Full Day PM Catfish & Panfish on Santee Cooper
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday afternoon catfish, sunfish, and crappie fishing adventureCaptain provides all equipment, tackle, and live bait includedEight hours of guided night fishing on Santee Cooper Lakes
Picture this: the sun starts dipping below the treeline, painting Santee Cooper Lakes in golden hues, and you're settling in for eight solid hours of some of the best catfish action South Carolina has to offer. Captain Stevie knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish when they're most active. This isn't your typical dawn patrol – we're talking about a full afternoon and evening adventure that transitions into prime night fishing time. The lakes come alive after dark, and that's when the real magic happens. You'll be targeting three of the most popular species in these waters: blue catfish that can tip the scales, feisty green sunfish, and those sought-after crappie that local anglers dream about.
Captain Stevie runs a tight ship, but keeps things relaxed and fun for up to three anglers. The beauty of this trip is that everything's taken care of – rods, reels, tackle, lures, and live bait are all provided, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat. The afternoon start gives you time to get comfortable with the gear and learn the lay of the land before the sun sets and the real action kicks off. Santee Cooper's twin lakes offer over 171,000 acres of diverse fishing habitat, from shallow creek arms perfect for panfish to deep channels where trophy catfish roam. As daylight fades, you'll notice the water temperature starts to cool, and that's your cue that the fish are about to turn on. The only things you need to bring are your fishing license, some snacks to keep your energy up, and whatever drinks you prefer for the long haul.
Once darkness settles over the lakes, Captain Stevie switches gears and deploys proven night fishing techniques that have been putting fish on the stringer for years. We're talking about anchoring up on productive structure, setting out multiple lines with different baits, and using the kind of local knowledge that only comes from spending countless nights on these waters. The captain uses a combination of cut bait, live bait, and artificial lures depending on what the fish are telling us. Circle hooks are the go-to for catfish to ensure solid hooksets and easy releases, while lighter tackle comes into play for the sunfish and crappie. You'll learn how to read your rod tips in low light, feel for subtle bites, and master the art of patience that makes night fishing so rewarding. The boat's equipped with proper lighting that won't spook the fish but gives you enough visibility to handle your catch safely.
Blue catfish are the headliners of Santee Cooper, and these lakes produce some genuine giants. These hard-fighting fish can weigh anywhere from 5 to 50+ pounds, with the biggest specimens often caught during night hours when they move into shallower water to feed. Blues are opportunistic feeders that'll hit cut shad, chicken liver, or live bait with equal enthusiasm. What makes them special here is their sheer size potential – Santee Cooper consistently produces blue cats that rank among South Carolina's best. They're most active from late spring through early fall, but night fishing gives you an edge year-round since they use darkness as cover to hunt more aggressively.
Green sunfish might be smaller than the catfish, but don't let their size fool you – these scrappy panfish pack serious attitude. They're abundant in Santee Cooper's shallow areas and creek mouths, typically running 6 to 10 inches with occasional larger specimens. Greens are aggressive biters that'll hit small jigs, live worms, or crickets without hesitation. They're active throughout the warmer months and provide steady action when the catfish bite slows down. Many anglers love targeting them because they're excellent table fare and always willing to cooperate, making them perfect for building confidence and keeping the action going.
Crappie fishing on Santee Cooper is legendary among South Carolina anglers, and for good reason. These slab-sided panfish average 10 to 14 inches here, with plenty of trophy-sized fish pushing 15+ inches and 2+ pounds. Crappie are structure-oriented fish that relate to submerged timber, brush piles, and drop-offs throughout the lakes. They're most active during spring spawning season, but night fishing opens up opportunities year-round as they suspend in open water chasing shad. Captain Stevie knows the productive crappie spots and has the electronics to locate schools when they're scattered. The fight might not be as brutal as a big catfish, but the challenge of consistently catching quality crappie keeps anglers coming back.
This full-day afternoon and night fishing adventure gives you the complete Santee Cooper experience in one action-packed trip. You're getting eight hours with a top-rated local captain who knows where the fish live, all the gear you need, and access to some of the most productive catfish and panfish waters in the Southeast. Whether you're looking to land your personal best blue catfish, fill a cooler with panfish for the dinner table, or simply enjoy a night on the water under South Carolina stars, Captain Stevie delivers the goods. The three-angler limit means you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Don't let this opportunity slip away – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons. Book your spot now and get ready for the kind of fishing trip that creates lasting memories.
Hit the waters of Santee Cooper Lakes aboard our spacious 25-foot Crest pontoon boat, your floating fishing headquarters for chasing catfish, sunfish, and crappie. This 2003 beauty rides smooth with a powerful Yamaha 175HP engine that'll get you to the hotspots quickly, then cruise at a comfortable pace while you work the productive waters. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're positioning over structure or following schools of fish. Our built-in fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating suspended crappie or bottom-hugging catfish, while GPS navigation ensures you can return to those honey holes that produce. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long afternoons on the lake. With comfortable seating for up to 6 anglers and plenty of deck space for casting, this pontoon gives everyone room to fish without tangled lines. Captain Stevie knows these waters like the back of his hand and provides all the gear you need for a productive day targeting multiple species in South Carolina's premier fishing destination.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue Catfish are the heavyweights of Santee Cooper, averaging 25-46 inches and often pushing 80+ pounds. These slate-blue giants are opportunistic hunters that'll eat just about anything - crawfish, cut bait, even smaller fish. They cruise deep channels and muddy holes, especially near current breaks and drop-offs. Night fishing is prime time when they move shallow to feed. What makes them special is the pure power - once hooked, they'll test every bit of your drag and give you a workout you won't forget. The meat is excellent eating too, firm and mild. They can handle brackish water better than most catfish, so you'll find them throughout the lake system. My go-to trick: use fresh-cut herring on a Carolina rig and let it sit right on bottom near structure. These fish are smart - they'll mouth the bait first, so wait for that second pull before setting the hook.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are some of the best eating fish in Santee Cooper and a favorite target for good reason. Both black and white crappie run 7-12 inches here, with the blacks preferring clearer water and whites handling murkier areas. They school up around submerged timber, brush piles, and creek channels in 8-15 feet of water. Spring spawning season is prime time when water hits the low 60s, but they bite year-round if you find the right depth. What guests love most is the delicate white meat - these fish are hard to beat on the dinner table. They're also perfect for getting kids hooked on fishing since they bite readily and don't require heavy tackle. Here's a local secret: during our afternoon trips, focus on the shady side of structure using small jigs or live minnows. Crappie are less active in bright sun, so patience pays off when targeting deeper cover.
Lepomis CyanellusGreen Sunfish are scrappy little fighters that run 3-7 inches and rarely hit a pound, but don't let their size fool you. These blue-green panfish with yellow flecks pack attitude and will attack your bait aggressively. You'll find them hiding in weed beds and around debris in shallow water where they like to set up territory. They're opportunistic feeders that love live worms, small crayfish, and insects. Spring through early fall gives you the best action when they're most active. While they're pretty bony for eating, kids love catching them because they bite hard and fight like fish twice their size. Pro tip: use light tackle with live nightcrawlers near fallen trees - their big mouths make them easier to hook than other sunfish, and they'll often hit multiple times if you miss the first strike.
Santee Cooper