Hey there, anglers! Ready for some of the best crappie fishing around? Join me, Captain Tim, for a half-day adventure on Clarks Hill Lake. We'll hit the hotspots where these tasty panfish are biting, whether you're an old pro or just getting your feet wet. This lake's a real gem, straddling the South Carolina-Georgia line, and I know every nook and cranny where the crappie like to hang out. Let's get out there and fill up the cooler!
We'll spend 4 hours on the water, either bright and early or in the afternoon, depending on what works best for you. I've got room for up to 3 guests on my boat, so bring your fishing buddies or the family. We'll cruise the rivers and coves of Clarks Hill, also known as Strom Thurmond Lake to some folks. It's a massive body of water with over 1,200 miles of shoreline, so there's plenty of territory to explore. I'll provide all the gear and know-how – you just bring your excitement and maybe a snack or two. And hey, don't forget to give me a call at (706) 833-3289 before your trip so I can let you know exactly where we'll meet up.
When it comes to crappie fishing, we've got a few tricks up our sleeve. We'll likely be using a mix of trolling and casting, depending on where the fish are biting. I'll set you up with light tackle – usually ultralight rods and reels spooled with 4-6 pound test line. We might use live minnows, which crappie go nuts for, or toss some jigs tipped with soft plastics. If the fish are deeper, we might try some spider rigging, where we'll have multiple rods out at once to cover more water. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques – I'll walk you through everything and have you reeling in slabs in no time.
"I've booked with Tim several times. He is an awesome guide who will definitely put you on the fish." - omar
"I booked a fishing trip with Tim for my dad for Father's Day, and working with Tim and maneuvering through the details has been nothing short of amazing! Tim's also a great guide! My dad had a wonderful time, and caught plenty if fish." - Chasity
"Thanks Mr Tim for your professionalism and patient with the group of older men. but you put us on top of the fish each time . We will be seeing you again thank for a great time." - Bobby
Crappie are the stars of the show on these trips, and for good reason. These feisty panfish are a blast to catch and even better to eat. On Clarks Hill, we've got both black and white crappie, with some real slabs in the mix. They typically run from 3/4 to 1 1/2 pounds, but don't be surprised if we hook into a 2-pounder or better. Crappie tend to school up, so when we find them, the action can be fast and furious.
Spring is prime time for crappie fishing, as they move into shallow water to spawn. This is when you can catch them by the bucketful. As the water warms up in summer, they'll move to deeper structure, but we can still find them around brush piles and standing timber. In fall and winter, they'll often suspend in open water, following schools of baitfish. No matter the season, I know where to find 'em.
What makes crappie so popular? Well, they're not called 'papermouths' for nothing – their delicate bite can be a fun challenge. And when it comes to table fare, many anglers swear by crappie as the best-tasting freshwater fish out there. Nothing beats a plate of fried crappie fillets after a day on the water!
Folks, let me tell you – there's something special about crappie fishing on Clarks Hill. Maybe it's the thrill of finding a honey hole where the fish are stacked up like cordwood. Or the satisfaction of feeling that light tap on your line and setting the hook just right. Could be the stunning views of the lake, with its pine-covered shores and quiet coves. Whatever it is, anglers keep coming back for more.
I've had everyone from seasoned pros to complete newbies on my boat, and they all leave with a smile. Kids especially love crappie fishing – these fish are the perfect size for little hands, and the action is usually fast enough to keep short attention spans engaged. Plus, there's nothing like the pride on a youngster's face when they reel in their very own fish.
Another thing that keeps people coming back is the year-round fishing. While spring might be the peak, we can catch crappie 12 months out of the year on Clarks Hill. Each season brings its own challenges and rewards, and I'm always happy to share my knowledge of seasonal patterns and how to adjust our tactics accordingly.
When you step onto my boat, you're in for a real treat. We'll start by going over the game plan for the day – where we're headed, what techniques we'll be using, and any questions you might have. Safety's always first, so we'll cover the basics there too. Then it's time to hit the water and start fishing!
I'll have all the gear ready to go – quality rods, reels, and tackle that's perfect for crappie fishing. We'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. I'm always happy to teach you new techniques or help you refine your skills. And hey, if you've got a lucky lure you want to try, bring it along!
As we fish, I'll share tips and tricks that I've picked up over years of guiding on Clarks Hill. We might move around a bit to find the best spots, and I'll explain why we're targeting certain areas. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife too – we often see ospreys, eagles, and even the occasional deer along the shoreline.
Remember, this is your trip. If you want to focus on catching numbers of fish, we can do that. If you're after that trophy slab to mount on the wall, we'll give it our best shot. And if you just want to relax and enjoy a morning or afternoon on the water, that's fine too. My goal is to make sure you have a great time and learn something new about crappie fishing.
Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on Clarks Hill and fill a cooler with some tasty crappie, now's the time to lock in your trip. These 4-hour adventures are perfect for fitting into a busy schedule or as part of a longer vacation in the area. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience some of the best crappie fishing in the South, I've got you covered.
Remember, I can only take up to 3 guests per trip, so don't wait too long to book – especially during peak seasons. Spring dates fill up fast when the crappie are spawning, but honestly, there's no bad time to fish this lake. Just give me a call at (706) 833-3289, and we'll find a date that works for you.
One last thing – if you need to cancel, try to give me at least a week's notice. I hate to do it, but I do have to charge the full amount if you cancel within 7 days of the trip. It's just part of running a reliable guide service.
So what are you waiting for? Let's get out there and catch some crappie! Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, introduce the kids to fishing, or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water, I'm ready to make it happen. Book your trip now, and let's make some memories on Clarks Hill Lake. Trust me, once you've experienced the thrill of reeling in these feisty panfish, you'll be hooked for life!
June 20, 2025
I booked a fishing trip with Tim for my dad for Father's Day, and working with Tim and maneuvering through the details has been nothing short of amazing! Tim's also a great guide! My dad had a wonderful time, and caught plenty if fish.
July 20, 2023
Thanks Mr Tim for your professionalism and patient with the group of older men. but you put us on top of the fish each time . We will be seeing you again thank for a great time.
May 24, 2024
Awesome guide and he kept us laughing the entire time. Had a great time Tim.
June 9, 2024
Crappie fishing at Clark Hill is a crowd-pleaser. These pan-sized fighters usually run 7-12 inches and hang out near structure like fallen trees or brush piles in 10-20 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime times, but you can catch 'em year-round if you know where to look. Folks love targeting crappie for their scrappy fight on light tackle and excellent table fare. Nothing beats a mess of fried crappie fillets after a good day on the water. We typically use small jigs or live minnows, working them slowly around cover. One local trick is to use a slip bobber to dial in the right depth - crappie often suspend at specific levels, so finding that sweet spot is key. Black and white crappie both call Clark Hill home. The whites have faint vertical bars while the blacks are more speckled. Either way, they're a blast to catch and make for some of the best eating around these parts.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: SUZUKI
Maximum Cruising Speed: 42
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
I’ve booked with Tim several times. He is an awesome guide who will definitely put you on the fish.