Justin Lappin is a South Carolina father who enjoys camping, hunting, and fishing with his family. In the following article Justin Lappin discusses the best spots in SC that anglers can snag a line.
According to the US Geological Survey, fishing is the second most popular hobby after jogging in America. Almost 44 million people identify themselves as anglers, which is why fishing is a multibillion-dollar economy. While there are numerous places to catch fish, in the article below, Justin Lappin will look at the best fishing spots in South Carolina.
Where to Fish in South Carolina
When it comes to fishing, the Palmetto State is more than delicious barbeque and sweet tea. Justin Lappin says that these are some of the best places to catch fish whether someone is on the coast or near a lake:
Lake Murray
Located in Southeast South Carolina, Lake Murray has largemouth bass and striped bass aplenty. The lake is restocked every spring with about one million striped bass babies, who will reach their full size of 21 inches in about three years reports Justin Lappin.
Lake Murray also holds the state record for white perch, white bass, white crappie, and white catfish, so there’s no lack of fish to catch.
Pitt Street Bridge
Pitt Street Bridge is located in beautiful Mount Pleasant. It’s great for shallow water fishing and there are flounder, whiting, bluefish, redfish, and sea trout. For anglers that also have cast nets, there are crabs and shrimps in the area too.
Besides plentiful fishing options, Justin Lappin reports that there are also beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Charleston Harbor, where people are likely to see kayakers.
Beaufort Marshes
Justin Lappin says that the Beaufort Marshes are a rich ecological environment and attract a number of different species. It’s rife with predatory fish who feast on the younger creatures in the marshes, so anglers can look forward to cobia, sheephead, drum, snapper, flounder, and porgy.
Fishing with the incoming or outgoing tides means a greater likelihood of catching a spot tail bass. Justin Lappin reports that experts recommend using natural bait to catch them, such as shrimp or squid.
North Myrtle Beach
South Carolina is famous for its beaches and Myrtle Beach is one of the most famous. In the northern part of the beach, anglers can check out Cherry Grove Pier and fish for bluefish, red drum, pompano, and sea trout.
Justin Lappin says that the best strategy to catch fish in the area is to use live bait, such as shrimp, and let it drift with the tide to look more realistic.
Lake Wateree
Lake Wateree is the southernmost lake on the Catawba River chain. It’s also huge (13,025 acres), so there are plenty of spots to set up and catch some fish! Black crappies are common in the lake and in the spring, they can be spotted around docks, logs, and stumps in the shallower water.
The lake can range from 12 to 22 feet in length but during the summer months, the water heats up and pushes the fish to more fishable levels. Other fish that have been spotted include largemouth bass, striper, catfish, white perch, and bream.
Pee Dee River
Justin Lappin says fans of catfish need to listen up! The Pee Dee River is rife with the species and offers many spots for anglers. One thing to keep in mind is that the river’s current moves quickly so it’s best to find a spot behind an object along the bank to break up the current. Logs or rocks often do the job best.
Catfish tend to go to these areas to feed so it’ll be the perfect time to bait them and hopefully reel them in! Pee Dee River is also a designated wild and scenic waterway, so there are plenty of views to be had too!
Whitewater River
For people interested in fly fishing, Whitewater River is the perfect location. Most visitors go for the waterfalls but throughout the years, anglers can catch wild rainbow and brown trout. There’s a small footbridge that’s popular but many parts of the river have fairly shallow water to wade into.
Essential Fishing Gear Needed
There is essential fishing gear that’s needed before heading to any of these South Carolina fishing spots. Some of the most important gear includes the following:
- High-quality rod and reel: depending on what kind of fishing is being done (e.g., fly fishing), the right pole can make all the difference.
- Line: catching fish requires certain strengths and flexibility so knowing what kind of line will serve you best is vital.
- Bait: many anglers suggest live bait but there are also some great hooks, weights, and floats that attract fish too.
Justin Lappin says that South Carolina is a gem of a state in the southern USA and with so many fishing opportunities, there are even more reasons to check it out!
