Just was told im being relocated to sc, undecided about bringing the boat.

Like the title says i am being relocated from korea to shaw afb. First thing i looked at was area lakes and appears lake marion has crappie so figured i would ask for input on fishing. Is there an abundance of crappie there? I dont want to bring the boat if the fishing isnt worth it. I am originally from northern mn and mainly fish just walleye. I fish some crappie ice fishing in the winter if im in mn in the winter never tried summer fishing for them. Also looks like alot of hazards in the lakes for boats. Just wondering if its worth the pain to bring my boat as the wife and i love fishing. My bost is an 2012 alumacraft competitor 175 with a yamaha f115 outboard. Thank you.

I'd say bring it!!! You will have your choice of lakes to fish: Santee (Marion and moultrie), Wateree, Murray, and with a little driving Clarks Hill and Greenwood.

Santee has some world class fish in it as does Clarks Hill. Wateree is a great lake year round, as is Greenwood. Murray is a world class striper fishery and is loaded with white perch.

bring the boat. thank you for your service.

If you have a wife that loves to fish, I'd bring it! Those CDC South Carolina boys will put you on some fish, all you have to do is ask! Just read somewhere recently that somebody caught a 4lb crappie at Santee. Good Luck and Thank You for your service!:ThumbsUp

Thank you for the input. Maybe i will see if some of you experienced members fishing this area want to show a new guy the ropes when i arrive which looks like sometime in july. I also anticipate using the minnkota alot in areas with the brush hazards, but am sure thats where i will find the crappies. Do the crappies go deep in the winter like they do in mn? Was also tossing up buying a kicker but dont know if i will be doing much slow trolling now as you do with walleye fishing.

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Originally Posted by armyman

If you have a wife that loves to fish, I'd bring it! Those CDC South Carolina boys will put you on some fish, all you have to do is ask! Just read somewhere recently that somebody caught a 4lb crappie at Santee. Good Luck and Thank You for your service!:ThumbsUp

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pardon my ignorance, whats cdc? Thank you for the reply. Yes the wife is hooked after this big fat walleye she caught last summer when we were home. We average one wall hanger each vacation. Attachment 229081

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Originally Posted by micorps

Like the title says i am being relocated from korea to shaw afb. First thing i looked at was area lakes and appears lake marion has crappie so figured i would ask for input on fishing. Is there an abundance of crappie there? I dont want to bring the boat if the fishing isnt worth it. I am originally from northern mn and mainly fish just walleye. I fish some crappie ice fishing in the winter if im in mn in the winter never tried summer fishing for them. Also looks like alot of hazards in the lakes for boats. Just wondering if its worth the pain to bring my boat as the wife and i love fishing. My bost is an 2012 alumacraft competitor 175 with a yamaha f115 outboard. Thank you.

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you can see my boat below, Competitor 165 with a Suzuki 90. Very similar to your rig, I live and fish in Arkansas. Funny thing is, no one likes it until they go fishing in it, then they love it. Ain't no way I'd sell that boat?

what do you do for Uncle Sugar? Many years ago I was an avionics technician and worked on F-15s.

Thanks for for your service.

CDC is a short for this site, crappie.com. Some people use that and some use c.c to reference this site. I guess that did confuse you! The "misses"did good!!

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Originally Posted by warhawk

you can see my boat below, Competitor 165 with a Suzuki 90. Very similar to your rig, I live and fish in Arkansas. Funny thing is, no one likes it until they go fishing in it, then they love it. Ain't no way I'd sell that boat?

what do you do for Uncle Sugar? Many years ago I was an avionics technician and worked on F-15s.

Thanks for for your service.

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thanks for the reply, yeah thought most crappie fisherman used flat bottoms for hat i assume was the conditions they fish in. These boats are very nice to fish from, i have the single console to make it easier to move around. The wife said the next boat will have a console for her as it is very cold at 6 am in may in northern mn at 40+ mph. Attachment 229082

CDC stands for Crappie.Com member. I fish lake Marion year round and can attest that the fishing on her is good. The lake is known for the huge catfish, crappie, and large mouth bass that are caught annually. Navagating the lake can be hazardous in certain areas, but many areas can be run full throttle. The river channel is well marked, and obstruction free.I would vote against the kicker outboard motor, most trolling is done using the electric trolling motor. Read up on long line trolling, slow trolling, also known as spider rigging or pushing and single pole jig fishing. These are the most productive techniques for catching crapping on any southern lake. On top of the SC forum page you will find some great instructional input on these techniques I mentioned. Look forward to reading some fishing reports from you come summer time. I hope the heat doesn't bother you, July in SC. temps will be hovering near 100.

