What the Santee Cooper Open Team Tournament is
The Santee Cooper Open is a team-based fishing tournament held on Santee Cooper Reservoir in South Carolina, where two-person teams compete for prizes by catching largemouth bass. The tournament runs during spring and fall seasons, with specific dates announced each year by the tournament organizers. Teams launch from designated boat ramps, fish the reservoir during set hours, and return to weigh in their catch at day's end. The tournament follows catch-and-release rules for most fish, meaning you measure and photograph your catch before returning it to the water.
Santee Cooper Reservoir itself spans roughly 171,000 acres across Clarendon and Orangeburg counties, making it one of South Carolina's largest lakes. The water holds healthy populations of largemouth bass, and the tournament structure rewards both the heaviest single fish and the combined weight of a team's best catch. Entry fees vary by year and are set by the tournament host, so you'll need to check the current year's announcement for exact costs.
Key Takeaways
- Santee Cooper Open tournaments are two-person team events held on Santee Cooper Reservoir during spring and fall, with specific dates posted by the tournament organizers each year.
- You must have a valid South Carolina fishing license and follow all state bass fishing regulations, including size and creel limits that may apply outside tournament hours.
- Teams fish from dawn to a set weigh-in time, typically measuring their best bass or heaviest total catch depending on the tournament format announced beforehand.
- Entry requires advance registration with the tournament host, and you'll need to launch from one of Santee Cooper's public boat ramps on the day of the event.
- The tournament community includes local anglers, guides, and visiting fishers, with results posted publicly and prizes awarded to top-finishing teams.
How to register and what you need to bring
Registration for the Santee Cooper Open happens through the tournament host's website or by phone before the entry deadline, which is usually one to two weeks before the event. You'll provide your name, your partner's name, contact information, and payment for the entry fee. Some tournaments require you to register as a team; others let you register individually and get paired with another angler. Check the specific year's rules when you register, as the format can change.
On tournament day, bring your valid South Carolina fishing license and your partner's license—both anglers must have one. Bring your boat, tackle, cooler with ice, and any safety equipment required by South Carolina boating law, including life jackets. Many anglers also bring a scale to weigh fish during the day, a measuring board to verify length, and a camera or phone to photograph catches for documentation. Arrive at your chosen boat ramp at least 30 minutes before the official start time to launch and position yourself on the water.
Understanding the tournament format and rules
The Santee Cooper Open typically runs from a set morning start time (often sunrise or shortly after) until a fixed weigh-in time in the afternoon, giving teams six to eight hours on the water. During that window, you fish as a two-person team in your own boat. The tournament may score based on the heaviest single bass caught, the combined weight of your three heaviest fish, or another format—the rules for the specific year will be posted when registration opens.
All fish must be alive at weigh-in, so handle them carefully and keep them in an aerated livewell or cooler with fresh water and ice. Fish under the minimum size limit set by South Carolina (typically 12 inches for largemouth bass, though tournament rules may differ) cannot be weighed. If you catch a fish that dies during the day, you cannot count it. Weigh-in happens at a designated location on the reservoir, usually at a marina or boat ramp, and results are posted publicly the same day or within 24 hours.
Boat ramps and launch locations on Santee Cooper
Santee Cooper has multiple public boat ramps spread across the reservoir. The main launch points include Mepkin Abbey Landing, Santee State Park, Eutawville Landing, and Rimini Landing, each with parking, restrooms, and varying levels of amenities. Some ramps charge a small daily launch fee (typically $5 to $10), while others are free. The tournament announcement will specify which ramp or ramps are designated for that event, so confirm before you arrive.
Arrive early on tournament day because parking and ramp access can fill up quickly, especially during popular seasons. If you're unfamiliar with Santee Cooper, consider visiting the ramp a day or two before the tournament to scout the area, check water conditions, and plan your launch. The reservoir has shallow areas, submerged timber, and deeper channels—knowing the layout helps you fish more effectively and navigate safely.
What to expect at weigh-in
Weigh-in is a public event where teams bring their fish to be officially measured and weighed. You'll pull up to the weigh-in station, present your fish, and tournament officials will record the weight and any other relevant data. Your fish are then returned to the water alive. The process moves quickly if you're organized—have your fish ready, know which ones you're weighing, and be prepared to answer basic questions about where you caught them.
After all teams have weighed in, results are calculated and announced. Top finishers receive prizes, which may include cash, tackle, or merchandise depending on the tournament's sponsor and prize pool. Results are typically posted at the weigh-in location and online within hours. Many tournaments also hold a brief awards ceremony where winners are recognized and photos are taken for local fishing publications and social media.
Fishing Santee Cooper before or after the tournament
If you're traveling to Santee Cooper for the tournament, you may want to fish the days before or after to practice or simply enjoy the reservoir. Santee Cooper is open year-round for recreational fishing, and largemouth bass are active in spring and fall when the tournaments run. The same size and creel limits apply outside the tournament, so check the current South Carolina fishing regulations before you go.
Local tackle shops near Santee Cooper, such as those in Moncks Corner and Eutawville, sell live bait, lures, and supplies, and their staff can offer current information about water conditions and where bass are biting. Many shops also post reports from recent tournaments and fishing trips. If you're new to the reservoir, consider hiring a guide for a day—guides know the structure, seasonal patterns, and productive areas that take other anglers weeks to learn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own boat to enter the Santee Cooper Open?
Yes, you need access to a boat to fish the tournament. If you don't own one, you can rent a boat from marinas on Santee Cooper, or you can partner with someone who has a boat and split the entry fee and any rental costs. Some local fishing clubs also organize team entries and may help connect anglers without boats.
What if I've never fished Santee Cooper before?
Many tournament participants are new to the lake each year. Arrive a day or two early to scout the ramps and shoreline, study a map of the reservoir, and talk to local anglers at the ramp. Hiring a guide for a practice day before the tournament can accelerate your learning and improve your chances of catching fish during the event.
Can I fish with live bait or only artificial lures?
Tournament rules vary by year and host. Some events allow both live bait and lures; others restrict you to artificial lures only. The tournament rules posted during registration will specify what's allowed. Check before you buy bait or pack your tackle box.
What happens if my partner doesn't show up on tournament day?
Contact the tournament host immediately. Some tournaments allow you to fish solo or find a replacement angler; others may disqualify you or refund your entry fee. The rules for this situation are in the tournament guidelines, so read them carefully when you register.
How much does it cost to enter?
Entry fees for the Santee Cooper Open vary by year and tournament host. Fees typically range from $100 to $300 per two-person team, though this can change. The exact fee for the current year is posted when registration opens, so check the tournament announcement for current pricing.