Family Catfish Charter on Santee Cooper Lakes

Reel in Family Fun on Santee Cooper Lakes

Get ready for a day of catfishing bliss on South Carolina's legendary Santee Cooper Lakes. This full-day charter takes you and your crew across Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie, two of the best catfish waters in the Southeast. Whether you're teaching the kids to fish or looking to land a trophy blue cat, our experienced local guides have got you covered. We'll set you up with all the gear you need and show you the tricks to hook into some serious whiskerfish. So grab the family, leave the stress on shore, and let's make some memories on these fish-filled waters!

What to Expect on the Water

Your 8-hour adventure kicks off bright and early as we load up the boat and head out to prime catfish territory. Our captains know these lakes like the back of their hand, so we'll waste no time getting to the honey holes. We use a mix of techniques, from drifting with cut bait to anchoring near underwater structure. The beauty of Santee Cooper fishing is you never know what size cat might grab your line - from eating-sized channel cats to monster blues that'll make your arms ache. Don't worry if you're new to fishing; we'll walk you through everything from baiting hooks to playing big fish. And for you seasoned anglers, we've got some local tricks up our sleeve that might just help you land that new personal best.

Catfishing 101: Gear and Tactics

We keep things simple but effective when it comes to catfishing gear. You'll be using sturdy casting rods paired with baitrunner reels, spooled with heavy-duty line to handle those bruiser cats. Our go-to rigs are simple Carolina setups with circle hooks - perfect for both channel cats and blues. As for bait, we bring a smorgasbord of catfish candy: cut shad, chicken liver, and some secret sauce concoctions that the local cats can't resist. We'll show you how to present your bait just right, whether we're drifting along channel edges or anchored up near sunken timber. The key to success is patience and staying ready - when a big blue decides to eat, you'll know it!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Channel Catfish: These spotted whiskerfish are the bread and butter of Santee Cooper catfishing. Averaging 2-5 pounds, channel cats are perfect for filling the cooler and make excellent table fare. They're aggressive feeders and put up a spirited fight on light tackle. Look for them around brush piles and creek mouths, especially in the shallower areas of Lake Marion. Channel cats bite year-round but really turn on during the warmer months.

Blue Catfish: The true giants of Santee Cooper, blue cats are what put these lakes on the map. These behemoths can top 100 pounds, though a good-sized blue here runs 20-40 pounds. They prefer deeper water and stronger current, so we often target them in the main lake basins and near the diversion canal between Marion and Moultrie. Blues are most active in cooler months, making fall and winter prime time for trophy hunting. When a big blue takes your bait, hold on tight - it's like hooking into a submarine!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks return to Santee Cooper year after year for good reason. These lakes offer some of the most consistent catfishing you'll find anywhere. The sheer numbers of eating-sized cats keep rods bent all day, while the ever-present chance at a trophy blue keeps the excitement high. But it's not just about the fish - there's something special about being out on these massive, cypress-lined lakes. Watching ospreys dive for bait fish, seeing gators sunning on logs, and taking in those stunning South Carolina sunsets - it's a full nature experience. And let's not forget the family bonding. There's nothing like seeing a kid's face light up when they reel in their first big cat, or the friendly trash talk when mom outfishes dad. Those are the moments that keep people coming back to Santee Cooper.

Top Catches This Season

While every day on the water is different, we've been having a banner year for both numbers and size. Early spring saw us boating dozens of channel cats in the 3-5 pound range, perfect for a fish fry. As summer heated up, so did the blue cat action. We've had multiple 50+ pounders hit the deck, including a 72-pound monster that gave an 11-year-old the fight of his life. Fall fishing has been equally hot, with cooler temps bringing the big blues up shallow. Just last week, a father-son duo teamed up to land a 63-pounder that took nearly 30 minutes to get in the boat. Whether you're after quantity or quality, Santee Cooper is delivering the goods this year.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get in on some world-class catfishing action, now's the time to lock in your date. Our Santee Cooper Family Fishing Charter is perfect for making memories with the kids, showing your fishing buddies a good time, or treating yourself to a day chasing whiskerfish. We provide all the gear, know-how, and local insight - you just bring your sense of adventure and maybe a camera to capture the smiles (and big fish). Remember, while we can't guarantee you'll land a monster, we can promise a day full of fun, learning, and quality time on the water. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call, and let's get you hooked up with some Santee Cooper cats!