Fishing Frenzy

Anglers from all over the map have been attracted to South Carolina's superb Santee Cooper Lake fishing since way back in 1942. Marion and Moultrie lakes were created back then and linked by a canal that stretches for 6.5 miles. The lakes are open for fishing all year because they don't freeze over.

Huge catfish are abundant all year. Bass and bream are netted in equally large quantities during peak seasons. Santee Cooper is the holder of many state records for channel catfish and bass, and some even at the world level.

The connected waters coursing through the rivers, lakes and canal provides boats with a large and diverse area to explore and find the sweet spots where the fish are plentiful. Moultrie has depth and width, reaching 14 miles across at some points and allowing for a clean flow. Marion is messier and shallow, with live and rooted cypress trees mingling in with stumps and a lot of dead trunks that have been left standing.

Spring is the prime season, but the best time and location varies depending on the choice of fish. April end and May are the best time for bream, with fly-fishing as the recommended course of action. Blue and channel catfish can be found in plenty from April to October. During the fall, largemouth bass and crappies can be found in the shallow waters and cypress trees of Marion.

Striped bass can also be chased down easily in the fall, when the stripers and seagulls are attracted to the surface by shad. Look around for a bunch of noisy seagulls and head over there quickly. Reel in the striped bass while the opportunity exists and there is no competition.

A seven day freshwater santee cooper lake fishing license can be purchased for $11. A salt water license will cost another $11. Different types of boats from large 30 feet tritoons to smaller pontoons and fiberglass boats can be rented, and the boat captain will normally be good enough to guide guests on board towards a satisfying and successful angling trip.