Author Posted March 25, 2013 Please DO NOT get out of the backs of the coves in a canoe stay AWAY from from the main channel... That lake is dangerous when you get outta the coves.. Is a guide worth getting put on better fish or knowing the pattern already? Yeah, we would definitely be staying in the cove. I am even hesitant to go into the main channel on a jet ski! If you can afford it a guide should put you on fish. They can be expensive though. With that said my 1st experience with a guide transformed me into the obsessed fisherman that I am now. He taught me a ton! Sounds like the guide would definitely make for fun fishing, and I wouldn't mind that transformation if I learned that much! Thanks for the advice! Quote
CKFishin Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 I would wait for some of the other guys to comment on who to use for a guide as I have zero recommendations on LOZ guides. Quote
Super User Felix77 Posted March 25, 2013 Super User Posted March 25, 2013 Yeah, we would definitely be staying in the cove. I am even hesitant to go into the main channel on a jet ski! Sounds like the guide would definitely make for fun fishing, and I wouldn't mind that transformation if I learned that much! Thanks for the advice! Do your homework and make sure they are reputable. I heard not all guides are created equal. 1 Quote
Brian6428 Posted March 25, 2013 Author Posted March 25, 2013 I would wait for some of the other guys to comment on who to use for a guide as I have zero recommendations on LOZ guides. Do your homework and make sure they are reputable. I heard not all guides are created equal. Those are both good ideas. Hopefully someone has used one they like. I have looked and the best looking one I have found is "Big Ed's Guide Service". Thanks! Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted March 25, 2013 Global Moderator Posted March 25, 2013 Do your homework and make sure they are reputable. I heard not all guides are created equal. X1000. Fishing with a good guide is one of the best experiences you can have in fishing. Fishing with a bad guide, however, is a nightmare that you paid to live through. I've had the experience of fishing with both kinds. Do your homework and hire a guide. It's probably going to run around $300 for a good guide but it will be very worth it. Quote
Oldplug Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 Assuming that your grandpa lives on the lake do you know what mile marker and the Send of the cove?. If you want a guide you might want to contact Ozark's outfitters in Laurie. They have a a lot of contact with the best fishermen on the lake. Matter if fact the store belongs to Guido Hibdon's sister and her husband. Quote
tritonguy Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 Hire a guide, it will be well worth the time and money. You will experience what LOZ is all about. Quote
Brian6428 Posted March 25, 2013 Author Posted March 25, 2013 Assuming that your grandpa lives on the lake do you know what mile marker and the Send of the cove?. If you want a guide you might want to contact Ozark's outfitters in Laurie. They have a a lot of contact with the best fishermen on the lake. Matter if fact the store belongs to Guido Hibdon's sister and her husband. I believe its around MM 34, but I know his cove is right next to Ozark Bar-B-Que, if that helps. And thanks, I will look into that. X1000. Fishing with a good guide is one of the best experiences you can have in fishing. Fishing with a bad guide, however, is a nightmare that you paid to live through. I've had the experience of fishing with both kinds. Do your homework and hire a guide. It's probably going to run around $300 for a good guide but it will be very worth it. The best looking one I've found, Big Ed's Guide service runs $225 for 4 hours. That seem reasonable? And any suggestions for other guides? Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted March 25, 2013 Global Moderator Posted March 25, 2013 I looked around a little and it looked like 225-300 was the average price for a 4 hour trip. I've never fished with a guide on LOZ so I can't personally recommend anyone for out there. Quote
Oldplug Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 BOATLESSBRIAN Sounds like your grandpa is a west sider like I am. Just be careful out there in a canoe. And if you want a guide I still say your best bet would be to call Ozark's Outfitters in Laurie. The reason I recommend they is because I know how deep their root are in the locale fishing community. Quote
Brian6428 Posted March 25, 2013 Author Posted March 25, 2013 BOATLESSBRIAN Sounds like your grandpa is a west sider like I am. Just be careful out there in a canoe. And if you want a guide I still say your best bet would be to call Ozark's Outfitters in Laurie. The reason I recommend they is because I know how deep their root are in the locale fishing community.. Oldplug, can you leave a link to their website? I just googled it and couldn't find anything. Thanks! Quote
Oldplug Posted March 25, 2013 Posted March 25, 2013 Here you go. Bryant's Osage Tackle at. WWW.osagetackle.com Just in case they do not answer quickly (573) 4374-9001 Let me know how it turns out. Quote
Brian6428 Posted March 25, 2013 Author Posted March 25, 2013 Thanks, I just emailed them about rates and such. Theres no real rush since it is just under a month away. Thanks for the advice and I will definitely let you know how it turns out. Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted March 26, 2013 Global Moderator Posted March 26, 2013 Thanks, I just emailed them about rates and such. Theres no real rush since it is just under a month away. Thanks for the advice and I will definitely let you know how it turns out. I wouldn't be so sure about that, a lot of the more popular guides will book up months in advance. Quote
Brian6428 Posted March 26, 2013 Author Posted March 26, 2013 I wouldn't be so sure about that, a lot of the more popular guides will book up months in advance. Good point, I didn't even think of that. I will try to get one booked tonight or tomorrow night. Thanks for the reminder! Quote
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