The Lake Moultrie Big Catfish Tournament draws anglers to one of South Carolina's most productive catfish waters
The Lake Moultrie Big Catfish Tournament is an annual fishing event held on Lake Moultrie, a 110,600-acre reservoir in the Lowcountry that holds channel catfish, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. The tournament typically runs for a set period in summer — check with the tournament organizers for exact dates each year, as they shift. Anglers fish from boats or the bank, weigh their catch at an official weigh station, and compete for prizes based on the heaviest fish and largest total weight.
The tournament is organized to bring together local and visiting anglers who want to test their catfish skills on a lake known for producing large fish. Entry fees vary by year and registration method. Most tournaments of this kind require you to register before the event starts, either online or at a local tackle shop, though some allow day-of registration if spots remain open.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Moultrie holds channel, blue, and flathead catfish, with blue catfish often reaching 40 pounds or more in this water.
- The tournament runs during summer months; check the official announcement each year for the exact dates and registration deadline.
- You will need a valid South Carolina fishing license and must follow all state fishing regulations, including size and bag limits that may apply outside the tournament.
- Weigh-in times and locations are set by the tournament organizers and announced at registration, so plan to be at the weigh station before the deadline.
- Most tournaments allow both boat and bank fishing, though some sections of the lake may have access restrictions you should confirm before the event.
What You Need to Fish the Tournament
A valid South Carolina fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website, at most tackle shops, and at some Walmart and Lowe's locations. A three-day license costs less than a full-year license if you only plan to fish the tournament weekend.
Bring your own boat or arrange access to one — the tournament does not provide boats. If you do not own a boat, ask at local marinas or tackle shops whether they know anglers looking for tournament partners. Many catfish anglers fish from the bank as well, and Lake Moultrie has public access points, though some require a parking fee or have limited hours. Check the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website for current access locations and any fees.
You will also need basic catfish tackle: medium to heavy rods, sturdy reels, 20- to 40-pound line depending on the catfish species you target, and hooks sized for live or cut bait. Catfish rigs are simple — a basic three-way rig or slip sinker rig works well. Bring more tackle than you think you will need; catfish fishing can be hard on equipment.
Lake Moultrie's Catfish and Where to Find Them
Lake Moultrie holds three catfish species, each with different habits and sizes. Channel catfish are the most common and typically run 2 to 8 pounds, though larger ones exist. Blue catfish are the trophy fish here — they can exceed 40 pounds and are aggressive feeders. Flathead catfish are nocturnal predators that hunt live fish and can grow very large, but they are less common in tournament catches because they require live bait and night fishing.
Blue and channel catfish respond well to cut bait — shad, herring, mackerel, or chicken liver are standard choices. Fish the deeper holes and channel ledges during the day, especially near the old river channel that runs through the lake. Early morning and evening are productive times, but catfish bite throughout the day. Flatheads prefer live bluegill or shad fished at night, so if you plan to target them, confirm the tournament allows night fishing.
Lake Moultrie's main body holds fish, but the upper end near the Santee River inlet and the areas around old pilings and submerged timber often concentrate catfish. Scout the lake before the tournament if you can, or arrive early on tournament day to fish a few hours before the official start time — most tournaments allow this.
Registration, Fees, and Tournament Rules
Registration details change each year, so contact the tournament organizers directly or check the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources website for the current year's information. Entry fees typically range from $50 to $150 per angler, depending on the tournament format and prize pool. Some tournaments charge a flat fee per boat instead of per person.
When you register, you will receive a tournament packet with the official rules, weigh-in location and time, and any special regulations that apply only during the tournament. Read these carefully — they may differ from standard state fishing rules. For example, some tournaments have minimum size requirements or bag limits that are stricter than state law, or they may allow fishing methods that are normally restricted.
Most tournaments require you to weigh all fish at an official station within a set time window — typically a few hours at the end of the fishing day. Late weigh-ins are usually not accepted, so plan your return trip accordingly. Bring a cooler with ice to keep your fish fresh from the time you catch them until weigh-in.
Preparing Your Boat and Gear Before the Tournament
Check your boat's engine, fuel system, and battery well before the tournament. Lake Moultrie is large, and running out of fuel or losing power far from the ramp is dangerous and will cost you fishing time. Fill your tank the day before and carry extra fuel if your boat's range is limited.
Test all your fishing rods and reels at home. Catfish are strong, and a reel that slips or a rod with a weak guide will fail when you hook a large fish. Replace any worn line, and bring extra spools or pre-spooled reels. Organize your tackle box so you can find hooks, weights, and rigs quickly in the dark or in a hurry.
Bring safety gear: a Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on the boat, a first aid kit, a flashlight or headlamp, a radio or cell phone, and a map of the lake. Catfish fishing often means long hours on the water, and conditions can change. Sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water are also essential — the Lowcountry sun and insects are intense in summer.
Bait, Tackle, and Local Shops
Buy fresh bait the day of the tournament or the day before. Local tackle shops near Lake Moultrie carry live shad, herring, and bluegill, as well as cut bait and prepared baits. They also stock the heavy-duty hooks, weights, and line that catfish fishing demands. A few hours before the tournament, stop by a shop to pick up bait and ask the staff where fish have been biting — local knowledge is invaluable.
If you are new to catfish fishing, ask the tackle shop staff for a quick lesson on rigging. A simple three-way rig or slip sinker rig takes only a few minutes to tie, and the staff can show you the knots. Bring a notebook and write down the setup so you can tie more rigs on the water if needed.
What to Expect on Tournament Day
Arrive at the boat ramp early — popular ramps fill up quickly on tournament mornings, and you do not want to miss the start because you are waiting to launch. Check in at the registration table if you have not already, and confirm the weigh-in time and location. Listen for any last-minute announcements about weather, water conditions, or rule changes.
The tournament will have an official start time, usually announced by air horn or radio. Some tournaments have a staggered start, where boats launch in waves; others have a set time when all boats must be fishing. Know which applies to your tournament and plan accordingly.
Fish methodically. Catfish are not always where you expect them, so move if you do not get bites after 30 to 45 minutes. Keep your lines in the water as much as possible — catfish bite when you are not watching. If you hook a large fish, take your time bringing it in; a rushed fight can result in a broken line or a lost fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish the Lake Moultrie Big Catfish Tournament?
Most tournaments allow both boat and bank fishing. If you do not have a boat, check the tournament rules for designated bank access areas and confirm they are open during the tournament. Some tournaments restrict bank fishing to certain zones, so verify before you register.
What is the best bait for Lake Moultrie catfish?
Cut shad, herring, and mackerel work well for channel and blue catfish. Chicken liver is a reliable option if fresh fish bait is hard to find. Live bluegill or shad are best for flatheads, but they require night fishing. Ask local tackle shop staff what has been working recently.
Can I fish the night before the tournament to scout?
Most tournaments allow pre-fishing the day or days before the official event. Check the tournament rules to confirm. Pre-fishing gives you a chance to find where catfish are holding and test your tackle, but it does not count toward your tournament score.
What happens if I am late to the weigh-in?
Late fish are almost never accepted in tournaments. Plan your return trip to arrive at the weigh station well before the deadline. If you are running behind, radio ahead to let the organizers know — they may hold the station open a few minutes, but do not count on it.
Are there size or bag limits during the tournament?
Tournament rules may differ from state regulations. Check your tournament packet for any special size or bag limits that apply only during the event. If the tournament does not specify, follow South Carolina's standard catfish regulations.