Guided Trip on Lake Cunningham

We did a small guided trip with Kris and his daughter Olivia back out on Lake Cunningham. The water was warm, crystal clear, and for the most part calm. We launched out yaks on the north end of the lake from my Mother's house. We headed across the lake and started fishing, there was quite a few people out on the water. I was surprised at how many other kayaks were out enjoying the beautiful spring day. I think I counted a total of  7 other yaks out playing, some were just out paddling and other were fishing like us.

We fished most of the "blow-downs" on the right side of the lake and had some pretty good success. Olivia and I both missed two nice fish and Kris was able to land a few. Kris actually caught and Large Mouth and a Bream at the same time. We made our way down the lake to a beautiful field area that usually always hold fish. This gave us time to put the rods down for a few and enjoy paddling together in a small group. I was in my WS Ride 115, Kris was sporting a Perception Caster AA, and Olivia was in a Perception Pescador AA.

Cunningham is such a great little hidden gem of a lake. The Fishing there is incredibly great right now, and the paddling is always wonderful. For a small lake it is very diverse with all of it's wildlife. I really enjoy watching all of the birds and turtles. We were very fortunate to see a Paragon Flacon, the "fighter jets" of the bird world. It is truly amazing how fast the Paragon is. The Blue Cranes were also out all over the lake, believe we saw about 6 of them.

All of us really enjoyed our time out on the water together. I love taking groups out big or small, it is all about sharing an experience with someone. We were able to get some really amazing images, caught some good fish, and got some much needed time out on the water. Please let us know if you would like to go out on a Guided Trip with us at Palmetto Guides. We can provide all the gear you will need,  this is great opportunity for beginners paddlers or someone who has always want to try Flat Water Kayaking. Please leave a comment if you are interested in a Guided Trip with us, and be sure to check out our Palmetto Guide Facebook page.

We are getting ready for our big trip to Santee, we are going to head down to Lake Moultrie on 5/2, and be gone until 5/4. This should be an amazing trip Jon, Kris, and myself have been looking forward to this trip for quite a while. Keep your eyes on the Blog and on the Palmetto Guide Facebook page for updates. We will do a full write-up on the trip as soon as we get back into town. Stay safe out there, and be sure to let us know if you would like to head out on the water or hit a trail with us at Palmetto Guide. Thank you for all your support....

Palmetto Guide Yak- Wilderness System Ride 115 AA

This is my Wilderness System Ride 115 Advance Angler. Words can not hardly describe this yak, and all the features it is outfitted with. First of all, this yak is incredibly stable, this is due in part to it's Double Chimed Bottom, a first of its kind. The Kayak is so stable I can stand up, stand up paddle, and even walk from end to the other. The Ride 115 weights in at 75lbs. and is 33 inches wide and 11 feet in total length. This make for a very verse and pleasurable yak to paddle. You can run Class III rapids, take it to the ICW/ Saltwater Creeks, Down Rivers, or Flat Water. Two built in rod holders, so as you can see the WS Ride 115 AA can handle just about anything you throw at it.

Some of the features that come on the WS Ride 115 AA are as followed; an unreal amount of storage, internal and external, rudder ready, fully adjustable foot braces, 4 comfort carry handles, resign molded over laid with plastic mold-this make the Ride super strong, skid plate at the rear, Phase 3 Pro Air Seat-that is raised off the bottom of the kayak by 4 inches.
A few custom features that I have added are as followed; Quiet Traction through out the yak-for sound barrier, dry bags, dry storage, custom built fishing crate-can carry 3 more rods, multi gopro mounts, yakattack stack out pole, yakattack panfish, custom rod leashes, etc....

A view from above of the front internal storage hatch, and the smaller hatch between your legs, both hatches are completely waterproof, and the Phase 3 Pro Air Seat that is fully adjustable. In fact it adjust more than some car seat that I have owned.

 I highly recommend the Wilderness System Ride 115 AA, in fact I love mine so much that I am already looking at getting another one. This way when we are out on our Guided Trips we can let customers experience how nice the yaks are. Simply put the best kayak n the market right now, and I can not find anything negative to say about mine. Hope to see you on the water or trail soon, and we really appreciate you taking time to check out our wonderful blog. Leave a comment if you are interested in taking a paddle with us, and be sure to check us out on Facebook.

Day out on Lake Cunningham

   Lake Cunningham is a small Reservoir for Greenville County that is located off of HWY 101, just north of Greer, SC. This body of water really holds a special place in my heart and soul. At the age of 15yrs old I moved onto this lake with my parents. I spent many days and nights on the lake, from riding around to fishing from one end to the other. Some of my best memories were spending time with my Father, and learning how to fish the lake like he did from his Father.

   Lake Cunningham is feed from Lake Robinson, which is only about a mile up the road. There is a nice public access park, fishing pier, and boat ramp on the north end of the lake. The boat ramp is located on the river run, and then Cunningham moves into it's shallow flats/water. Here you will and abundance of fish from huge Bass to Bream, Beavers, and bird life like you would not believe. This area of the lake is where to will find the gigantic Lilly Pads that Cunningham is know for. As you move down the lake the water gradually gets deeper and there are tons of blown down trees around. The blown down trees are great places to catch fish and watch the turtles sunbath.

   There are a few small creeks that feed into Cunningham that help keep the water usually fairly clear. On this paddle the water was extremely clear, allowing me to see about 6 feet down. Once you reach the Power Lines that cross the lake you are jus about half way down. From here the water starts to get to its deepest part which is around 30 feet around the dam. Cunningham is surrounded by houses and a few farms. Cunningham does get busy at times but the lake really never gets all the rough. If you get a chance to head out to Lake Cunningham do not hesitate you will not be disappointed. You will be very happy that you did, and you will not believe the bird life. There are plenty of Grey/Blue Cranes, Geese, Hawks, and if you are real lucky you might just see a Falcon.

   Hope to see you out on the water, and if you are interested in a Paddling Trip please let us know in the comments section. Thank you for reading, following, and supporting Palmetto Guides.

Intro to Palmetto Guide

   Welcome to Palmetto Guide's Blog, here you will find detailed information on Kayak Trips, Hiking Trips, and Gear Review. I am an avid outdoorsman and grew up in the Foothills of the Palmetto State. I have spent most of my time growing up all over the Palmetto State, but the Upstate is where my heart is. I love being centrally located to so many great outdoor adventures from kayaking to hiking.

I grew up on Lake Cunningham and know it's waters very well. Lake Cunningham is a small reservoir for Greenville County and is located off of HWY 101, just North of Greer, SC. The lake is full of life, and there are many beautiful places to see along it's shores. You will find hidden spots to and abundance of wildlife. I have many special memories on this lake with my Father, and now I hoping to share some of my adventures with you.