Cole’s Bait Shop and Lake Robinson a winning combination for a day on the water

From waterfalls to water sports, the Upstate offers ample things to do, even in the age of coronavirus.

If you’re into fishing, kayaking, canoeing or simply a peaceful afternoon on the water, visit Lake Robinson, an 800-acre lake off Highway 101 in Greer SC. And if you don’t have a kayak or canoe of your own, Cole’s Bait Shop can fix you up.

Located across the street from the entrance to J. Verne Smith Park and the Lake Robinson boat ramp, Cole’s offers single and tandem kayaks and canoes for rent, in addition to live bait and tackle. Cole’s is open seven days a week.

The son of the former owner of Rock’s Country Store on Groce Meadow Road, Cole Hunter and his father built Cole’s Bait Shop beside the store, then began offering kayak and canoe rentals about two years ago.

Cole’s offers full-service, all-day rental that includes paddles and life jackets, and delivery of rented kayaks and canoes to the Lake Robinson boat ramp. At the end of the day, rented items are left in the grassy area next to the boat ramp for pickup.

Perfect for fishing, kayaking and canoeing, Lake Robinson limits outboard boat motors to 9.9 horsepower or less.

“There’s a lot of good fishing here – big bass, crappy and brim, and a great view of the mountains,” Cole said.

Ready to paddle?

Cole’s Bait Shop & Kayak Rental, 430 Groce Meadow Road, Taylors, SC 29687, (864) 607-8863, colesbaitshop@gmail.com

Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Rentals sunrise to sunset: Single Kayak, $30; Tandem Kayak, $40; Canoe, $40.

Want to visit?

Lake John A. Robinson and J. Verne Smith Park, 2544 Mays Bridge Road, Greer SC 29651. Owned by the Greer Commission of Public Works, the Greenville County lake has a boat ramp, a fishing pier, two picnic shelters and restrooms open to the public. Restrooms presently are closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.