Local Santee Cooper Fishing Guides Provide Helpful Tips And Knowledge

By Kelli Evans


Santee Cooper is a very popular destination for anglers in South Carolina focused around Lakes Marion and Moultrie. These two lakes were established during the late 1930s and early 1940s as part of a state hydroelectric infrastructure scheme. Anglers on the lakes usually target stripers, catfish, crappie, bass and bream. Santee Cooper fishing guides specialize by species and can be helpful in providing visiting anglers with good local knowledge and tips.

The name of the area reflects the name of two river systems connected by the hydroelectric project. The name is the local nickname given to the area encompassed by the five counties; Berkeley, Calhoun, Clarendon, Orangeburg and Sumter counties. The name is also used by South Carolinians to refer to the large electricity and water utility in the state. The area is generally to the northwest of Charlestown.

Of the two lakes, Lake Marion is the largest with an overall surface area of more than 110,000 acres and Lake Moultrie with about 60,000 acres. The lakes are joined by a canal built to facilitate water management by water diversion.

The lakes have held a number of world angling records. These include the largest Channel Catfish (58 lbs), the largest Striped Bass (55 lbs) and the largest Arkansas Blue (109.4 lbs).

The lakes contain a number of varied habitats including shallow swamps, blackwater ponds and vast open water areas with a multitude of natural underwater structures that encourage marine life. For example, when it was first established, Lake Marion was not completely cleared. As a result, it contains thousands of submerged stumps, standing exposed dead tree trunks and masses of standing trees that are still growing.

In short, the lakes offer anglers rear-round sport since they do not freeze during the winter. Fish species in the lakes are active all year. Anglers can fish from a boat, skiff or wade, depending on their individual preference. A local guide can help and advise on these and similar matters. When choosing a santee cooper fishing guide, check that the guide is licensed.




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