5.0(2 Reviews)Private Striped Bass Charter – Santee Cooper
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour private charter targeting striped bass on Santee Cooper lakesBeginnerfriendly trip with all gear and tackle providedExpert local captain guides small groups of two guests
Looking for a solid day of fishing without the crowds? Captain Leroy's private striped bass charter on Santee Cooper is exactly what you're after. This isn't some cookie-cutter trip where you're packed in with strangers – it's just you, your fishing buddy, and six hours of prime striper water with one of the area's most experienced captains. Whether you've been chasing stripers for years or you're just getting your feet wet, Leroy knows how to put you on fish and keep things fun. The lakes here are famous for their healthy striper population, and there's a reason anglers keep coming back season after season.
Your day starts early – that's when the stripers are most active and the water's still calm. Captain Leroy will have the boat rigged and ready, with all the tackle you'll need for light tackle fishing. This approach makes every fish feel like a real fight, even the smaller ones, and gives you a better chance at landing that trophy without wearing yourself out. The Santee Cooper system is massive – over 170,000 acres of fishable water – but Leroy's been working these lakes for years and knows exactly where to find the fish based on season, weather, and recent patterns. You'll move between productive spots throughout the day, covering different depths and structures where stripers like to hang out. The boat's equipped with all the safety gear you need, plus fish finders and GPS to keep you on the productive water. All you need to bring is your valid South Carolina fishing license and whatever snacks or drinks you want for the day.
Light tackle striper fishing is where the real fun happens. Instead of heavy gear that makes every fish feel the same, you'll be using rods and reels that let you feel every head shake and run. Captain Leroy will set you up with the right setup for the conditions – sometimes that's live bait like herring or shad, other times it's artificial lures that mimic the baitfish stripers are feeding on. The technique changes based on what the fish are doing that day. If they're schooling up and feeding on the surface, you might be casting into the action with topwater plugs or swimbaits. When they're holding deeper, you'll be working live bait along the bottom or trolling at specific depths. Leroy handles all the technical stuff – reading the fish finder, positioning the boat, and switching up tactics when needed. Your job is to learn the techniques he shows you and enjoy the fight when you hook up. The light tackle approach means even a 10-pound striper will give you a memorable battle, and when you connect with one of those 20-plus pounders Santee Cooper is known for, you'll understand why anglers get addicted to this style of fishing.
Anglers who've fished with Captain Leroy know they're getting the real deal. "Wonderful day with Captain Leroy. He definitely knows where the big fish are!!! We will be going again this year. Thanks Captain Leroy!!!" - Dennis Hatchell. That kind of repeat business speaks volumes about the quality of the trip and Leroy's ability to consistently put clients on fish. Another regular customer puts it simply: "Love going out with Mr Leroy fishing" - Corey. These aren't just one-time customers – they're anglers who've found a captain they trust and keep coming back to fish with him season after season.
Striped bass are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These fish are built for fighting – long, powerful bodies that can pull drag and make runs that'll test your skills and your tackle. In Santee Cooper, stripers typically range from 3 to 15 pounds, with plenty of opportunities for fish in the 20-pound range and occasional monsters that push 30 pounds or more. Spring and fall are prime times when the fish are most active and aggressive, but Santee Cooper's year-round fishery means you can find good action almost any time you hit the water. During the cooler months, stripers school up and feed heavily, making for some of the most productive fishing of the year. Summer fishing can be excellent too, especially early in the morning or later in the evening when the fish move shallow to feed. What makes these fish so special is their behavior – they're aggressive predators that will hit both live bait and artificials, and they fight hard from the moment you set the hook until they're in the net. The clear, deep water of Santee Cooper gives them plenty of room to run, and the abundant baitfish population keeps them healthy and well-fed. When you hook into a good striper, you'll feel that initial head shake, then the powerful run as it tries to get back to deep water. Even after you think you've got it beat, these fish have a habit of making one last surge right at the boat that'll remind you why they're considered one of the top freshwater game fish in the country.
Captain Leroy's private charters book up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons, and there's a good reason for that. You're not just paying for a boat ride – you're getting access to decades of local knowledge, quality tackle, and a captain who's genuinely invested in making sure you have a great day on the water. The private setup means the trip moves at your pace, whether you want to focus on learning new techniques, maximizing your catch, or just enjoying a relaxed day fishing with a friend or family member. With only two anglers per trip, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of hands-on time with different techniques. This is the kind of fishing experience that creates lasting memories and usually leads to booking your next trip before you even get back to the dock. Don't wait until the last minute – the best fishing days and prime time slots fill up quickly, and you don't want to miss your chance to fish with one of Santee Cooper's most respecte
Get ready to chase stripers across Santee Cooper's productive waters aboard our reliable Crest Tritoon Pontoon! This spacious, stable platform gives you and your fishing partner plenty of room to work those light tackle setups while targeting South Carolina's famous striped bass. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on feeding fish, while our GPS and fish finder help locate the best underwater structure and baitfish concentrations. Built for comfort and safety, this quality pontoon handles Santee Cooper's open water with confidence, letting you focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat. Captain Leroy knows these lakes like the back of his hand, and with all the space this tritoon provides, you'll have room to land those hard-fighting stripers without feeling cramped. Perfect for beginners learning the ropes or experienced anglers wanting a relaxed day on one of the Southeast's premier striper fisheries.
5.0 out of 5.0Wonderful day with Captain Leroy. He definitely knows where the big fish are!!! We will be going again this year. Thanks Captain L...
Love going out with Mr Leroy fishing
Santee Cooper