What would you recommend to anglers fishing in Cross, South Carolina for the first time?

WOW! I’ve had guides for fly-fishing for trout, salmon fishing in Alaska, and inshore fishing for red fish and our experience with Capt.Joseph Dennis fishing for striped bass in the Santee lakes was everything and more than I expected. Great professional boat, great personality, and GREAT expertise! Left the dock at 6:30AM, rods in the water at 7AM and an hour later the three of us had caught our limit of stripers! But we still had the rest of the day! So we continued to fish, catch and release for stripers and keepers for catfish. My stepdad caught to largest striped bass, 31 inches and the largest catfish reeling in at 25 pounds. Not bad for a 90 year old! Capt. Joe told me to bring 2 coolers but did I believe him? Trust me, if he tells you to bring 2 coolers do it! We had 12 stripers and 12 catfish and I was barely able to get ‘em all home. There are certainly other fishing guides in Santee but Capt. Joe is the GOAT! (Greatest of All Time)

Definitely book a charter, preferably Mark Lawson. Prepare for wind and rain. Canal lakes fish camp would be a good choice. Houses and cottages for rent, Mac Daddy’s restaurant is great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Small store that has bait and tackle, snacks , beer and other drinks. One stop shopping. And the staff is great! Say hey to Jennifer and Megan at Mac Daddy’s.

Listen to your guide. Have reasonable expectations. Do your research before you book your trip to determine when to go. Call guides before you book. The guides on Santee-Cooper are professionals. You will catch fish and definitely have a great time.

Unfortunately, the fish cleaning station and the bathrooms were all closed by the time we docked at Mac Daddy's and we were really counting on being able to use both. So, note to self for next time, be sure to get back to the dock at Mac Daddy's before they close everything up!

prepare for cold weather. you can take it off if it is warmer. lots of cold fronts this year warmest days may also include rain.

Find a guide or ask locals what to do don’t tackle it by yourself you waste time and money