Sent by: Clay
Williams
Comments: - (2010-03-01)
I have fished with Ed
a good many times over the past 9 years,
and I've never had a bad trip. This past
weekend was no exception. Saturday with
cold water (49) and colder air (45) and
rain, we fished for 4 hours and i caught
20 good bass, most in the 4-6 lb range,
with a 91/2, an 81/2, and a 71/2 in the
mix. Sunday the water was 46 when we
started, the air about 39. High bluebird
skies, and a northwest wind at 20 mph.
I figured we'd be in trouble on this
cold front, but while it was tough, I
still caught 15 nice bass, in 8 hrs.
with an 8 lb, and 7 lb fish in the mix.
I had the fish of lifetime come unbuttoned
at the boat. I tried to tire him a little
to long instead of just bringing him
to the boat! I've fished Texas with a
few top guides for trophy bass and it
is nowhere nearly as good as fishing
the St. Johns River with Ed.
Thanks Ed, I'll see you again soon!
Clay Williams March 1st, 2010
Sent by: Gary
Clark
Comments: - (2010-02-24)
Dan Basore and I are
closer than brothers and we have been
fishing together for almost 40 years.
Our annual February tradition is to hire
Capt. Eddie for 3 days of shiner fishing
for giant bass and while I don't remember
a "bad" trip, they all keep getting better
and better. This year's just concluded
outing was simply unreal. Over three
days, we put 50 bass in the boat that
went like this: 3 over 8 pounds, 2 at
9 pounds each, and the monster of a lifetime
at 13 pounds on the nose! She was less
than 28" long, but was almost 2 feet
around in girth. I just kept muttering, "What
a fish! What a fish!" as I watched her
swim away to spawn more just like her.
The replica mount is already on order!
Our five largest weighed 48 pounds, obviously
very close to the ten pound average that
all bass fishermen lust after. Dan and
I simply lost count of the ones that
weighed 4 to 6 pounds, and we kept saying, "Capt.
Eddie you are spoiled!" We have both
had the good fortune to fish around the
globe and to fish with some of the best
guides in those various locations. No
one---that's no one---surpasses Capt.
Eddie's talent and passion for putting
clients on monster Florida bass. Just
like the Tina Turner song---he's "Simply
the Best!" If you too want to catch the
bass of a lifetime (or have your kids
experience this sport we all love so
much), be sure to give him a call. Just
don't interfere with the dates that Dan
and I will be back in the boat with him
next year!
Bass wishes, Gary Clark
Sent by: Megan
Flohrs
Comments: - (2009-12-19)
Eddie -
I want to thank you for the amazing experience my dad and I had while out fishing
with you. Neither of us ever expected to have an opportunity like this to catch
Florida bass. You have no idea how long I've waited to catch a prize fish to
be able to hang on the wall and with you I was able to do so. We are working
on getting a replica of my 10.8 monster. Thanks again for the great 2 days
of fishing and showing us what Florida fishing is really about! Hope to see
you again some day and catch my bass' older brother!
Megan Flohrs
Saint James, Minnesota
Sent by: Mike Dusek E-mail: "Paul.Dusek@fortworthgov.org
Comments: - (2009-10-12)
Just arrived back home
in Texas after catching my biggest bass
ever. Eddie is an excellent guide that
knows every hot spot on his lake and
river. After 3 days of Mickey Mouse and
riding the Tea Cups at Disney World it
sure was nice to get away and catch one
of these giant Florida bass I have read
about all my life and Eddie is the man
to see. Thanks again Eddie and I am now
looking forward to my next trip to Disney
World.
Mike Dusek
Springtown ,Texas ( HOOK EM HORNS )
Sent by: Ed Makovec E-mail: " edkate@embarqmail.com
Comments: - (2009-03-14
)
Thanks for a great day on the water,
I'm still reeling from the entire experience.
Brian and I have hired several fishing
guides in the Central Florida area over
the past years and by far the trip with
you was the most professional and productive.
Your concern, energies and experience
directed to our success was evident the
entire day. As veteran bass fishermen
we asked to be put on big fish. Not only
did you put us on "BIG FISH" but
you put us on "BIG FISH ALL DAY ".
Thanks again and we will be back.
