Bluegill

If plump, plate-sized bluegill are on your angling radar, Paxville, South Carolina offers some truly delightful fishing opportunities. The network of smaller freshwater ponds and creeks branching off Lake Marion provide ideal habitat. These waters warm up quickly in the spring, kicking off the bluegill spawn earlier than in larger bodies of water. Focus your efforts from late April through June for the most consistent action as the fish bed up in the shallows. A simple bobber rig with crickets or redworms is deadly. For bank access, try the public areas around Paxville Pond; a small boat or kayak will open up even more productive areas in the surrounding creeks. One local tip: many of the ponds are privately owned, so always respect posted signage and obtain permission where required. The bluegill here are known for their impressive size, often reaching over a pound, thanks to the rich forage available in these fertile waters. Don't be surprised if you hook into a few shellcrackers (redear sunfish) as well – they often share the same habitat.