Done with Santee

[skeet210]

Is it just me. I went to Jack's Creek today and got blistered. I either can't figure the fish out at Santee or maybe just need to sell the boat and take up golf. I did not have a single bite all day. I can remember when I could go down and pull 6-8 pounders out of there without even trying to hard. Not going back for a couple of years. Just had to vent.

[TR21ken]

Wasn't just you my cousin went out today in the lower lake for 8hrs and didn't get a bite. There was a tourney today on the lake and the winning bag came from locking down to the river 6lbs.

[skeet210]

That's a shame. You used to be able to go out and do good all day. Santee should be one of the best in the country. South Carolina should take more pride in their fisheries than what they do.

[SANTEE]

I understand your frustration with fishing on Santee. I live on the lake, so I know where you are coming from. The problem is due to several things. (1) Catfish have taken over the lake. Can you just imagine how many fish they eat each day? (2) Cormorants (spelling), according to Santee Cooper there are only 500 on the lake. They will come by house and far as you can see in both directions it is a steady stream of them. I actually had one to catch about a pound or pound and half bass under my dock. He could not eat him but he did kill him. Realistically there are probably about 2 to 5,000. (4) No grass to hide in. Hydrillia is not existent.

This is just a couple of things that I can think of right off the top of my head. There is a group in Manning starting up that is trying to get some things done. If you get a chance go to their web site. I think it is http://www.santeebassmatters.net

[PRKRANGER2]

I have a tounment there on the 20th and I drove to the Hatchery landing to take a look and the lake to so muddy due to all the rain. I wonder does that have anything to do with it?

[Brett M]

The fish are just starting to move in. Generally Santee's bite comes from the bottom up-- in other words, the bottom of Moultrie will get started first,, then gradually come up the lakes. The fish a concentrating on the warmer water. We found 58 degrees yesterday and I would expect it to reach 60 by the weekend.

[skeet210]

I would have to agree you. The catfish are probably the worst thing that lake has going for it. I don't know how it got so out of control but it's ridiculous. The water was muddy but I don't think it would have changed much even if it was a little clearer. I was in water between 55-58 for most of the day but I don't think I'll make it back to see it get any warmer. Now if I have the same problem with Wateree, I'm going golfing and I'm using my rods first.

[m2ace]

there was a tournament out blacks sunday 2 fish for 14lbs won and second place was 1 bass that went 10lbs. i think they are starting to get going. i fished all day sat. without a bite so i feel your pain bud.

[JimmyE]

I spent 5 hours at Stump Hole Sunday and didn't get a bite. I'm going to try it again this Sunday, it has to improve soon.

[JimmyE]

Update, fished Santee yesterday and between the two of us got 4 keepers, largest was 3 1/2.

[skeet210]

Upper or lower lake?

[TR21ken]

Some big wieghts was caught the last 2 weekends. 27lbs won tourney on Sunday at Blacks with 4 others in the 20lb range. It is on now fellas.

[Rangerman]

Fishing slow due to Inky got em all waiting for his clients One great fishermen

[PeanutMan]

Going with Inky tomorrow RMan

[skeet210]

Maybe I need to get Inky to teach me how to fish.

[JimmyE]

I was in the swamp, water is still too cold for bedding fish. Tx guys weren't back there where we were, I saw two boats in 6 hours. They must have caught them deep or at least in deeper water, we were in 5 ft of water all the time. Oh yea, I forgot to mention the 15 lb plus Gar.