Cool-weather panfish

Santee-Cooper’s swamps are bream hotspots in November

The swamps surrounding the Santee Cooper lakes, are a hidden gem for bream fishing, especially in November. As the weather cools, bluegills and shellcrackers are feeding up in the swampy areas.

With its cypress trees, submerged structure, and abundant forage, the Santee swamps provide an ideal habitat for bream. Capt. Joe Dennis of Chasin’ the Wild TV offers his expertise on how to make the most of your fishing adventure this month.

November is an excellent month for fishing in the Santee swamps. As temperatures drop, bream begin to feed heavily in preparation for winter.

“In November, some bream are heading deep in the main lakes, But others are moving into shallower waters of the swamp,” said Dennis (843-245-3762). “It’s a fantastic time to target them, especially around structure where they feel safe.”

With bream actively seeking food, anglers can expect to find success. The fish tend to congregate in areas with plenty of cover, making it easier to locate them. Many are sticking tight to the bases of cypress trees.

Using the right gear and techniques is crucial for catching bream in November. Dennis recommends light tackle, typically a medium-light rod paired with 4- to 6-pound test line.

“This setup helps you feel the subtle bites that cool-weather bream are known for,” he said.

When it comes to bait, live crickets are a popular choice, but jigs can also be very effective. Dennis suggests using small jigs in natural colors to mimic the local forage.

“I often opt for 1/16-ounce jigs with a soft plastic body in colors like chartreuse or white. These colors work wonders in the stained water of the swamps,” he said.

A slow, steady retrieve is essential for enticing bream to bite. Dennis said sometimes, simply dangling the jig below surface weeds without imparting any motion at all can be very successful.

“Sometimes, the thickest patch of surface weeds will hold huge numbers of panfish,” he said. “All you need is a tiny hole between the weeds, just big enough for your jig to drop through.”

Location plays a significant role in bream fishing success. Dennis advises anglers to focus on areas with structure, such as cypress trees, fallen logs, and brush piles.

“Bream love to hide around structure, so finding these spots is key,” he said. “Look for deeper holes near the edges of the swamps where they can ambush their prey.”

Easing slowly through the swamps while casting near these structures can yield great results.

“Be patient, but don’t waste time. If you aren’t getting regular bites, move on to another area. These fish are plenty hungry right now, so they are biting. If they aren’t biting where you are, move on and find them. But remember, you rarely need to move very far. It can truly be a game of inches this month,” Dennis said.

Right now is a great time to catch big numbers of bream here, and anglers can also expect to catch some in impressive sizes.

“They are just starting to really pack on the pounds for winter. So they aren’t typically as big as they will be in the spring, but you’ll catch some big ones this month for sure,” he said.

About Brian Cope 2989 Articles
Brian Cope is the editor of Carolina Sportsman. He has won numerous awards for his writing, photography, and videography. He is a retired Air Force combat communications technician, and has a B.A. in English Literature from the University of South Carolina. You can reach him at brianc@carolinasportsman.com.

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