Thinking of looking into a fishing trip

[chetc]

we are from NE PA, Scranton area, after watching a ton of crappie fishing video's i have to see for sure what we are missing, some of those videos with guys like PR Fishing at Lake Fork and Richard Gene at Guntersville Alabama and The old fisherman in SC .they catch so many fish, so maybe i can some tips on places to stay with 2 dogs and near the water, SC is the closest from PA, i was thinking of fishing Lake Monticello, any thoughts, i was thinking of planning the trip beginning of Feb, are guided trip needed.


chet

[Ketchn]

Might want to hit Texas , we are a dog friendly state for sure and the crappie ketchn is often times legendary.
Guides are not cheap , but they are plentiful on lake fork and it constantly produces great fish year round .
Not sure who PR is but he is not alone in hauling out loads of fish from fork
Might contact jerry Hancock and see “if” you can book him , he is one of the best in these parts

[chaunc]

Go on the South Carolina board and ask some questions. They’ll be more than happy to help you visit their lakes and help you find accommodations. Ask what month is better to come too. The crappie spawn or red ear spawn. Both are great fish to catch from that area. Good luck and I hope you have a great trip no matter where you decide to go. I made the trek to Kentucky lake for 32 consecutive years from NW Pa. The Covid pandemic interrupted my streak but I went down last spring and ran into miserable conditions for the whole week. I’m staying local next spring. You’re welcome to come west to fish next spring. Got a few good lakes you might enjoy.

[happycaster58]

Monticello has its good and bad points. It is very quiet with no jet skis or wake boats allowed. Very few pleasure boaters too. On the bad side, it can be either good or terrible fishing as the power co. that owns it draws the water up and down daily by several feet. Also, it is in the middle of nowhere with no food or lodging within about 30 miles from the lake. If you have boat problems, you are most likely on your own too. Steve (the Old Fisherman) makes it look easy as he lives in the area and has fished the lake almost weekly for many years.
I have had mixed to poor results there. Hope I didn't spoil your plans, but these are my honest opinions. Good luck in your search.

[Grainraiser]

I'm not sure what lake PR fishes but it is not Lake Fork. He lives and fishes in North Carolina.

[slowhand]

PR fishes High Rock Lake in NC.
Shane Walser is the guy to guide you on High Rock. Slab and Billbob fished with him earlier this year. See the article on CDC here for their trip.

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[Curlytail]

No jet ski's or wake boats allowed??? Now that is my kind of lake !!!!!

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[catchNgrease]

I tend to use Airbnb.com when it's just me or me and the dogs.

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[GreenLine]

If it were me and I lived in PA. I’d head for Florida and target the giant black crappie they have. I’m thinking they spawn in February there ??
Swim that jig around the cypress trees in 2-3 ft of water and hang on !


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[markedman1132]

I am from York, PA so I understand the drive can be tiring. I took a trip to Santee Cooper several years ago in April and to Guntersville 2 years ago in October. I was fishing from the bank both trips. Caught some big Crappie off the floating dock at John C Land boat ramp at Santee Cooper (Lake Marion). Caught quite a few bass at Guntersville, but had no luck with Crappie. It will almost certainly be warmer in SC than at Guntersville that time of year. Guntersville is actually in the mountains and it can be still pretty cool in North Alabama in February.

This past spring went to Okeechobee. Caught my PB largemouth and my PB crappie there. Largemouth was with a guide, Crappie was under a bridge on the NW side of the lake. It should be nice and warm in Okeechobee in February.