Just for your info, many crappie fishermen that specialize in the trolling techniques use walleye boats over 21 feet in length with motors over 200HP. They like those boats for their deep sides, roominess, and stability.

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Originally Posted by micorps

thanks for the reply, yeah thought most crappie fisherman used flat bottoms for hat i assume was the conditions they fish in. These boats are very nice to fish from, i have the single console to make it easier to move around. The wife said the next boat will have a console for her as it is very cold at 6 am in may in northern mn at 40+ mph. Attachment 229082

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nice rig! My boat is the full windshield model, it would be tough to get out this time of year without it.

My my boat is a '13 and the motor is a '14. I don't think there is a bit of difference (other that yours is a 175) between a '12 and a '13 model.

If if you decide to fish for the stripers that area is famous for, you'll be glad to have your Alumacraft. And don't believe anyone who says stripers aren't good eating.

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Originally Posted by Inkdabber

Just for your info, many crappie fishermen that specialize in the trolling techniques use walleye boats over 21 feet in length with motors over 200HP. They like those boats for their deep sides, roominess, and stability.

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Inkdabber, thank you for the information unfortunately my ipad wont let me post thanks/like, i will be researching those techniques, i already slow troll alot for finicky walleyes just hoping i dont need more rods and reels for any new techniques. I just bought a brand new fleet of rods and reels and the wife calmly told me no more unless i sell some. Worst case they will be excellent for striper fishing. Looks like i will be doing alot of research to understand what makes a crappie and striper tick like i had to with walleye.

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Originally Posted by warhawk

nice rig! My boat is the full windshield model, it would be tough to get out this time of year without it.

My my boat is a '13 and the motor is a '14. I don't think there is a bit of difference (other that yours is a 175) between a '12 and a '13 model.

If if you decide to fish for the stripers that area is famous for, you'll be glad to have your Alumacraft. And don't believe anyone who says stripers aren't good eating.

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yes they a very similar, my only regret is not max'ing it out with a 150hp outboard. Cant justify it as my 2013 has next to no hours.

Will be good to have you here in SC. Take a look around at the boat sticky at the top of the page, I think you will be surprised with southern crappie fishing. We take it very serious like you may take walleye fishing. You will be glad if you bring your boat along. Any questions just ask, someone will help with the right info.

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Originally Posted by STUMP HUNTER

Will be good to have you here in SC. Take a look around at the boat sticky at the top of the page, I think you will be surprised with southern crappie fishing. We take it very serious like you may take walleye fishing. You will be glad if you bring your boat along. Any questions just ask, someone will help with the right info.

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thank you, ive browsed the forums for a few hours now and seems i may need to buy crappie rods, looks like alot of people enjoy the southern crappie rod and amazing that they are that cheap if they are as good as others on these forums say. I think the wife will be happy with $35-40 compared to a g loomis or st croix. What reels would you recommend and what size rods and action? Also appears i need to install rod holders, will also need to start learning south carolina fishing laws also as it appears you can have more than one rod in the water at once. Minnesota its one rod per person on open water and 2 per person ice fishing with the exception of a couple larger bodies of water.

Welcome to CDC. You wont find a better bunch of folks to talk fishin with. Bring your rig and join in the fun. You welcome on Wylie anytime.

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Originally Posted by micorps

thank you, ive browsed the forums for a few hours now and seems i may need to buy crappie rods, looks like alot of people enjoy the southern crappie rod and amazing that they are that cheap if they are as good as others on these forums say. I think the wife will be happy with $35-40 compared to a g loomis or st croix. What reels would you recommend and what size rods and action? Also appears i need to install rod holders, will also need to start learning south carolina fishing laws also as it appears you can have more than one rod in the water at once. Minnesota its one rod per person on open water and 2 per person ice fishing with the exception of a couple larger bodies of water.