Ed
Sent by: Brian
Jeffreys E-mail: " jighead65@msn.com
Comments: - (2009-03-13
)
Hey Eddie,
I just wanted to let you know how much
Ed and I enjoyed our trip with you last
Monday (3-09-09). You were at once professional
and personable and really worked hard
to put us on big fish. And you succeeded.
Catching 5lb.+ fish after fish after
fish in such a
short time was quite a thrill for me.
Those big Florida Bass pull so hard!
And Ed fulfilled his
lifelong ambition to catch his ten pounder,
I know you can appreciate what that means
to him,
Eddie.
Ed and I have fished the St. Johns and
its associated lakes for over 10 years.
We've been
on quite a few guided trips, and we agreed
yours was the best so far. We look forward
to
spending more time on the water with
you soon.
Thanks again.
Brian Jeffreys
Hillsborough, NC
Sent by: Robert
Moots E-mail: Robert.Moots@weastec.com
Comments: - (2008-10-13
)
Eddie,
I'm writing this, to
let you know how much I appreciate the
Generosity that you gave to me and my
group. It was incredible! We work hard,
and want to play hard. You made the entire
Trip to FL worthwhile. Your kindness
and ability to deal with us Yankees,
was much Appreciated.
You went well and above, what most
Guide Services in FL have to offer.
We will, and have, Highly recommended
your Services to other Guests,Groups,
and Friends.
We had to return North, but the Memories
of that Great Trip, will be forever
etched into our brains. I can't thank
you enough for your Hospitality, and
your Services. Did I say it was incredible?
Those few days are still being talked
about, now that's a Vacation! We're
highly awaiting in Great Anticipation,
on our next Trip with your Bass Challenger
Services !
Respectfully,
Robert Moots
Purchasing Manager
Weastec Inc.
1600 N.High St.
Hillsboro, Ohio 45133
Sent by: Scott
Hootman E-mail: shootman@sterneagee.com
Comments: - (2008-10-14
)
Five or
six years ago shortly after I had started
fishing in Florida for the first time
I had the extreme good fortune of finding
Ed Bussards web page and arranging
a trip with my buddy on short notice.
I have fished a long time in many parts
of the country with too many guides
to count, and I will tell you in that
one day I knew that I had finally found
someone who was a true professional
in their trade. In my opinion no one
works harder to put you on fish than
Eddie. There is no one regardless of
your skill level that can teach you
more than Eddie, and there is no one
I’d rather spend time in a boat
with.
I am unfortunately involved in
the securities business as a profession
so I do not get a lot of time off and
like to maximize the time I do get.
As we all know fishing can be good
and bad, I have caught big fish, and
big numbers with him, and I have had
a few slow days, but if you are looking
for a pro that knows what he is doing
and focuses 100% on putting you in
the best position to be successful
I would strong suggest you call Ed.
Sent by: Chip
Bennett E-mail: chipb621@comcast.net
Comments: - (2007-08-12
)
While I can't always get it done,
I try to travel to fish with Eddie as
often as I can. Seems like the
year isn't complete unless I get
down there to catch some fish. This
trip was great as usual. I asked
Eddie to target flipping fish. We
fished some absolutely beautiful parts
of the St. Johns and wrestled in several
nice fish including a beautiful, certified
10 pounder under tough fishing conditions. Eddie
also seemed to know when the hot Florida
weather was getting to me and he'd
take me out into the river proper and
we'd throw to schooling bass to
cool off a little bit. As usual
Eddie taught me a lot and this time was
no exception. I left Eddie
after this trip knowing much more about
flipping in heavy cover.
What a great trip! Thanks Eddie!
Chip Bennett
Executive Vice President
Partner, FC Partners Group, LLC
Sent by: Kate
Zbinden E-mail: kzbind1@hallmark.com
Comments: - (2007-01-26
)
Dear Eddie,
Just
wanted to let you know that my husband
and I loved the trip. Doug was great.
Had us on the water before the Sun
was fully up. Had us reeling them in
at the first stop. Caught fish all
morning... (caught some lillypads and
weeds too....) Fish ranged from 2-7
pounds... Would, and will, recommend
your guide service without hesitation.
(below see my Hubby with a 22" 7lb
Large Mouth) He is still smiling and
telling anyone who will listen his "fish
stories". Thank you again.
