Kyle Austin Outdoors (KA Guide Services) offers guided catfish and bass fishing charters on the Santee Cooper Lakes, led by U.S. Coast Guard certified Captain Kyle Austin, a native of Ridgeville, South Carolina who has fished these waters his entire life. Now a full-time fishing guide and professional tournament angler, Kyle travels and competes in all 9 Bassmaster Opens EQ tournaments across the country each year, working to qualify for the Elite Series and Bassmaster Classic, and is a 2025 Bassmaster Classic Qualifier — all while running more than 100 guide trips annually.
Santee Cooper is a destination fishery known for massive catfish, and Kyle’s Full Day Catfish trip runs 8 hours in search of Arkansas Blue, Flathead, Channel, and Bullhead catfish, including a shot at a true 50-lb giant, running year-round and well suited to families, kids, and business trips. A seasonal Night Trip Catfish option lets guests avoid the summer heat while chasing Santee Cooper’s giant cats after dark, with the boat well-lit for safety and fun. A Full Day Bass trip (March 1-May 31) spends 8 hours fishing the lake’s cypress trees, stumps, and grass fields, giving anglers a real shot at a trophy bass on any cast.
Trips run aboard a 2024 Falcon bass boat or a 30-foot custom Sun Tracker tritoon, depending on the trip type. Every charter includes rods and reels, tackle/bait, and 8 hours of fishing; guests bring their own snacks and drinks, a South Carolina freshwater fishing license, and proper clothing/sunscreen, with a large cooler recommended for the catch. Fish cleaning is available around the lake for $3-5 per fish if needed.
Full Day Catfish trips run $400 for 1-2 people ($50 each additional up to 6 total). Night Trip Catfish runs the same, $400 for 1-2 people ($50 each additional up to 6). Full Day Bass runs $600 for 1-3 people. Guest reviews consistently praise Kyle’s teaching, boat safety, and genuine effort to turn even a slow day into a memorable one, with international visitors and repeat local clients alike.
For anglers looking for a guided catfish or bass fishing trip on the Santee Cooper Lakes with a genuine professional tournament angler, Kyle Austin Guide Service offers a highly reviewed operation with Captain Kyle Austin.
