The Santee Cooper network of lakes undoubtedly offers up some of the best fishing in South Carolina. Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie are ranked first and third in size among the Palmetto State's freshwaters. Take your pick of Santee Cooper fishing guides and get your hands on some of the biggest, most-prized freshwater creatures in the country.
When it comes to the fish, you'll be hard-pressed to find such beauties anywhere in the country, let alone the state. Home to world-record Catfish and the state record Largemouth Bass, the lakes already offer incredible fishing, and that's before you get to the Stripers and Crappie. Whether you're looking to land that prized catch or your first fish, there's something for you here.
Trips on Santee Cooper can last as little as a couple of hours or as long as a full day, so families and pro fishermen are welcome. Go after a specific fish on a tailor-made trip, or target them all over the course of the day. Some guides will even take you out at night, giving you the chance to land Catfish under the moonlight like never before.
Rules & Regulations
You'll need a South Carolina fishing license before you go fishing on Santee Cooper. Get a license that lasts from 14 days to a whole year, and you're good to go.
One other thing to be aware of when fishing here is the strict Striped Bass season. From June through September, you won't be able to go after these tough creatures. But don't worry, there's still plenty of other fish to target, as you explore these rich waters.