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The Morone Saxatilis belongs to the order Perciformes and family Moronidae. It typically measures between 20 and 55 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 81 lbs. Habitat: river, lake, onshore, near shore. - Popular game fish for recreational and commercial fishers. - Also known as Atlantic Striped Bass, Stripers, or Linesider. - Distinguished by seven to eight horizontal stripes along its sides.
Guide Danny Kimble of Hooked Up On Striper Guide Service LLC on Saturday July offers expert striped bass fishing on Lake Murray's productive waters. This 5-hour guided fishing trip targets Lake Murray's excellent striper population using proven techniques like trolling, live bait fishing, and crankbait casting. Danny knows the best spots and seasonal patterns to put you on fish, whether you're an experienced angler or new to striper fishing. The lake's diverse structure and abundant forage make it a top South Carolina destination for consistent striped bass action. All fishing gear is provided, and trips accommodate up to 3 guests for a personalized experience on one of the region's premier striper fisheries.
Guide Danny Kimble of Hooked Up On Striper Guide Service LLC on Saturday July provides everything needed for a successful Lake Murray striper adventure. This 5-hour fishing charter includes all tackle, bait, and expert guidance for up to 3 anglers. Danny's local knowledge of Lake Murray's seasonal patterns and productive structure ensures you'll fish the right spots at the right times. Book online to secure your preferred date, with full payment due at booking. Cancellations within 7 days of the trip date will be charged the full amount.
Lake Murray's 50,000 acres offer diverse fishing opportunities with deep channels, rocky points, and creek arms that hold striped bass year-round. Danny employs multiple techniques including light tackle trolling, live bait presentations, and crankbait casting to match the fish's mood and location. The lake's healthy forage base of threadfin shad and gizzard shad supports a robust striper population, with fish ranging from schoolies to trophy-sized bass.
Summer fishing can be particularly productive during early morning and evening hours when stripers move shallow to feed. Danny's approach adapts to conditions, using fish finders to locate schools and adjusting tactics throughout the trip to maintain consistent action.
Lake Murray's striped bass thrive in the lake's diverse habitat, from the main lake's deep water to the numerous creek arms and coves. These fish follow seasonal patterns, moving to deeper water during hot summer months and becoming more active in shallower areas during cooler periods. Danny targets them using structure like submerged roadbeds, creek channels, and rocky points where stripers ambush baitfish. The lake's excellent water quality and abundant forage create ideal conditions for both numbers and size, with fish commonly ranging from 3 to 15 pounds and occasional trophies exceeding 20 pounds.
Your 5-hour Lake Murray adventure begins with a safety briefing and equipment overview. Danny provides all necessary fishing gear, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait, ensuring you have the right setup for the conditions. The boat accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably, with ample space for fighting fish and storing gear. Early morning departures typically offer the best fishing, though Danny adjusts start times based on seasonal patterns and weather conditions. Bring sunscreen, drinks, and snacks for the trip, and dress in layers as lake conditions can change throughout the day.
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), commonly called stripers or linesiders, belongs to the Perciformes order and Moronidae family. These distinctive fish feature seven to eight dark horizontal stripes running along their silvery sides, with coloration ranging from olive-green to dark brown on top and bright white underneath. In Lake Murray waters this July, stripers remain one of South Carolina's most sought-after gamefish.
Originally an anadromous species from the Atlantic coast, striped bass have been successfully introduced to inland lakes across the country. Lake Murray's population thrives in the reservoir's diverse habitat, making it a premier destination for striper fishing. These powerful fighters are prized for their aggressive strikes, strong runs, and excellent table fare.
In Lake Murray, striped bass prefer areas with good water circulation and adequate oxygen levels. They commonly inhabit main lake points, submerged roadbeds, creek channels, and areas where tributaries enter the lake. During summer months, they often suspend in deeper water near thermoclines, moving shallow during low-light periods to feed on abundant shad populations.
Lake Murray stripers typically range from 20 to 55 inches in length, with weights from 10 to 81 pounds. Most fish caught measure between 18 and 28 inches, weighing 3 to 12 pounds. Trophy stripers exceeding 20 pounds are present, with the lake producing fish over 30 pounds in exceptional cases.
These voracious predators feed primarily on threadfin shad and gizzard shad, along with blueback herring and smaller fish. Stripers are schooling fish that often feed cooperatively, driving baitfish to the surface in feeding frenzies. They're most active during dawn and dusk hours, though they can be caught throughout the day using proper techniques and locations.
In South Carolina lakes, striped bass attempt to spawn in spring when water temperatures reach 58-65°F. They move into tributary creeks and rivers seeking flowing water, though successful reproduction in lakes is limited. Most Lake Murray stripers are maintained through stocking programs by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Effective methods include trolling with umbrella rigs, live bait fishing with large shiners or herring, and casting crankbaits or swimbaits to structure. Light tackle trolling works well for covering water and locating schools. In July around Lexington, anglers find success fishing deeper structure during midday heat and targeting shallow flats during early morning hours.
Striped bass offer excellent eating with firm, white meat and mild flavor. The flesh is lean and flaky when cooked, suitable for grilling, baking, or frying. Rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, stripers are considered a healthy seafood choice with relatively low mercury levels compared to many other gamefish.
Q: What is the best bait for striped bass?
A: Live threadfin shad, gizzard shad, and large shiners are top choices. Artificial lures like umbrella rigs, swimbaits, and deep-diving crankbaits also produce excellent results.
Q: Where can I find striped bass near Lexington?
A: Lake Murray offers excellent striper fishing around main lake points, the dam area, creek channels, and submerged structure. Local guides know the most productive seasonal locations.
Q: Is striped bass good to eat?
A: Yes, striped bass are excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor. They're versatile for various cooking methods and provide good nutritional value.
Q: When is the best time to catch striped bass?
A: Early morning and evening hours typically produce the best action, though stripers can be caught throughout the day using proper techniques and locations. Spring and fall often provide the most consistent fishing.
Ready to reel in some big ones? Join us on Lake Murray for an awesome striper fishing adventure! From fall through spring, these prized fish are biting, and we've got the know-how to help you catch 'em. Our seasoned guide Danny knows all the hotspots and will set you up with top-notch gear to maximize your chances. Whether you're a first-timer or an experienced angler, you'll have a blast trying to land that trophy striped bass. Lake Murray's beautiful waters are teeming with fish, and the stripers are the stars of the show. Bring two friends along and make some great memories out on the lake. Just remember, if you need to cancel, give us a heads up at least a week in advance to avoid any charges. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's go fishing!