Half Day Morning Catfish And Bass Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
5hour morning fishing trip targeting catfish and bassExpert Guide Michael Williams provides local lake knowledgeAccommodates up to 6 guests with Carolina Hook N' Reel
Ready to hit Lake Wateree for some serious fishing action? Guide Michael Williams has been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly where the stripers and catfish like to hang out. This 5-hour morning trip is perfect for anglers who want to make the most of those prime early hours when the fish are actively feeding. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped boat with everything you need to land some quality fish, and with just 2 spots available, you'll get plenty of personal attention and coaching from Michael throughout the day.
Lake Wateree is one of South Carolina's top-rated fishing destinations, stretching over 13,000 acres with plenty of structure and cover that holds big fish year-round. Michael knows every creek channel, rocky point, and submerged timber pile on this lake. The morning bite is typically the best time to target both stripers and catfish, as they move into shallow areas to feed before the sun gets too high. You'll start early to take advantage of cooler water temperatures and active fish. The boat is equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle specifically chosen for Lake Wateree's species. Michael provides all the gear, bait, and local knowledge you need – just bring yourself and get ready to learn some new techniques that work on this particular body of water.
Michael uses a mix of live bait and artificial lures depending on what the fish are wanting that day. For stripers, you'll often be throwing topwater plugs early in the morning when they're busting baitfish on the surface, then switching to deeper presentations as the sun comes up. Cut bait and live shad work great for the bigger striped bass, especially around the main lake points and creek mouths. When targeting catfish, Michael knows the best spots to anchor up with chicken livers, cut herring, or nightcrawlers. The key is reading the electronics to find schools of baitfish and structure that holds fish. You'll learn how to work different depths and presentations, from slow-trolling umbrella rigs for stripers to bottom fishing in the deeper channels where catfish patrol. Michael's approach changes with the conditions, so you'll pick up techniques that work specifically for Lake Wateree's unique characteristics and seasonal patterns.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Lake Wateree, and these fish can really put up a fight. During the cooler months, they school up in massive numbers and feed aggressively on threadfin shad. Spring and fall are prime times when you'll find them in shallow water, but summer fishing can be excellent too if you know where to look. These fish average 3-8 pounds but can go much bigger – 15 to 20-pound stripers aren't uncommon here. What makes them so exciting is their explosive strikes and long runs that'll test your drag system. They're also great eating if you decide to keep a few for the dinner table.
Channel Catfish in Lake Wateree are plentiful and always willing to bite. They range from 1 to 5 pounds typically, with some bigger ones mixed in. These fish are active year-round, making them a reliable target when other species might be finicky. They love structure like old creek channels, submerged timber, and rocky areas. Channel cats are fantastic fighters for their size and make excellent table fare. The best part about targeting them is they'll often bite throughout the day, so even if the striper bite slows down, you can usually count on some catfish action.
Blue Catfish are the heavyweights of the catfish family on Lake Wateree. These bruisers can reach 20 pounds or more and will absolutely wear you out on the fight. They prefer deeper water and main lake areas, often relating to channels and drop-offs. Blues are more nocturnal than channels, but early morning can produce some solid bites. When you hook into a big blue cat, you'll know it immediately – they make long, powerful runs and use their broad tails to put serious pressure on your equipment. Landing a big blue catfish is definitely a highlight of any Lake Wateree fishing trip.
Lake Wateree consistently produces quality fish, and Michael's local expertise gives you the best shot at a successful day on the water. With only 2 spots available, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of chances to work on your technique. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler looking to learn this lake, this 5-hour morning trip offers excellent value and a chance to catch some real quality fish. The combination of stripers, channel catfish, and blue catfish means there's always something biting, and Michael's knowledge of seasonal patterns and productive areas takes the guesswork out of your fishing day. Don't wait too long to secure your date – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active.
Your morning catfish and bass adventure starts aboard this reliable 22-foot Carolina Skiff center console. Built in 2007 and powered by a 115 HP Suzuki engine, she'll cruise Lake Wateree's productive waters at up to 35 knots to get you on the fish fast. Guide Michael Williams uses the onboard fish finder and GPS to locate the best spots where catfish are feeding and bass are holding. The wireless trolling motor lets you work structure quietly without spooking fish. With comfortable seating for up to 6 anglers and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold, this proven fishing platform has everything needed for a successful half-day on Lake Wateree's waters. The center console design gives everyone easy access for landing fish and plenty of room to work lures around cover.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the heavyweights of Lake Wateree's catfish family - these bruisers regularly hit 15-30 pounds and can top 50. You can tell them apart from channels by their squared-off anal fin and that distinctive blue-gray color. They patrol deeper holes and channels, especially areas with current flow where they can ambush prey. Unlike channels, blues are more aggressive hunters and will chase down live baitfish near the surface. Spring and summer are best when they're most active in the warming water. What makes blues special is their raw power - they'll make long runs and really test your tackle. The meat quality is outstanding too, firm and mild. My go-to technique on Wateree is fresh cut herring or shad fished on bottom near the river channel. Blues follow their nose, so that blood trail in the water column brings them right to your bait.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are Lake Wateree's most reliable fish - they bite year-round and put up a solid fight. These whisker-faced fighters typically run 2-8 pounds, though we catch some pushing 15-20 pounds that'll really bend your rod. They hang around structure like fallen trees, rock piles, and deeper holes with muddy bottoms where they use those sensitive barbels to hunt crawfish, worms, and baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when water temps are in the 70s-80s. Folks love targeting them because they're aggressive feeders and excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. Here's a trick that works great on Wateree: use fresh cut shad or chicken liver on a Carolina rig and let it sit on bottom near structure. Their whole body is covered in taste buds, so that scent draws them in.
Morone SaxatilisLake Wateree's stripers are landlocked from their ocean cousins but they've adapted perfectly to freshwater life. These fish average 20-40 pounds with those distinctive dark stripes running down their silver sides. You'll find them around structure - drop-offs, points, and submerged timber where they ambush baitfish. They're most active during cooler parts of the day, especially dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed. What makes stripers special is their powerful fight - they'll make strong runs and test your drag. The meat is excellent eating too, with a sweet, flaky texture. My local tip: look for diving birds or baitfish activity on the surface. When you see that commotion, there's usually stripers feeding underneath.
South Carolina