I’m a lifelong fisherman. 

Raised in the Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina in an area called Roundhill, we (me, along with my brothers and cousins) spent our days fishing the Fontana Lake and Tennessee River for catfish.  We fished for food and extra money so we always kept a trout line for catfish.  

I’ve been hooked on catfishing ever since.  

As I grew up, I tried out regular employment; I even owned a successful acoustical ceiling business for many years.  But the lure of catfishing kept calling me back.  I spent almost all of my weekends and holidays on the boat. 

I finally decided to follow my heart and do this full-time in the best place in the south for catfishing: Santee Cooper Lakes. 

Roundtree wins catfishing tournaments

One of my favorite pastimes is competing in fishing tournaments.  About 10 years ago my wife, Michelle and I started trying our hands at local catfishing tournaments.  We did so well, we moved up to regional and then national level tournaments.  You can find more information on our tournaments and standings here.

 The most recognized catfish tournament in the world is the Cabela’s King Kat Tournament.   We began qualifying for their nationals in 2004.  The results speak for themselves:

• 2004                        61^st (well it was our first)
• 2005                        33^rd
• 2006                        11^th 
• 2007                        3^rd
• 2008                        3^rd

In 2008, we finished just 3 pounds out of first place.

This means that we have the highest average ranking of any entrant in the past five years......we are also the only entrant who has finished in the top 15 every year for the past three years. 

I know catfish and I know how to find them. 

It is not uncommon at all for our guests to catch fish weighing over 40 lbs...one guest even took home a 72 pounder.  We love those ‘bigguns’.   

My other favorite pastime is sharing stories (some people call them yarns but I swear...every single one is true).  So I can guarantee that you will not only catch fish...you'll also be entertained.  You might not remember a single thing I say, but you'll remember laughing...and laughing...and laughing. 

Michelle and I are both US Coast Guard certified .   We are supporters of the Brotherhood of Catfishermen (BOC) and are active participants in the BOC’s forum at  www.catfish1.com .

We chose our boat, a 25 foot Bentley Trytoon Pontoon, with our guest’s comfort in mind and our equipment is well-maintained and clean.  Click here to see and read about our equipment.

You can contact me anytime to schedule a charter.  It will be my pleasure to guide you around Santee Cooper and provide you with the best 8 hours of catfishing you’ve ever experienced