Expert-Guided Santee Cooper Lakes Fishing Trip

Reel in the Big Ones on Santee Cooper Lakes

Get ready for a full day of non-stop fishing action on South Carolina's legendary Santee Cooper Lakes. Guided by the expert hand of Captain Stevie English, you'll spend 8 hours targeting some of the hottest fish species these waters have to offer. Whether you're after hard-fighting catfish, tasty panfish, or the elusive crappie, this trip has got you covered. Captain Stevie's got all the gear and local knowledge to put you on the fish – just bring your license, some snacks, and get ready to create some fish stories of your own.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step onto Captain Stevie's boat, you're in for a day of pure fishing bliss. We'll cruise the vast expanse of Santee Cooper, hitting all the prime spots where the big ones lurk. You'll get hands-on experience with different techniques, from bottom fishing for catfish to finesse fishing for crappie. The lakes are known for their diversity, so be prepared for anything – one minute you might be reeling in a monster blue cat, the next you could be filling the livewell with tasty panfish for dinner. With a 3-person capacity, this trip is perfect for small groups or families looking for quality time on the water.

Fishing Techniques & Gear

On Santee Cooper, we adapt our tactics to what's biting. For catfish, we often use cut bait or chicken liver on heavy tackle, letting it soak near drop-offs or in deep channels. When we're after crappie, we might switch to light tackle and use minnows or jigs around brush piles and standing timber. For sunfish, a simple bobber and worm setup can lead to non-stop action. Captain Stevie provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, including live bait and artificial lures. He's always tweaking his approach based on conditions, so you'll get to see firsthand how a pro adjusts to put clients on fish.

Top Catches This Season

Santee Cooper has been on fire lately, with anglers pulling in some real beauties. Blue catfish in the 20-30 pound range have been common, with a few lucky folks landing 50-pounders. The crappie fishing has been red hot too, with limits of slab-sized fish coming in regularly. And let's not forget about the green sunfish – these scrappy little fighters have been keeping rods bent all day long. Whether you're after a trophy cat or a mess of panfish for the fryer, Captain Stevie knows how to make it happen.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Green Sunfish: Don't let their size fool you – these feisty little guys punch way above their weight class. Green sunfish are aggressive feeders and will hit just about anything you throw their way. They're perfect for introducing kids to fishing or for anglers who love light tackle action. Look for them around shallow cover like fallen trees or dock pilings. The best part? They're delicious when fried up fresh.

Blue Catfish: The kings of Santee Cooper, blue cats are what draw many anglers to these waters. These whiskered giants can grow to over 100 pounds, though most catches are in the 5-30 pound range. They're bottom feeders that love cut bait, and you'll find them in deeper channels and around underwater structure. The fight of a big blue cat is something you won't soon forget – it's like trying to haul up a Volkswagen from the depths.

Crappie: Often called papermouths or slabs, crappie are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These silvery panfish school up around brush piles and standing timber, and when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Spring is prime time for crappie fishing, but Captain Stevie knows how to track them down year-round. There's nothing quite like the subtle 'thump' of a crappie strike on a light jig – it's addictive!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Santee Cooper Lakes have a way of getting under your skin. Maybe it's the thrill of never knowing what you'll catch next. Or the peaceful mornings watching the mist rise off the water. For many, it's the chance to tangle with some seriously big fish without needing to head offshore. Whatever draws you in, one thing's for sure – a day on Santee Cooper with Captain Stevie is more than just fishing, it's an experience you'll want to relive again and again. From the novice angler to the seasoned pro, these lakes have something for everyone.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to test your skills against the fish of Santee Cooper? Captain Stevie's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with tasty fillets or just want to spend a day on the water making memories, this full-day trip has got you covered. With all gear provided and Captain Stevie's wealth of local knowledge, you're set up for success from the moment you step on board. Don't let another season slip by – book your Santee Cooper fishing adventure today and get ready to create some fish tales of your own. The big ones are waiting – are you ready to reel them in?