Picked the two worst days to fish Santee Cooper South Carolina

[Slab]

I went to Santee Cooper at the exact wrong time. We fished the two coldest days of the year so far, this last Wednesday and Thursday. Yes, exactly when that cold front from the bitter "way" North blew in. Morning temps were freezing. I know that for fact cause of the ice in the boat I slipped on. Wind chill was reported at 22 degrees. It reminded me exactly why I moved to Florida.

But to be here, and to fish with the Matthew Outlaw on Santee Cooper (upper lake), who would pass that up. I had my duck hunting cloths ready. And no, it still was not enough clothes. At least duck hunting you can kinda stay out of the wind. But we were not fishing the trees. We're gonna go fish in the middle of the lake! Hmm, whose idea was this Joe! This comment was directed towards Joe Dennis, a fishing guide who sent us out here. He told us he could find us some big fish, and that he did. Joe is the creator of Father and Son Outdoors TV and does a lot with the Wounded Warriors, you can check out his YouTube Page here: Father and Son Outdoors TV

And here's a rocking and a rolling video of Matt and I fishing. Well really, Matt fishing, and me videoing.



We used 1/8 and 1/16 oz Rockport Rattler jigs with Charlie Brewer Sliders tipped with a minner. Fished 20-30 ft. of water, at varying depths from anywhere between 8 to 22 ft down. Bouncing like that, it was real hard to tell where you were at anyway. Bite was slow, but steady. Had to bounce from pole to pole to find one that would bite. Wasn't fun moving in those waves. Wasn't fun motoring out there either! doh. Had water breaking over the front of the boat often. I refused to sit in the seat next to Matt. I fished from the middle of the boat. Using 14 ft. long "Brooms n Mops" BGJP rods made that possible. Prolly caught a dozen or so, all before 10 am, many real nice size.





Yes, Matt had that controversial Livescope. Yes it's cool watching your bait go down to the fish. I'm not sure we "had" to have it to catch fish. We knew they were there, it really was more about getting them to bite more so than finding them. We found them with the side imaging and not the livescope.

It was cold, but at least I was able to stay warm right there on the water at Bells Marina and Landing. Had fried fish one day and fried chicken the next. Some of the best I've had, seriously. Great place to stay, all real convenient, and real friendly people. Make sure to tell Gary, the owner, you heard about their place on Crappie.com if you do go.


Look how high that fish is piled up. Shrimp in there too. I could not finish it all. Really hit the spot after a long rough cold day on the water.

["G"]

That plate sure looks good

["G"]

What....what ????? No Slab Sauce was used ?

[Slab]

What....what ????? No Slab Sauce was used ?

Yeah that was my fault, I forgot to bring it. Or should I say, "G" forgot to remind me to bring it! doh

[SeaRay]

Yep,you picked a good time to come. Just imagine how good the fishing is in good weather if y'all did that good in terrible conditions.

[SuperDave336]

Wonderful report. You’re pretty good at doing this Slab...lol. Nice looking fish but even better looking plate of food. Thanks for sharing and taking us along. Felt like I was right there....except I’m warm and cozy in my new crappie.com hoodie.

[DockShootinJack]

Good looking plate of fried deliciousness

[trypman1]

A great report. but not me.

[skeetbum]

I’ve fished in some cold, and I’ve fished in some windy, but I was headed for the ramp when it was like that. You’re a better man than me. Glad it went off without a hitch other than the temps. Some real nice fish.

[Special K]

I've been to Santee Cooper several times and have fished both lakes... and one of those times was stupid cold weather (in December) like you're talking about with very similar wind conditions. I'm sure it was still a good time spent with good folks. That plate of food did look awesome... but I'll bet you might have rather had a big ole bowl of piping hot chicken soup or clam chowder after being out in that weather and wind. Thanks for sharing your trip with the rest of us.