Bank fishing at Santee Cooper

[markedman]

I'm headed to Santee Cooper in 2 weeks. I will be bank fishing. Anyone have any suggestions on good bank fishing spots?

 

In addition to bass fishing, I'm planning on targeting some blues and maybe some pan fishing.

[Tim Gamble]

There’s not a lot of access for bank fishing in my opinion besides dikes and docks around boat landings. John C landing, Spiers, Russellville and the Hatchery has some bank you can fish. I’ve never really approached it from a bank fishing perspective so maybe someone else can give you some ideas. Be aware of the sliders. They are out and very territorial. 

[markedman]

I assume a slider is a gator. I'm pretty careful to check my surroundings closely for gators and snakes before choosing a spot and stay out of anywhere I can't clearly see. I go bank fishing in the Lakeland, FL area once a year so I'm used to checking the area closely.

 

I had listed all those sites except Russellville. Other locations I am considering are Santee State Park, Indian Bluff, Cathead Landing, Taw Caw Creek, C. Alex Harvin, Harry's, Canal Lakes, Wilson's Landing and the Santee Refuge (Both Cuddo and near I-95).

 

Any feedback on these locations would be appreciated. I used Google Maps satellite view to see to determine what sites might be promising for bank fishing. I dont want to go somewhere that is a waste of time (no where to cast a line from). I will be fishing Monday-Friday so hopefully there won't be a lot of people competing for space.

[James D.G]

I would say the hatchery area, would be one of you best areas to try, you can fish along the dike for a long way in both directions.we were catching bass along the dike last weekend. We were fishing from a boat, But you can definitely fish from the dike, you will be standing on rip rap when close to water. we were catching them on a white spinner bait, first thing in the morning throw a frog. Hope this helps you a little.

[markedman]

For future reference, here are the locations I found where you can fish without a boat. All these locations have a fishing dock:

 

C. Alex Harvin

Indian Bluffs (Restrooms are available)

Spiers Landing

John C Land III  (Lots of space).

 

John C Land has a large floating dock separate from the boat launch. We caught several crappie over 10" and a 19" 3# bass. My fish finder I use for bank fishing (Deeper Sonar) showed lots of fish including some large fish under the dock there.