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LOL you will find crappie fishing tackle is a lot less than other tackle you may buy. The Southern Crappie Rods are very nice and I love the backbone they have when tight lining a 1/2 or 3/4 oz weight. You can save some money on reels, if you are tight lining (spider rigging) or longlining (trolling with jigs behind the boat at a set distance) these reels work for both Shimano IX2000RC Spinning Reel Convertible | Academy and at 12.99 it is hard to top. Just to show at the price range you can start at for good crappie reels. There isn't a limit for rods used in a boat but there is a 4 rod limit if fishing from shore. Crappie has to be 8'' and up with a 20 creel limit. Most has their own size limit they set for keeper fish but this is what the fishing rule is.

By the way, let me give you some good advice. I would hang onto Inkdabber's shirt tail and wouldn't turn lose when it comes to fishing at Santee. :ThumbsUp :ThumbsUp

You may want to add rod holders for multiple rods. I'll be fishing a Carolina Crappie Assn. tournament on Santee Cooper the first weekend in March. There is a 16-rod limit, so a lot of us go ahead and rig our boats to fish all 16. Those Southern Crappie rods are the best by far and made by Ed Duke that fishes many of the tournaments. The rod that is holding the rod holders is home-made out of some aluminum we bought at Lowe's. We used a drill press and tap & die set to create the threads for the individual holders.

We fish in a Tracker Targa, so it is similar to yours. Love that windshield on rainy and cold days. The rods out the back are 8' and 10', but I prefer 14' and some 16' with the exception in the dead of winter.

Attachment 229127

Come on down to sunny SC. I use to be stationed at Shaw (twice in my 22 yrs) and you can reach any body of water to fish with ease. I like your boat, it is what I have been looking at for some time. $$ keeps me from committing to getting one, some day it will happen. You'll love fishing here. As everyone has said you'll be okay with your boat on the lakes. Holler when you want to try Lake Wylie. We have day trips for perch jerking or anything that bites and nightstalks for crappie. Several guys come from all around to participate. We'll help you as much as we can.:highfive Oh! blue attack minnows out fish regular minnows, just ask Uncle Remus about how to get them. LOL :Rofl

Now Stump, you was giving him great advice up until you told him this. nonono

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Originally Posted by STUMP HUNTER

By the way, let me give you some good advice. I would hang onto Inkdabber's shirt tail and wouldn't turn lose when it comes to fishing at Santee. :ThumbsUp :ThumbsUp

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Definitely bring your boat ain't no boat to big or to small to fish SC waters. I am one of those who fish out of a Champion Walleye boat and love it. You will be close to some of the best fisheries in the south. You can spend as much or as little money on fishing equip as you want to. Can also get some good buys on used tackle. Look at Grizzly Jig web site and that will give you some ideas. For you first trip you should think about hiring a guide to show you the ropes and get you started. Thanks for your service.

In that area you will want to try trolling for stripers. I have a very similar boat - crestliner fish hawk 17.5 and use it for stripers and crappie. I love it. Never striper fished until this year and now that is all my wife wants to do. Let your wife hook into a 10 or 12 lb striper and she will be spoiled for all other fish. lol. I fish on lake hickory in north carolina most of the time, but do sneak down south at times.

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Originally Posted by STUMP HUNTER

By the way, let me give you some good advice. I would hang onto Inkdabber's shirt tail and wouldn't turn lose when it comes to fishing at Santee. :ThumbsUp :ThumbsUp

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Listen to inkdabber, check, got it, lol. I appreciate all the recommendations. Looks like i have a few months to figure out what i need and bargain shop. I just need to figure out what style of fishing i will be doing the most. As others have posted, ive been looking at local guides also as this will give me an idea what i need to do. I did the same in mn for walleye. There was a state wide guide who allowd you to pick the lake and taught you how to fish the lake of your choosing. Helped me tremendously.

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Originally Posted by cwright

In that area you will want to try trolling for stripers. I have a very similar boat - crestliner fish hawk 17.5 and use it for stripers and crappie. I love it. Never striper fished until this year and now that is all my wife wants to do. Let your wife hook into a 10 or 12 lb striper and she will be spoiled for all other fish. lol. I fish on lake hickory in north carolina most of the time, but do sneak down south at times.

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i am surprised so many use walleye boats. Ive seen a few pics but seems most used the flat botttoms, now i feel alot better about bringing mine down.

