Suggestions for mid-March trip?

[The Baron]

I’m planning a trip to the south-ish next March, to somewhere “less cold” and have a decent chance at a 6+ pound largemouth (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.

[FishTax]

Mid-March in NC the spawn will be in full swing as it is starting now. You could save a few hours off your trip and hit central NC, then have the option of several lakes in the area. All of them have big fish. Mid march I think you could well exceed 6+. I think for @Pat Brown in mid march that's an average catch. For me, it's an awesome catch  

All of our lakes pretty much are good, but if you want a big I'd avoid the spotted bass fisheries like Norman, Hyco, etc. as you can catch numbers but they are small. They do have some big fish in them, but imo they are harder to locate because the ratio is lower.

 

Look at Jordan, Falls, Michie, Butner, Mackintosh, High Rock, Tuckertown, Badin, any of the city lakes like oak hollow, Brandt, Higgins, Graham-Mebane, etc. Many many choices, and I'd bet all of those have a double digit in there somewhere. I wouldn't bet on you catching one, but the possibility is worth pursuing! I'm happy to provide further thoughts if interested but don't want to hijack the thread acting like a travel agent for NC 😎