- Lake Marion – Santee National Wildlife Refuge
“Here Kitty Kitty Kitty…” is how you call for a Catfish. Unfortunately for our crew, the cats were in no mood to play on Friday. While filming on Santee National Wildlife Refuge, we had an opportunity to go out with Captain Alan Spence, a local guide who specializes in catfish and striper fishing in South Carolina. Captain Spence had his pontoon boat rigged up with 6 rods and a Hummingbird fish spotter. He hoped to find blues and flatheads, both popular species of catfish fished in Lake Marion and found in large numbers during almost every month of the year. 
The Santee National Wildlife Refuge is one of two popular public access points on Lake Marion. The lake is well known for its fishing, and abundant wildlife, but boaters must beware as there are several submerged stumps that can result in unintended and sudden damage. As we drifted along with Captain Spence told us stories of past clients reeling in 50 plus pound catfish and did his best to have us take home one of our own. 
Unfortunately, the winds were off and the fish weren’t feeding. But this didn’t deter Captain Spence from staying on the water for the entire afternoon and entertaining us like any great guide would do. Besides, floating on a pontoon on the lake at sunset isn’t a bad way to end another long day either!
Anna Harris is the Vision Coordinator for Conserving the Future and a member of the team taking vision on the road.
