Lake Bowen

New to crappie fishing in SC. Lake Bowen isn't too far from me. Is the crappie fishing there worth the $85 it costs me for a permit? Don't mind paying it if there is good crappie there. And, is there any place nearby there that sells minnows? The wife had rather use these when crappie fishing?

Thanks for any advice/help you can give.
Bo Bryant

Hey Bo,
There are plenty of crappie in Lake Bowen. There are probably better lakes for crappie, but nothing beats being able to fish in your back yard. This is where i fish most often as its only a few minutes from me too. I have caught many slabs there over the years. They seem to be a little slow moving to the banks this year, but it should be on soon.
There is a gas station at Hwy 9 and Hwy 292 that sells minnows. There is also another gas station at Hwy and Hwy 11 that has them. They have non ethanol gas too.

Good luck.