Catfishing With Capt. Mark Lawson 

4.9
(162 reviews)
 Canal Landing Road 139, Cross, SC 29436, United States–

Catfishing With Capt. Mark Lawson 

Cross, SC, United States
–
30 ft
6
4.9
(162 reviews)

Come and spend the day fishing on the great Santee Cooper Lakes. Capt. Mark Lawson has been catfishing for over 20 years in this area and his knowledge and experience are everything you need for a successful day on the water.

Capt. Mark welcomes you to join him on his 26' Crest pontoon boat. This vessel is newly built in 2018 and accommodates up to 5 guests. She's powered by a 150 HP Mercury engine that will glide swiftly to any fishing spot you're looking for. Kids of all ages are welcome, but note that the captain only has life vests for those 6 years old and up, so please bring your own if your child is younger.

Your main target for the day will be Catfish, but you might also catch Striped Bass. The captain uses different fishing techniques, so you can test which one works best for you. Try out trolling, bottom fishing, light tackle, or drift fishing.

Capt. Mark will provide your fishing equipment. He'll also catch live bait before the trip, so this won't take any time from your trip and you can immediately start targeting Catfish. The fish can be cleaned for you at the dock for an extra charge. Contact the captain for veteran discount details. All kids under 16 can come for free.

Purchase your fishing license before the trip and bring your snacks and drinks.

Leave your worries behind you and have a chance at a fish of a lifetime!

Come and spend the day fishing on the great Santee Cooper Lakes. Capt. Mark Lawson has been catfishing for over 20 years in this area and his knowledge and experience are everything you need for a successful day on the water.

Capt. Mark welcomes you to join him on his 26' Crest pontoon boat. This vessel is newly built in 2018 and accommodates up to 5 guests. She's powered by a 150 HP Mercury engine that will glide swiftly to any fishing spot you're looking for. Kids of all ages are welcome, but note that the captain only has life vests for those 6 years old and up, so please bring your own if your child is younger.

Your main target for the day will be Catfish, but you might also catch Striped Bass. The captain uses different fishing techniques, so you can test which one works best for you. Try out trolling, bottom fishing, light tackle, or drift fishing.

Capt. Mark will provide your fishing equipment. He'll also catch live bait before the trip, so this won't take any time from your trip and you can immediately start targeting Catfish. The fish can be cleaned for you at the dock for an extra charge. Contact the captain for veteran discount details. All kids under 16 can come for free.

Purchase your fishing license before the trip and bring your snacks and drinks.

Leave your worries behind you and have a chance at a fish of a lifetime!

Mark Lawson
Captain
Mark Lawson
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
Full Day Trip
In high demand Last booked: 1 day ago
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 AM
US $450
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Night trips
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 6:00 PM
Catfish
US $500
Entire boat: up to 3 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
162 reviews
4.9
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (389)

What anglers say

99%
Great experience
99%
Family friendly
99%
Friendly captain
100%
Good boat
97%
Recommended
97%
Caught fish

Reviews (162)

  • Michael Cohen
    Michael Cohen
    us
    Tennessee, US
    Member since 2026
    4.7
    Verified

    Had a great time!

    Night trips on June 5, 2026 • 4 adults

    My three buddies and I had a great time with Captain Mark. we caught a bunch of catfish and enjoyed every minute of the trip. We’re already thinking about the next trip but this time, my wife wants to go! Our ages ranged from 76 to 49. We did the 6 pm-2 am trip and were tired at the end but would do it again.

  • Greg Black
    Greg Black
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Family had a great time

    Full Day Trip on May 30, 2026 • 6 adults • 1 child

    We had an awesome time. We caught enough fish to fill a 120qt cooler. Captain Mark was very polite, helpful and knowledgeable. Captain Mark even helped entertain our grandson.

  • Logan Brown
    Logan Brown
    us
    South Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Captain Mark is great

    Full Day Trip on May 23, 2026 • 3 adults

    Captain Mark put us on some big fish. 120 qt cooler filled to capacity. 10 out of 10 would highly recommend.

  • David Johnson
    David Johnson
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2021
    4 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Big cats

    Full Day Trip on August 15, 2026 • 3 adults

    Most fish we've ever caught...great time on the water with captain Bobby.

  • Rick Coleman
    Rick Coleman
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    awesome trip

    Full Day Trip on June 8, 2026 • 5 adults • 2 children

    Mark is a great guy, perfect guide, and will work hard for your trip

  • Shawna Mayer
    Shawna Mayer
    us
    Nebraska, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Book with Captain Mark!

    Night trips on March 8, 2026 • 3 adults

    Captain mark is a pro! He took us to amazing fishing spots! We caught fish at every spot we went to. Boat is so nice with an enclosure and heater if you need it!

  • Jack Dill
    Jack Dill
    us
    South Carolina, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    great experience. kids had a great time

    Full Day Trip on February 8, 2026 • 4 adults • 2 children
  • Douglas Moore
    Douglas Moore
    Repeat angler
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great time

    Full Day Trip on April 13, 2025 • 5 adults • 2 children

    Captain Mark was friendly and knowledgeable. When he found out the kids have never been catfishing he spent extra time ensuring they had a great time. Before we started he said they were biting slow but he would try his best, we put over 30 on the boat and missed at least a dozen more, if that is slow can't wait to see them bitting.

