The Santee Cooper lake system consists of two lakes, Marion 110,600 acres and Moultrie 60,400 acres. These two lakes are joined by the 6.5 mile Diversion Canal. These world-class fishing lakes were created from 1939-42 for a hydroelectric project by the S.C. Public Service Authority, commonly known as "Santee Cooper" because of the two river systems the project connected. At the present time these lakes hold a world record Channel Catfish (58 Ibs) and a Warmouth weighing 2.2 Ibs was caught in a creek a few miles from lake Marion. These lakes held the record for striped bass until 1977, its weight was 55 Ibs. State records held are: Shell Cracker (World Record at 5.79 lbs), Largemouth Bass (16.2 Ibs), Black Crappie (5 Ibs), Chain (Jack) (6.4 Ibs), Channel Catfish (58 Ib.), Arkansas Blue (109.4 Ibs) The Santee Cooper Lakes vary from shallow swamps and blackwater ponds to vast open water with a multitude of underwater structures. Lake Marion was not completely cleared, as a result, fishermen will find there are thousands upon thousands of stumps, standing dead tree trunks and live cypress trees. Lake Moultrie is more open and is 14 miles across at its widest point. These lakes do not ice over during the winter and there is no closed season for fishing season. Weather permitting, fishermen can fish year round.

New Fishing Schedule

Sorry but due to demand we will specialize in Catfishing for most of the year!

We will honor reservations for Crappie already made for spring. 

Catfish-----------Year Round

 Crappie ---------Sept. and Oct. through the first week in November

We fish both lakes Marion and Moultrie according to which one the fish are biting better. We reserve the right to choose which we fish. Please Call when you arrive to make sure of a meeting place and time!

What to bring with you

The only supplies we suggest you bring are your South Carolina fishing license, camera, cooler with drinks and food, cream sunscreen, (NO SPRAY SUNSCREEN PLEASE it gets on everything including the bait)and appropriate clothing to keep you dry and comfortable.You will need at least a 48 qt. cooler to take your cleaned fish home. Below is a listing of Santee Lodging. Just give us a call and we can tailor you next fishing adventure to meet you needs. Beer can not be purchased on Sunday except in North Charleston. So plan ahead and purchase on Saturday!

Please purchace your fishing License prior to the morning of the trip!

No Bad Luck

Bananas

allowed on board !

Bananas have been considered bad luck on board vessels since the early 18th centry. They caused the fresh fruit to spoil quickly so the sailers got scurvy. Bananas in the cargo holes would cause the bottom of the boat to decay, causing the ship to sink. It was considered very bad luck to ship out on a banana boat! Fishing is fishing and we all need all the good luck we can get!

Before boarding any fishing guide's boat ask to see his or her USCG Captain's License, Click here and read this and see why !

2009-2010 Non-resident Fishing Licenses

Fishing Nonresident
Annual Freshwater Fishing License required for all freshwater. Also required on all SCDNR managed lakes and with all non-game fishing devices $35.00
7 Day Freshwater Fishing License - Same Privileges and Requirements as the Annual Freshwater Fishing License. Valid for seven consecutive days only $11.00

Call  the DNR at 1-866-714-3611 for Licenses over the Phone 

or

Click below for

On Line fishing licenses purchase 

Click below for

2009- 2010 South Carolina DNR Rules and Regulations

Click on Booking Calender to check for open dates. Contact us early March, April and May book up fast. We are Booking as far out as   April 2011 now. Remember we have two boats. If you have problems viewing this page Click on your browser refresh icon or call us.

Santee Cajun Guide Booking Calender