Nice Day For Shore Fishing At Santee Cooper

[bigjim5589]

Since I had not been in awhile, I went over to the dam at Randolph's Landing and practiced my casting. 

If you don't know, Randolph's Landing is at the end of SC RT 260, on the Manning side of Lake Marion about 14 miles from town. Lake Marion & Lake Moultrie make up Santee Cooper.

It was a beautiful Sunny day here, with temps in the upper 70's, and very little wind. Water temps are still in the upper to mid 60's.

The water levels are down significantly, due to lack of rain and probably some draw down by Santee Cooper for structure repairs, which they tend to do this time of year anyway.

I walked along the dam for perhaps 1/8 mile, with the intent to fish back to where my car was parked, but soon discovered that was not a practical idea. I've gotten too old to be rock hopping. 

The dam has public access for hiking, biking, or fishing, but no hunting or motorized vehicles allowed. Parking is along the roadway on the grass shoulder areas. Randolph's Landing is private, and has a tackle shop, camping facilities & a pier. I believe they charge a small fee to fish from the pier.

I took 3 baitcasting rods and each rigged with different lures. One with a white bucktail jig, one a pearl/white Super Spook, with a redhead, and the 3rd rod with a 3/4 oz Yozuri Popper. I was really hoping I might find some topwater Stripers. 

I didn't catch any fish, but it was nice just being there enjoying a few hours of the day. Sorry for these photo's, my phone doesn't take very good photos.

[Princeton_Man]

Looks like a peaceful spot to catch some rays and relax. I'm going to get down there one of these days.

[bigjim5589]

Thanks PM! Yes, and it's surprising to me that not many folks fish there. With the water down as far as it is, it would be better from a boat I'm sure, as it's difficult to cover much water.

With the warm temps, I was also leery there might be some snakes catching rays on those rocks too!    They don't bother me, but I was a bit shaky trying to climb around on the rocks.   

I only saw about 8 people too, all of which were walking or on bicycles.

In the 8 years I've lived here, that's only the second time I've actually walked out on the dam, and first time to go fishing there. 

[Smallie_Stalker]

I can't see the pictures but I'm sure it was a nice spot. Sure beats seeing the inside of the house everyday.

Any day fishing is a good day, and catching isn't always necessary to a good time with rod and reel in hand.

Glad you were able to get out and wet a line.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

[Donald Garner]

Jim, tks for sharing the trip and the pictures. 

[Mike Cork]

Looks like a great place to enjoy the day. I'm with you that the rock hopping might get tough after a bit.