Tommy Pugh

I haven't encountered many this summer but that's no joke about the snakes in the Santee-Cooper lakes and rivers. I have heard of more people having encounters with copperheads or rattlers this year.

It's very true. There are places that my grandpa would fish and had pics of stringers full of fish that people don't even fish anymore. The population has grown so much and pollution has done damage as well. Even in my lifetime I can tell a change from when I was a kid, to when I was in my 20s, and to now. Fishing off of the bank is terrible. I moved here to SC in Jan. There were places that i would go in my early 20s and catch fish all day long. Now at those same places I am lucky if I get a bite or two.

US Navy veteran

How is the fishing going over at the hatchery? I haven't done any good last couple of times over there.

I don't have many spinnerbaits and I wanted to stock up on them. What is the best bang for my buck as far as quality and affordabilty?

There are several links out there that list all of the lure companies. I have checked some out and some of them do have some cool stuff. The lists do need updated as some of the links do not work.

I think it is up to the individual as long as they are obeying the laws on the limits. That being said I know that people use a ton of small bluegills for catfish bait. I hate seeing the small ones taken out because they have no chance to get to a good size. Also, at one lake I fish they have a contest for big bass of the month. So, pretty much any bass over a couple pounds is put in the livewell or on a stringer and walked to the office to weigh and register it and by the time they get back they have no choice but to keep them.

Thank you. Between your reply and just thinking and reading about it I think that I saw enough to not get it. I just don't think it is the right one for me size wise and with the seat. That would be another 100 bucks and for that i can get a new kayak. I think i found the one I want. I have it on hold if i don't talk myself out of it between now and tomorrow. I think you are right that something doesn't seem right with it. Thanks for your reply.

I am brand new to the kayak world but am looking to soon buy one. I stumbled across a Heritage Marquesa for sale. It is 400 dollars and comes with the paddles and life jacket. I would like to know if that is a good deal and is it a safe, stable, and good kayak for a beginner. I have never put a kayak in the water before. I typically fish small lakes and the river. I am 6 ft tall and 250 lbs. So, I am a big dude. My mode of transportation is a 2007 hyundai elantra. So, I would have to strap this one. Thanks for any and all information that you can give me. I appreciate it. http://www.wildernessadv.com/showitem.php?item_id=223&subcat_id=13 Thanks again, Tommy

I used to live in South Carolina for quite a few years. Santee Cooper is a great place to fish. I used to love the fact that I could drive down one highway and find a different spot to fish every five minutes. There is just so much water in south Carolina. I do like Lake Moultrie, the Santee River, and the Cooper River in particular. So, there are a ton of different places that you could launch a boat. That way if maybe you don't have success at one place you have a ton of options.

I was wondering if anyone had any experience using Charlie Brewer's sliders. I was looking to purchase some and am interested in the weedless slider heads and was wondering what size and which one to use as there are many to choose from. Some say that some of the hooks are stronger than others and I was looking for recommendations on that as well as which colors and size sliders that are preferred. Thanks, Tommy

I agree with continum. I was just going to say that enjoying it is important. Every time that I feel frustrated or just am not catching a lot I think to myself that I could be at work. I just try to look around and enjoy the beauty in nature. Sometimes I will just change things up completely and throw on a bobber and some wigglers and just sit and relax. There is nothing wrong with mixing things up and keeping things fresh. It is always good to slow things down and fish slower. I also will very things up. I will try different lures, different colors, and make sure that i fished that area thoroughly.

I have been having the same issue. You can do a lot of research and learn a lot online. There are many sites with forums and you tube offers many videos. I like always check and check again to ensure I am fishing it right. I also always take the time to slow down when I am fishing. I will change colors, change lures, and change speeds, or my approach. I don't mind varying. Sometimes silly things work. Sometimes, if i feel in a rut i might just grab a bobber and some worms for a while or maybe put on a grub and do some jigging and catch some crappie. Keep your head up. Summer will only last for so long.