Striped Bass Charter - Santee Cooper Lakes
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Six-hour private Striped Bass charter on Santee Cooper lakesLight tackle fishing suitable for all skill levels including beginnersCaptain provides all equipment, bait, and expert guidance throughout
Looking for a solid day chasing stripers on some of South Carolina's most productive waters? Captain Leroy's 6-hour weekday charter on the famous Santee Cooper lakes puts you right where the action is. These twin lakes – Marion and Moultrie – have built a legendary reputation among striper anglers, and for good reason. You'll have the water mostly to yourself during the week, which means less boat traffic and more focused fishing time. Whether you're brand new to striper fishing or just want to learn these particular waters, Captain Leroy knows exactly where to put you on fish and how to make it happen with light tackle that keeps the fight exciting.
Your day starts early when the stripers are most active and the lake is calm. Captain Leroy picks you up at one of the main launches, and within minutes you're heading to his proven spots where stripers school up and feed. The Santee Cooper system is massive – over 170,000 acres combined – but Leroy's been working these waters long enough to know exactly where to find fish on any given day. You'll cover different areas depending on conditions, from shallow flats where stripers push baitfish to deeper channels where they suspend. The weekday timing is perfect because you get first crack at spots that might be crowded on weekends, plus stripers tend to be less spooked by boat pressure. Everything's provided except your fishing license and whatever snacks or drinks you want to bring along.
Captain Leroy sets you up with spinning gear that's perfectly matched to Santee Cooper stripers – rods with enough backbone to handle a good fish but light enough that you feel every head shake and run. Most of the time you'll be throwing live bait, either freelining or under a float depending on where the fish are positioned. Herring and threadfin shad are the go-to baits since that's what these stripers feed on naturally. When the fish are aggressive, you might switch to casting spoons or swimbaits to cover water quickly. Leroy reads the electronics constantly, watching for bait schools and fish marks, then positions the boat so your bait drifts right through the strike zone. He'll adjust techniques throughout the day as conditions change – maybe starting shallow in low light, then moving deeper as the sun gets higher.
Striped bass are what put Santee Cooper on the map, and they're the reason anglers travel from all over the Southeast to fish here. These aren't your typical landlocked stripers either – Santee's fish are descendants of ocean-run stripers that got trapped when the lakes were formed, and they've developed into an incredibly strong population. You'll typically catch fish in the 3 to 8 pound range, with plenty of potential for something bigger. Spring and fall are peak times when stripers feed heavily, but even summer and winter produce steady action if you know where to look. What makes Santee stripers special is their fight – they hit hard, make long runs, and jump when hooked on light tackle. The population is so healthy that limits are common, and you'll often catch fish all day long once you dial in the pattern.
Captain Leroy's weekday stripper trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when word gets out about hot fishing. The Santee Cooper lakes consistently rank as one of the top striper destinations in the country, and experienced guides like Leroy are booked weeks in advance. Your 6-hour trip gives you plenty of time to learn the water, try different techniques, and put some quality fish in the boat. With all gear provided and expert instruction throughout the day, it's the perfect way to experience what makes Santee Cooper special. Whether you're looking to build confidence as a new angler or just want to fish with someone who knows these waters inside and out, this charter delivers the kind of day that keeps people coming back season after season.
Our Crest Tritoon Pontoon boat delivers the perfect platform for chasing Stripers on Santee Cooper's expansive waters. This stable, spacious vessel handles the lake's varying conditions with ease, giving you confidence whether you're battling a big bass or learning to cast. The wireless trolling motor keeps us quiet when approaching feeding fish, while our GPS and fish finder help locate those productive ledges and channels where Stripers like to cruise. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without crowding. The tritoon design provides exceptional stability - no more wobbling when fighting fish or moving around the deck. Captain Leroy's chosen this boat specifically for its reliability and fishing-focused layout, ensuring smooth operation from launch to the cleaning station.
Santee Cooper