Little Pee Dee panfishing

Bream, shellcrackers, redbreasts all biting

The Little Pee Dee River in South Carolina is a prime destination for bream fishing. With October’s cooler temperatures and active fish, this is the perfect season to cast a line for bream, including bluegill and redear sunfish.

Eric James from Marion, SC highlights the importance of understanding bream behavior during October.

“As the water temperature drops, bream start feeding more aggressively to prepare for winter,” he said. “They’re looking for high-protein foods, which makes this a great time to use live bait like worms and crickets.”

James prefers lightweight tackle. “For bream fishing, a light-action rod with 4- to 6-pound test line is ideal,” he said. “It allows you to feel the subtle bites and provides the sensitivity needed for a fun day of fishing.”

James said bream live in all corners of the Little Pee Dee River.

“Look for bream around submerged structures like fallen trees, stumps, and rock piles,” he said. “These are prime spots where bream like to hide and hunt for food.”

He also emphasizes the importance of fishing in deeper pools and eddies, where bream often congregate in cooler weather.

Artificial lures will also work wonders.

“Small jigs and spinners can be very effective,” he said. “I like to use them in natural colors that mimic the local insects and minnows. It’s all about matching the hatch.”

He also advises experimenting with retrieval speeds.

“Sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a quick twitch can trigger a strike,” James said.

He also said anglers need to be a little more patient this month, while these fish adjust to the shorter days and cooling temperatures.

“Bream can be finicky, but once you find their preferred spot, the action can be nonstop.”

Finally, James reflects on the experience of fishing the Little Pee Dee River. “There’s something special about fishing in such a beautiful, tranquil setting,” he says. “The Little Pee Dee offers a unique blend of natural beauty and exciting fishing opportunities, making every trip memorable.”

Follow James on his hunting and fishing adventures at www.youtube.com/locallifeoutdoors.