Nighttime Catfish Adventure on Santee Cooper Lakes

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Santee Cooper
$350 - $450 price range

Summary

Join Captain Stevie for a night of catfish chasing on Santee Cooper Lakes. This full day PM trip runs 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to fish under the stars. The captain provides quality gear - rods, reels, tackle, lures, and live bait - so you can focus on the fun. Just bring your fishing license, snacks, and drinks. With room for 3 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. As darkness falls, you'll cruise the calm waters, setting lines and waiting for that telltale tug. Catfish are most active at night, so your chances of landing a big one are good. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to night fishing, Captain Stevie's local knowledge will put you on the fish. The quiet lake, moonlit sky, and anticipation of a catch make for a memorable evening on the water.

Nighttime Catfish Adventure on Santee Cooper Lakes

Moonlit Catfish Action

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Crappie fish caught during fishing trip in Cameron

White Crappie Catch in Santee Cooper Fishing Trip

6 fish caught on fishing trip in Cameron

Premier fishing with Santee Cooper Guide

Crappies Catch in Santee Cooper Fishing Charters!

Night Fishing Magic on Santee Cooper Lakes

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind fishing adventure under the stars on South Carolina's legendary Santee Cooper Lakes. This 8-hour PM trip with Captain Stevie is your ticket to experiencing the thrill of night fishing for monster catfish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, you'll love the peaceful atmosphere and heart-pounding action that only comes after dark.

Trip Overview

As the sun sets over Santee Cooper, the real fun begins. Captain Stevie knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the hotspots where big cats lurk. With top-notch gear provided and live bait ready to go, all you need to do is show up ready for action. This full-day PM trip runs a solid 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to settle in, find the fish, and hopefully land that trophy catfish you've been dreaming about. The lakes come alive at night, and you'll experience a whole different side of Santee Cooper that day anglers miss out on.

What to Expect on the Water

Night fishing is a whole different ballgame, and Captain Stevie's got it dialed in. You'll be using heavy-duty rods and reels spooled with sturdy line - because when a big blue cat hits, you need gear that can handle the fight. Live bait is the name of the game here, and the captain's got the good stuff that catfish can't resist. He'll show you the ropes on proper bait presentation and how to detect those subtle night bites. Expect to anchor up in prime spots, with multiple lines out to maximize your chances. The beauty of night fishing is the peaceful atmosphere punctuated by sudden, heart-stopping action when a rod doubles over.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Santee Cooper Lakes have a well-earned reputation as a catfish mecca, and night fishing here is addictive. The chance at hooking into a true monster keeps anglers coming back year after year. There's something magical about being out on the water under a starry sky, waiting for that telltale sound of a reel screaming as a big cat makes a run. Captain Stevie's expertise and easygoing nature make the whole experience a blast, whether you're hauling in fish or swapping stories between bites. Plus, with a max of 3 guests, you get plenty of personal attention and a chance to really hone your catfishing skills.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Blue Catfish are the main attraction on this night fishing adventure, and for good reason. These whiskered behemoths can grow to massive sizes in Santee Cooper Lakes, with fish over 50 pounds not uncommon and the potential for true giants lurking in the depths. Blues are aggressive feeders, known for their powerful fights and tasty fillets. They tend to be most active at night, especially during the warmer months, making them perfect targets for after-dark anglers.

While you're primarily after those big blues, don't be surprised if you tangle with some chunky Channel Catfish too. These spotted cats might not grow as large as their blue cousins, but they put up a great fight on appropriate tackle and are considered by many to be the best-eating catfish around. Channel cats are opportunistic feeders and readily take live bait, making them a fun by-catch on your blue cat hunt.

Crappie, affectionately known as "slabs" by local anglers, might make an appearance during your trip as well. While not typically targeted at night, these tasty panfish can sometimes be caught around lighted areas or structures. If you do hook into a crappie, you're in for a treat - their light, flaky white meat is prized by fish fry enthusiasts.

Green Sunfish, while not a primary target, might surprise you with their scrappy nature if you happen to hook one. These colorful little fighters are fun to catch on light tackle and can provide some action between catfish bites. They're most active during dawn and dusk, so you might encounter them as you're setting up for the night's fishing or as morning approaches.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching for a fishing trip that's out of the ordinary, this Santee Cooper night fishing adventure is calling your name. Captain Stevie's got the know-how, the gear, and the spots to put you on some serious catfish action. Whether you're a local looking for a new fishing experience or a visitor wanting to sample some of South Carolina's best angling, this trip delivers. Just remember to grab your fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready for a night on the water you won't forget. Spots are limited to just 3 guests per trip, so don't wait - book now and get ready to tangle with some Santee Cooper cats under the stars!

Learn more about the species

Blue Catfish

Blue catfish are the big boys of Santee Cooper. These bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can top 100 pounds. Look for them in deep channels and holes, especially where there's good current. They're active year-round, but the night bite in summer is hard to beat. Blues are opportunistic feeders, gulping down just about anything. We'll use fresh cut bait like shad or herring to tempt them. Once hooked, hang on tight - these cats put up a heck of a fight. The meat is mild and tasty too, especially from smaller fish. My go-to technique is drifting baits along channel edges. I'll use a fish finder rig with a 5-7 ounce sinker to keep it down. Big blues often hang right on the bottom, so let that bait bump along until you feel the telltale thump. Set the hook hard and get ready for a battle!

Crappie

Green sunfish are feisty little guys, usually 3-7 inches long. You'll find them in shallow, weedy areas all over the lake. They're not picky eaters - worms, crickets, or small lures will do the trick. Spring and summer are best for numbers, but you can catch them year-round. These sunfish punch above their weight class, fighting hard for their size. They're not known for table fare, but kids love catching them. Use light tackle to feel every nibble and wiggle. My local tip: Look for them around fallen trees and brush piles. A small jig tipped with a waxworm is deadly. Work it slowly through the cover and be ready for a quick strike. Green sunfish are aggressive and will often hit multiple times, so don't set the hook too soon.

Green Sunfish

Crappie are a fun fish to target here on Santee Cooper. We've got both black and white varieties, usually running 7-12 inches and up to a pound. You'll find them hanging around brush piles, fallen trees, and vegetation in 5-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they school up. Crappie put up a nice little fight on light tackle, and their white, flaky meat is delicious. Locals love 'em fried up fresh. For the best action, we'll use small jigs or live minnows under a slip bobber. My top tip is to fish slow and steady - crappie often bite so light you barely feel it. Keep your line tight and watch that bobber like a hawk. Once you find a school, you can catch 'em one after another. It's a great species for introducing kids to fishing too.

About the 4G Guide Service

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 25

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 175

Ready for some nighttime fishing fun? Captain Stevie's got you covered with an 8-hour evening trip on the beautiful Santee Cooper Lakes. As the sun sets, you'll be chasing catfish under the stars. No need to worry about gear - the captain provides quality rods, reels, tackle, lures, and live bait. Just bring your fishing license, some snacks, and drinks for a relaxed night on the water. With room for 3 guests, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying night fishing for the first time, Captain Stevie will make sure you have a great time reeling in those catfish. The peaceful evening atmosphere and gentle lapping of the water create the ideal setting for making lasting memories. So grab your friends or family and get ready for some after-dark fishing action on Santee Cooper Lakes!

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