Sent by: Chip
Bennett E-mail: chipb621@comcast.net
Comments: - (2004-12-12
)
I just had to write about my son Ryan’s
and my trip to Florida for our 3 day
fishing trip with Eddie. It started out
as a typical fishing trip with Eddie.
We fished the St. John’s River
and caught some nice bass with Carolina
rigs, shiners, and flukes. The second
day we decided to fish a lake south of
the river and so we met early to drive
to the lake. Eddie was in front of us
pulling his rig and Ryan and I were in
a rental car following him. On the way
to the lake, an early morning, dozing
driver ran a red light and slammed into
Eddie's boat. It was a violent
collision and totale d Eddie's
boat. Thank the Good Lord that none of
us were hurt. I wanted to post this comment
because it will tell you a lot about
Eddie. Most guides would have just said
to Ryan and me that’s too bad – I
can’t take care of you now, I have
problems of my own. Not Eddie. Eddie
immediately worked within his contacts
to make sure that we had a guide to take
us fishing for the rest of our trip as
he dealt with the excruciating process
of dealing with the accident. So while
we didn’t get to fish the whole
trip with Eddie, we did still get to
fish – all because Eddie takes
care of his clients. You’re a good
man Eddie. Thank you for saving
our trip.
Chip Bennett
Senior Vice President
Chicago Board of Trade
Sent by: Kevin
Heard E-mail: kevin.j.heard@nasa.gov
Comments: - (2003-12-22)
I am a co-sponsor with the National
Teen Anglers in Polk County. I have
never fished with Ed, but I feel like
I have. Our Teens have tournaments
around the State of Florida yearly
and being they are students, they usually
have no time to pre-fish, they just
get to fish on tournament day. Ed has
helped these kids out beyond belief.
He offers up advise and direction that
no other guides have been willing to
do. If you have kids and want to fish
with a "kid person", Ed is the guide
you want. He has a great heart and
love for kids beyond just being a guide.
We just fished Okeechobee two weeks
ago and with Ed's advise the kids took
all five top places in the tournament.
Ed, we thank you very much. Fish with
Ed and bring your kids, you want regret
it.
Sent by: Keiju&Yuka E-mail: keijuyuka@ybb.ne.jp
Comments: - (2003-11-10)
Hello,Eddie!How are you?About one year
has passed since we went to fishing
with you. Thank you for memories of
very exciting and fun fishing.It was
greatest fishing in our life.We want
to go to Orland again.Please go fishing
together.
Post by: mike
rutherford E-mail: mightymouse112@epals.com
Comments: - (2003-11-06)
I would just like to say thanks to
Eddie. My dad and I went on a shiner
trip on lake toho 3 weeks ago. we had
about 23 fish all over 3lbs. the biggest
was 8.5 lbs. about 8 of the 23 were
over 6. Me and my dad had a great time
and will be returning for a 3rd trip
with Eddie. If you have any doubt in
his abilities take it from us that
he knows what hes doing.
Sent by: Roger
Whittle E-mail: roger@orlandovillarentals.org
URL: http://www.orlandovillarentals.org
Comments: - (2003-09-02)
Looking forward to using you next time
we are out.
Sent by: Wallis E-mail: wallis@knology.net
Comments: - (2003-07-27)
Took an extended “Whole family
Central Florida Trip” on 21 Jun…wife,
2 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, 4 grandchildren,
2 cars 1 truck and 1 boat. Taking them
all was the only way I could get to
do any fishing! Rented a 5 bedroom
villa (house) in Kissimmee. I first
considered driving to the Stick Marsh
every day but decided that would be
too much road time. Decided to try
Toho for the first time. So…I
Ed for a full day guide. Turned out
to be the best money I spent on the
entire trip! On Sunday, 22 Jun, Ed
took out myself and number one grandson
(Zach – age 15). Because I’m
far too old to throw a spinner bait
all day, we were going to stick to
shiner fishing with a little top water
and/or worm tossin’ in between.
Ed put us on the fish. Zach had a nice
bass over 9 pounds and several smaller
4 to 6 pounders. I more or less watched.
