Half Day Catfish, Sunfish And Crappie Fishing Trip
Captain Stevie English knows these Santee Cooper Lakes like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 4-hour morning trip runs from 7:30 to 11:00 a.m., giving you prime time fishing when the fish are most active. Whether we're hitting Lake Moultrie or Lake Marion, you're looking at some of South Carolina's best freshwater fishing. Stevie brings everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, live bait, and lures - so all you have to do is show up ready to fish. With room for up to 3 anglers, this is perfect for small groups who want personalized attention and proven techniques that actually work on these waters.
What to Expect on the Water
The Santee Cooper Lakes system is a fish factory, and Captain Stevie knows exactly where they're holding based on the season, weather, and water conditions. You'll be fishing both light and heavy tackle depending on what we're targeting - light gear for those feisty sunfish and crappie, then switching to heavier setups when we go after some bruiser blue catfish. The morning bite is typically the most productive time, especially during warmer months when fish move shallow to feed before the sun gets too high. Stevie's approach is hands-on coaching - he's not just going to put you over fish, he's going to teach you the techniques so you can come back and catch them on your own. The boat is equipped with everything from depth finders to keep us on structure, to a variety of rod setups so everyone can fish comfortably regardless of experience level.
Tackle and Techniques
We'll be running a mixed bag approach that's proven deadly on these lakes. For catfish, we're talking about heavy action rods with circle hooks and live bait - usually worms or cut bait depending on what they're hitting. The key is getting your bait down to the bottom where these cats are cruising, often around submerged timber and drop-offs. When we switch gears for crappie, it's all about light tackle with small jigs and minnows, working the brush piles and standing timber that these lakes are famous for. Sunfish action calls for ultralight setups with small hooks and live worms or crickets - these fish are aggressive but you need finesse to hook them consistently. Captain Stevie rotates spots based on what's producing, and he's got backup locations for every species. The beauty of fishing with a guide who knows these waters is that he's already done the homework - water temperature, bait movement, and seasonal patterns are all factored into the game plan before we even leave the dock.
Customer Stories
"My Father and I had a great experience with 4G guide service! Captain Stevie is very knowledgeable and he put us on the fish! He did an awesome job coaching us up on how to catch more fish, and was very welcoming, professional, and hospitalble. I high recommend his guide services! We will be back!" - Jared
Species You'll Want to Hook
Blue Catfish are the heavyweight champions of the Santee Cooper system, and they're what dreams are made of for serious anglers. These fish can push 20-30 pounds or more, and they fight like freight trains once you hook them. Spring through fall is prime time, with the best action happening in deeper channels and around submerged structure. Blue cats are bottom feeders that cruise in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. They're opportunistic and will hit everything from cut shad to chicken liver, making them a blast to target with heavy tackle. The fight is what keeps people coming back - these fish make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your arms.
Crappie fishing on these lakes is absolutely phenomenal, especially around the countless brush piles and standing timber that provide perfect cover. These slab-sided fighters typically run 10-14 inches and are some of the best eating fish in freshwater. Peak season runs from late winter through early summer when they move shallow to spawn, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Crappie are schooling fish, so once Captain Stevie locates them, you can often catch multiple fish from the same spot. They're light biters, which makes the fishing technical and rewarding - you need to stay focused and feel for those subtle taps. When you hook into a good crappie, they'll make several jumps trying to throw the hook, making every fish a small victory.
Green Sunfish might not be the biggest fish in the lake, but they make up for it with pure aggression and willingness to bite. These scrappy fighters are perfect for getting kids or new anglers into the action since they're not finicky and will hit a variety of baits. They're most active in shallow water around cover like fallen trees, weed lines, and rocky areas. While they typically run smaller than other sunfish species, green sunfish are known for their big mouths and bold strikes. They're available year-round but really turn on during the spring spawn when males get territorial and attack anything that comes near their beds. The constant action makes them perfect for keeping the energy high when other species might be finicky.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Stevie English and 4G Guide Service have built their reputation on putting clients on fish while teaching techniques that actually work. This half-day trip gives you a solid taste of what the Santee Cooper Lakes have to offer without burning a whole day, making it perfect for families, first-time visitors, or anyone who wants to sample the fishing before committing to longer trips. The morning schedule means you'll be fishing during prime time, and the small group size ensures everyone gets individual attention. With all gear provided and a guide who knows these waters inside and out, you're set up for success from the moment you step on the boat. Don't
5.0(1 Reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Santee Cooper
Four
