Fishing Regulations

Most species are managed under statewide regulations. Two exceptions are:

  • for largemouth bass, a minimum length limit of 18 inches
  • for red drum, a minimum length of 20 inches, with no maximum length and a daily bag limit of 3 fish

Angling Opportunities

Red drum are the most popular sport fish in the reservoir. Hybrid striped bass and catfish are the next most sought after species. Although quality to trophy size largemouth bass are present, a limited fishery currently exists.

Species

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

Largemouth Bass

 

X

 

 

Catfish

 

 

X

 

Hybrid Striped Bass

 

 

 

X

Red Drum

 

 

 

X

Fishing Cover/Structure

The main cover is provided by bulrush and cattails along the shoreline and the main structure found at Braunig consists of rock rip-rap along the dam and peninsulas.

Tips & Tactics

Red drum fishing is good March through August with many fish in excess of 20 pounds harvested annually. As on the coast, this schooling species may sometimes be located by watching for feeding activities by seagulls or pelicans. In winter, red drum may be found near the heated discharges. Crawfish and tilapia are very good natural baits; good artificial lures include spoons (gold and silver), rattle traps and trolled deep-diving crankbaits.. 

Hybrid striped bass fishing is good from January through August, and peaks in spring. Again, watch for birds' feeding activities. As with red drum during the winter months, hybrids may be found in the heated discharge areas. Chicken liver has proven to be a very good natural bait; spoons and rattle traps are effective artificial baits. Channel catfish are good all year with some of the best fishing occurring in the spring. Look for cormorant roosts as one possible site to fish. Better natural baits include cheese baits, liver, shad and cut tilapia. Largemouth bass fishing is at its best January through April, with the majority of fish being caught from February on. Carolina rigged plastic worms, spinner baits, crank baits and grubs are the most used artificials.

Our bait recommendations

Here's the baits that our Pros love for this lake.