Crankbaits can be especially effective around bridge abutments. These areas can be also be effectively fished with jigs or the jig and plastic or pork. With a crankbait, cast beyond the piling, get the lure down deep and then slow the retrieve as it swims pass the piling. Look for current around the pilings as well. Many times the current will have the forage stacked in there, and when that happens, a black/silver pattern crankbait can be lethal. For the jigs, use a jighead heavy enough to get to the bottom in the depth you are fishing. Factor in current flow and work along the edge of the structure.

Another winning strategy with the crankbaits is to fish them around points and pockets in the larger creeks, as well as up the two main rivers. When you find an area that holds one fish, odds are good there are several more there.

During cold weather, a good pattern is to use jigging spoons fished vertically along the edge of major creek or river channels. Find the areas where forage is concentrated and focus your efforts there.

The next water we'll consider is the Cooper River. Below the Pinopolis Dam that impounds Lake Moultrie, the Cooper River winds its way through the Lowcountry and empties in the Atlantic at Charleston. Along this stretch of river are some big bass waiting to be caught.

The Cooper River produces good numbers of bass as well. Since there are not many bass-fishing options for the huge number of anglers in the Charleston, Summerville and Moncks Corner area, the Cooper River does get plenty of bass fishing pressure. Yet, it still consistently produces quality fishing.

Current flow and water level will typically dictate the best patterns for this fishery. When there is little flow and the water is low, then a key to success would be to focus your efforts on the mainstream portion of the river where you can get the lure into some of the deeper water. Often, that's where he forage will stack up during low water and low-flow conditions.

If there is plenty of current and the water level is up, you'll often find some excellent fishing up some of the major feeders, such as the East Branch of the Cooper River.

Excellent bass fishing exists throughout the year, from now until cold weather. The summertime action can be great on the main river. When there's good current flow, there are almost unlimited numbers of small pockets and coves where eddies will form at the mouth to the cove or small creek. Largemouths will orient to these places since they are ideal ambush points. Often you'll find them in ones or twos, but these spots will replenish with additional bass quickly after you catch them.

Right at dusk, some excellent topwater action can be enjoyed in some of the larger flats around the abundance of wood or grass cover. During the summer, the Cooper River does have a good bit of catfishing boat traffic, as well as non-fishing recreational boating. Weekends can be quite busy in the upper and lower sectors of the river. You can sometimes beat the crowds by hanging out toward the mid-point between the dam and the Charleston Harbor. Also, a weekday trip can relieve some of the boating pressure.

The best lures here are similar to the lures noted on other lakes and rivers. However, if you're after a trophy bass, perhaps the use of a very large plastic worm or fake snake would be most effective. Speaking of snakes, nighttime fishing with topwater lures can produce huge bass as well during the late spring, summer and early fall. But trust me, watch out for those snakes.

While almost all of the lakes and rivers in South Carolina can produce outstanding bass fishing during the year, these are some of the topnotch black bass fishing opportunities in the state. Consider these places as among the best bets in the Palmetto State for 2009.

Find more about South Carolina fishing and hunting at: SCgameandfish.com