Hello and looking for input on upcoming trip

[Andy is OptiMystic]

I just joined today. I have been fishing over 50 years and often for panfish. I tend to fish UL with artificials most of the time. I live near Raleigh and primarily fish local lakes and rivers and make it down to the coast a few times. I plan to get down that way more this year.

In Feb, probably the weekend of the 21st, I and a buddy or two are doing a weekend in SC right off I95 near the GA line. Planning to fish the Savannah River near Hardeeville. I have heard of large numbers of big bream coming out of that section and I will probably fish it much like I fish here - grubs, beetle spin and where it is clear enough small lipless cranks. Those are my usual go to lures. I might stack the deck and pick up some meal worms. Anyway, I would be grateful for advice if anyone knows the area or just what works in similar areas (coastal river just a few miles from the salt).

Thanks!

Andy

[Slip Sinker]

GATORS!!! WHUT!!!! the most dangerous things in our waters up here is leeches!

[Slip Sinker]

whats the spoil area?

[Andy is OptiMystic]

Spoil Area is things like marsh that look like land but really aren't. Navionics marks that on the maps so people won't try to beach there and spoil their trip...

Yes, gators. We have them up here in NC also but not as plentiful and usually not as large. This river is in extreme southeastern SC only ~125 miles from FL. Palm trees, Spanish moss, gators and hopefully big fish. I have read about people catching lots of large panfish there. Also big bass, stripers and blue catfish.

[Allen Morgan]

Don't worry, Slip Sinker.  Gator tastes like Frog :)

[Jim Gronaw]

You might want to check out Kelly Nobles page on this site...he is an expert on trophy Savannah River shellcrackers. I think he utilizes live bait presentations most of the season.