I found some fish this weekend still holding in deeper waters of say 15 feet, but the majority are in the 8 to 10 foot or shallower range. Santee is a big, open lake. It would be in your best interest and safety to trailer to your chosen fishing spot for the day. Staying on the canal, means running open water to get to any of the coves or creeks you may choose to fish. Not a great idea if the winds are expected to blow, or a storm is possible. Distances traveled will be dependant on where you choose to fish. Fishing Moultrie would be the shortest distance to ride. Marion has many more fishable creeks, but there are no good ways to get to some of them other than making a long drive. Check wind forecast, and choose your fishing areas accordingly. Moultrie is nearly impossible to fish if the winds are blowing more than 10 knots. You could possibly go into the hatchery and be alright. Marion can be a bear if the winds blow pretty bad from either the northeast, or southwest as most creeks run in those directions.