  • Glen Kornhauser
    Glen Kornhauser
    us
    North Carolina, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    Beautiful Sunday half trip

    Half Day Trip on July 31, 2023 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Catfishing with Captain Mark Lawson is an absolute hit out of the park! From the first phone call to the time spent on the boat, his knowledge and friendly demeanor was amazing. My kids and I had a blast! Captain Mark took us up into Lake Marion and within 15 minutes we were pulling some amazing catfish in. Our personal best alone was 5, but Captain Mark's charter had us at 17-18 catfish for the day! My 15 year old landed the largest at right under 30 lbs! To see and experience the grins and joy of my boys made everything worth while! I even broke my personal best! Location was super easy to find, and we fortunately got to the landing at the same time Captain Mark did. He even cleaned our fish for us! All and all, this was one of the most enjoyable things we've done all summer. I'm glad we went, and I'm hopefully going to be able to talk some friends into going soon as well. Just an amazing experience!

  • Karen Gayton
    Karen Gayton
    Repeat angler
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Great Fishing Trip

    Full Day Trip on April 10, 2025 • 2 adults

    Captain Mark was an amazing fishing guide ! Mark knew exactly where to go to catch the big catfish. We had a fun day of fishing and came home with a full cooler. Our two little dogs were welcomed on board and enjoyed their time. We can’t wait to book again!!

FAQs about Catfishing With Capt. Mark Lawson

Catfishing With Capt. Mark Lawson offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $450 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Full Day Trip (8 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $50 per person after 3 guests - Night trips (8 hours)
When you book a trip with Catfishing With Capt. Mark Lawson, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • Toilet
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
Trips booked with Catfishing With Capt. Mark Lawson include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle (Madkatz, Abu, Penn)
  • Live bait
Catfishing With Capt. Mark Lawson offers the following type of fishing:
  • Lake fishing
Catfishing With Capt. Mark Lawson offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Drift fishing
Top targeted fish species with Catfishing With Capt. Mark Lawson include:
  • Catfish

Your captain

Mark Lawson
Mark Lawson
Cross, South Carolina, United States
7 Fishing Reports
ID & license verified
162 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since May 2019
Captain Mark has been fishing for 23 years but only recently got his guiding license. He loves catfishing and the lakes and he knows all the tricks you need. His boat is pet-friendly, so don't hesitate to bring your dog aboard!
Mark Lawson
Mark Lawson
Fully verified
7
reports
162
reviews
2019
member since
~1h
response
Captain Mark has been fishing for 23 years but only recently got his guiding license. He loves catfishing and the lakes and he knows all the tricks you need. His boat is pet-friendly, so don't hesitate to bring your dog aboard!

The fish you can target

Catfish
Catfish
Catfish
Catfish

Real catches by this captain

  • White pontoon-style fishing boat moored beside a wooden dock on a calm lake, with a heron perched on the canopy and a bridge in the background.
    Frank C.
    Frank C.
    Weather was bad only caught two fish. Weather not Captains fault but he was not interested in even going out, disappointed with his demeanor.
  • Adult angler proudly holding a large catfish aboard a fishing boat on open water.
    Eric P.
    Eric P.
    Even though the weather wasn’t cooperating, Mark put us on to lots of catfish
  • An angler proudly displaying a large catfish while fishing on a boat, enjoying a sunny day on the water.
    David J.
    David J.
    Most fish we've ever caught...great time on the water with captain Bobby.
  • A family proudly poses in front of a catch board displaying several Flathead Catfish at Canal Lakes Fish Camp in Cross, SC.
    Jason S.
    Jason S.
    The morning bite was slow and Capt. Mark adjusted and the second half of the day was alot more productive. Great job!
  • Young angler proudly holding a large catfish on a fishing boat, showcasing a successful catch during a day on the water.
    Rick C.
    Rick C.
    Mark is a great guy, perfect guide, and will work hard for your trip
  • An angler proudly displaying a large fish on a fishing boat during a sunset trip.
    Fish 1
    Black Drum
    Michael C.
    Michael C.
    My three buddies and I had a great time with Captain Mark. we caught a bunch of catfish and enjoyed every minute of the trip. We’re already thinking about the next trip but this time, my wife wants to go! Our ages ranged from 76 to 49. We did the 6 pm-2 am trip and were tired at the end but would do it again.
  • A proud angler holds a large catfish while cradling a young child on a fishing boat, showcasing a memorable family fishing experience.
    Greg B.
    Greg B.
    We had an awesome time. We caught enough fish to fill a 120qt cooler. Captain Mark was very polite, helpful and knowledgeable. Captain Mark even helped entertain our grandson.
  • A family proudly displays a large Catfish caught during their fishing trip, showcasing a fun day on the water.
    Fish 1
    Black Drum
    Logan B.
    Logan B.
    Captain Mark put us on some big fish. 120 qt cooler filled to capacity. 10 out of 10 would highly recommend.
  • An angler reeling in a large fish while on a fishing boat, showcasing the excitement of the catch.
    Fish 1
    Alligator Gar
    Richard R.
    Richard R.
    Captain was great we caught fish he took real good care with us he netted the fish cut bait and threw the rods we just reeled fish to boat overall excellent trip.
  • Solo angler proudly holding a large catfish aboard a small fishing boat during a nighttime fishing trip.
    Shawna M.
    Shawna M.
    Captain mark is a pro! He took us to amazing fishing spots! We caught fish at every spot we went to. Boat is so nice with an enclosure and heater if you need it!

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Other
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
30 ft
Year built
2005
Boat manufacturer
Crest
Boat type
Pontoon
Engine model
Mercury
Powered by
1 x 225HP
Max cruising speed
35 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Lake Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Drift Fishing

Which amenities are available onboard

Toilet
GPS
Fishfinder
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Madkatz, Abu, Penn
Live bait

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child friendly
Kids of all ages are welcome; contact for life vest
You keep catch
Clients responsibility to clean fish if keep
Catch and release allowed
Disabled accessible

How you can pay

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash

What’s biting in Cross right now

CatfishCatfish

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Catfishing With Capt. Mark Lawson
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4.9
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