Newsletter

Shellcrackers may be the target, but Lake Murray fishermen will likely wind up with a mixed bag that includes bluegill, largemouth bass, white perch, striped bass and catfish.

Shellcrackers are the rule, but a mixed creel is likely

Retired guide Doug Lown said that when fishing for shellcrackers around high spots that drop into deep water, catching multiple species is pretty common. […]

Shellcrackers have a distinct red edge on its ear flap that distinguishes it from other sunfish species.

Shellcracker particulars

Terry Madewell

The shellcracker, also known as the redear sunfish (Lepomis microlophus), is native to the southeastern United States but can be found all over North America. […]

Chartreuse is a lure color that is particularly effective under different circumstances.

Go chartreuse or go home

Jeff Burleson

For more than a century, lure manufacturers have tried to develop the perfect size, shape and action to get a fish’s attention. […]

Be careful not to get too close before casting to spring reds.

Be stealthy and keep your distance

Jeff Burleson

During the spring, redfish, trout and flounder step up to the plate and really begin to gather up the groceries. […]

Fishermen targeting Spanish mackerel in May often run into a cobia or two that are shadowing schools of baitfish.

Nearshore waters fill up this month, with big pods of baitfish bringing in predators by the thousands. From bluefish to Spanish mackerel, the action can pick up in shallow-water places just outside of the breakers. […]

Jason Burton pays close attention to current and trolling direction, and it pays off with better catches of Spanish mackerel.

Following directions

Jeff Burleson

Catching Spanish mackerel can seem very easy during the spring and summer when fish are mauling a school of menhaden or glass minnows. […]

Cobia that move into the Broad River to spawn each spring are a different sub-species from those that spawn offshore in deeper water.

Cobia facts

John Gribb

Cobia were recently added to the listing of gamefish by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, joining spot-tail bass (red drum) and speckled trout. […]

The saltwater nature of the Broad River is one factor that may be a big reason why so many cobia move in to spawn every spring.

The Broad “Non” River

John Gribb

The Broad River is not really a river. Rivers like the Broad, May and Colleton are actually fingers of saltwater extending far inland with very little influence from freshwater influx. […]