I think rods and lengths depends alot on the style of fishing you want to start out with. If single pole jigging I believe the preferred rod is @ 7' long. If spider rigging alot only swear by 16' rods as during the spawn you want your jigs/minnows as far away as you can get them when fishing shallow water. (Things to consider is how long your boat is and how well you can transport your fishing gear to and from, also whether your wife can handle 16' rods (they can be a bit heavy) swinging fish in the boat. If longlining is your cup of tea it mainly depends on your boat setup. You could set your boat up so two people fishes from the back side-by-side using anything from 5' rods out to 14' or 16' rods. If you set the boat up for a persom fishing from the front and one from the back then you may use 5' to 8'ers out the back and 12'ers to 16'ers out the sides up front (on each side). So....that being said....you need to research the different methods of fishing and decide what you think you'll like to try first but keep in mind that all the styles of fishing mentioned have their place throughout the year. Welcome to the boards and thank you for your service.:)

Most single pole jig fishermen use 10 to 12 foot rods.

Mines not new but I use a 17 ft. Sea nymph. I fish from crappie and stripers, catfish
In freshwater to take it to the coast for redfish...

So bring it I'll never have anything but a deep v ever..

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Originally Posted by micorps

i am surprised so many use walleye boats. Ive seen a few pics but seems most used the flat botttoms, now i feel alot better about bringing mine down.

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I rode all the way to New Jersey to buy my walleye boat. LOL:biggrin

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Originally Posted by gabowman

I rode all the way to New Jersey to buy my walleye boat. LOL:biggrin

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good to know there is a market if i decide to uograde in a few years, things can change but really want a fiberglass multispecies boat. Will be nice having the boat where i can use it regularily instead of just 3-4 weeks a year. I do have some upgrades to do though as i am switching to the lowrance elite 9 chirp to provide some better resolution at higher speeds and may experience with the hyrowave h2. Piority before that will be the external gps receiver for more accurate gps positioning also. Thinking the windshield might be blocking it some on my elite 7.

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Originally Posted by STUMP HUNTER

By the way, let me give you some good advice. I would hang onto Inkdabber's shirt tail and wouldn't turn lose when it comes to fishing at Santee. :ThumbsUp :ThumbsUp

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:hesaid Do a search on Inkdabber's posts and you will see what Stump Hunter is talking about.

My BIL was stationed at Shaw and he fished the upper Sparkleberry swamp almost every day after he retired. That might be a bit tight for your boat, but Packs Landing is close to Shaw and you can find all the water in the world to fish from there. The upper Santee is a beautiful flooded cypress swamp.

Was stationed at Shaw for 10yrs and fished just about every day. Wateree and Santee are great. You will only be minutes from Packs landing and can catch great bass,crappie,catfish and stripers, oh yeah and some big shellcrackers.

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Originally Posted by sumterfisherman

Was stationed at Shaw for 10yrs and fished just about every day. Wateree and Santee are great. You will only be minutes from Packs landing and can catch great bass,crappie,catfish and stripers, oh yeah and some big shellcrackers.

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this is really great to know, based off what im have been told, iam thinking stripers may be what i go for first, but the crappies i think is going to require more experience and patience. Will need to get some rod holders installed also. Is there anyplace to store the boat for a month before i find a place or spi guess i can look into storage on base, i anticipate no more then a few weeks after arriving i will find a place then the boat will go in the garage.

Fill it with gas and leave the key in it and put it under my carport. Dont worry bout that Toyota , We can put it out in the weather. Granny may fuss , but I wont be there if you leave the key in the boat ! :cheers2

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Originally Posted by ofishlbizzness

Fill it with gas and leave the key in it and put it under my carport. Dont worry bout that Toyota , We can put it out in the weather. Granny may fuss , but I wont be there if you leave the key in the boat ! :cheers2

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priorities, car or boat under the carport? I like your priorities. Filling the gas tank is enough to make a grown man cry before the prices fell. Was like filling the truck a second time.

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Originally Posted by micorps

priorities, car or boat under the carport? I like your priorities. Filling the gas tank is enough to make a grown man cry before the prices fell. Was like filling the truck a second time.

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I feel ya pain. My old carburated 90 hp seems to stay thirsty and she doesnt care what the cost of gasoline is.

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Originally Posted by gabowman

I feel ya pain. My old carburated 90 hp seems to stay thirsty and she doesnt care what the cost of gasoline is.

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The tank on the boat is pretty big, but was able to fish everyday for three weeks and used only half a tank as i use the electric for fishing, the big motor only gets used when moving from spot to spot. These were also on smaller lakes.

You'll love all the great fishing spots in this area. It'll take a double lifetime to enjoy them all.