Suggestions for mid-March trip?

[The Baron]

I want to plan a trip to the south-ish next March to go somewhere “less cold” and maybe have a chance at some 5+ pound fish (a rarity up here).  I’ve been looking at Lake Murray, which is about as far south as I think I can get with only a week off (would be about a 15 hour drive).  But I’m not sure if Lake Murray would be too busy - seems like it’s a tournament haven.  Is Murray a good option for mid-March, or are there any other suggestions?  Instead of a place right on Lake Murray we could maybe stay somewhere central and do day trips to some smaller lakes?  We’ll have capable boats (mine’s a 19ft. aluminum, my buddy’s got a 20ft. Nitro) but I’m not a fan of rough water so would rather fish smaller lakes or pick our days on bigger water.  It’d just be nice to have an adventure with my son and catch some bass while there’s likely still ice at home.  And my 15yo. son is super excited about the idea of a guys fishing trip, and renting a house with the boats right there at the dock would be awesome.