Lake Murray: Bass: B.A.S.S. angler Andy Wicker of Pomaria reports that the pattern in January will depend on water conditions, and if the water is dirty then throwing a crankbait around the banks is likely to be the most effective pattern. In clearer areas jigging a spoon should also work this month, and an Alabama rig can also be in play. Striped bass: Captain Brad Taylor (803-331-1354) reports that in January on Lake Murray fish should continue to be caught on free-lines, on planer boards and by casting at birds. However, if it gets very cold then fish should go deep and be caught on spoons bumped off the bottom.
Crappie: Captain Brad Taylor reports that in January tight-lining for suspended fish up the rivers should be effective. However, if there is a hard cold-front then fish will hunker down and move into deeper water where they will be caught fishing right off the bottom on minnows and jigs.
Catfish: Captain William Attaway (803-924-0857) reports that the quality of the bite in January will depend on water conditions, but drifting or anchoring with cut bait in the channels is likely to be the best pattern. If it gets very cold then fish should group up in deeper areas.