Weather ran us off the water about
1:30. Ed has pictures posted on his
web site. The rest of this attests
to his ability to put us on fish…for
the rest of the week!!!! 23 Jun. Time
to take my boat out. But… Dang
nab outboard would not start. Turned
out switch that says “I’m
in neutral…I’ll start”.
24 Jun. Took Kevin (son-in-law) out
to “Ed’s spot”. Hot
day. Some wind but not bad. No big
numbers but some real nice fish. One
9.5 pounder and several 6 and 7 pounds.
Guess we had about 25 total for the
day. I did pick up a 6 pounder and
couple of 4 pounders on Pop-R from
breaking schools that came up close
enough to the boat to cast to. 25 Jun.
Took Chip (son-in-law)…right
back to Ed’s place! Big numbers
without any real big fish. At least
40 fish up to 6.5 pounds, with most
over 4 pounds. Like to wore him out!
Everyone in camp wanting to know where
we were finding the fish! Boats running
all over the place but no one other
than Ed fishing the area. 26 Jun. Stayed
in bed late and had the pleasure of
going shopping with the wife. Did not
get on the water until 3 PM. Took daughter
and two grandsons (William – age
12, and Mitchell – age 11). I
was stuck doing all the “hooking
and casting” (felt like a guide
with a bunch of snow-birds). On the
first shiner in the water, Mitchell
got a pull. Doing what I told him,
he reeled in the slack and set the
hook like a pro. Round and round he
went. Tangled with all the other lines
but (somehow) managed to avoid the
anchor ropes. I did not realize he
had something large….just thought
he was having “first bass” fun.
Daughter and other grandson jumping
up and down hollering and Mitchell
saying “I can’t hold him”.
When he came up beside the boat I nearly
passed out. After netting it turned
out to be 12.17 pounds. 27 inches long
with 20 inch girth. Head like a basketball.
William did not catch anything that
big but he did have 4 or 5 nice bass.
27 Jun – last day. Took Kevin
back. Was strange day. Hot-Hot. About
9 the weather just went dead. No wind,
nothing moving. Just cooking. I think
we caught 8 bass, with only 1 a borderline
5 pounds. The rest smaller. Was a fantastic
trip. All credit to the guide – Ed
Bussard. Because it’s his “area”,
I’ll not reveal where we were
fishing, even if I could. We got all
our shiners and kept the boat stalled
at Richardson Camp. All first class
people. I got good pictures of all
fish which I will forward on request
(wallis@knology.net). None of the trophy
size fish were gut hooked and ALL were
released alive!!!
Sent by: Jeff E-mail: 5333@alloymail.com
Comments: - (2003-07-07)
I forgot to say that the catch and
release of all those big bass was definitely
something new and it was really nice
feeling to put them back to be caught
again. Before this, I couldn't imagine
releasing two seven pounders, in one
day especially! But knowing there are
bigger ones to catch in the winter,
hopefully a mounter. Can't say thanks
enough also for sacrificing some of
your vacation time to take this trip.
Sincerely, Jeff A.
Sent by: Chip Bennett E-mail: chipb621@comcast.net
Comments: - (2002-02-12
)
I’ve fished with Eddie many times
and always have a great time and catch
good fish. Eddie knows area waters like
the back of his hand including Toho and
the St. John’s River. Scott Hootman
and I had a great trip and caught solid
bass anchored by a 7.5 lb bucketmouth
on the St. John’s River - beautiful
fish that hit a fast running rattletrap.
Schooling bass were really active and
we had a ball throwing flukes and surface
lures to the boiling water. Great time
Eddie!
Chip Bennett
Senior Vice President
Chicago Board of Trade
Sent by: Chip
Bennett E-mail: chipb621@comcast.net
Comments: - (2000-12-30
)
I wanted to take my son Ryan bass fishing
in Florida and so I naturally set up
a fishing date with Eddie. The weather
was cold – it was in December -
but we were sure Eddie would find the
bass for us. And he did. Ryan sat in
the boat and practically wore out Eddie
(and the bass!) as he caught bass after
bass with shiners. This was the first
time that Ryan had fished with shiners
and the first time he had fished with
Eddie. Eddie does a great job helping
all people catch fish and does a great
job with kids. I would recommend him
for veteran and rookie fishermen alike.
Chip Bennett
Senior Vice President
BankOne
