Mid-Summer Patterns Taking Shape at Castaway Lodge

As we settle into the heart of July here on the Texas Mid-Coast, one thing has become clear—the summer pattern is in full swing. The mornings have been rewarding anglers who get an early start, while the afternoon heat has become a game changer. Our guides have been adjusting their approach each day, staying with the bait, following the bait movement, and putting guests in the best position to enjoy a successful day on the water before the summer sun takes over.

One family enjoying everything Castaway Lodge has to offer recently has been Gin Kappler and her family. They spent two days with us, splitting their time between the bay boats and the airboats. Captain Chris Cady guided them across San Antonio Bay, while Captain Jeff Larson explored the back lakes by airboat. Mixing the two experiences gave the family the opportunity to experience two unique styles of fishing while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

We also welcomed several drive-in trips over the past couple of weeks. These one-day adventures continue to be a great option for anglers looking to get out on the water without an overnight stay. Whether chasing trout at first light, working the back lakes by airboat, or easing down the shoreline in search of redfish, our guides made the most of every opportunity before the afternoon temperatures climbed.

“This time of year, getting on the water early is everything,” said Captain Jeff Larson. “The fish are there—you just have to stay ahead of the heat, stay with the bait, and let the morning work for you.”

While guests have been enjoying their time on the water, our guides have continued scouting new shorelines, watching bait movement, and fine-tuning patterns that will carry us through the rest of the summer. Every day on the bay provides another opportunity to learn something new, and that local knowledge is what helps make every trip a success.

With kids enjoying their summer break, it’s been great seeing more families making time to unplug, leave the screens behind, and spend quality time together on the Texas coast. Whether it’s a child’s first trout, a ride across the marsh in an airboat, watching dolphins work a bait school, or sharing stories on the ride back to the dock, these are the moments that remind us why we love what we do.

When our guides aren’t on the water with guests, many of them can still be found competing in local fishing tournaments along the Texas coast. Those events are more than just friendly competition—they help our captains stay dialed in to changing conditions while doing what they love most.

“Fishing doesn’t stop when the charter is over,” said Captain Chris Cady. “Every tournament and every day on the water teaches us something that we can bring back to our guests.”

As July rolls on, there’s another kind of excitement beginning to build around the lodge. While the trout and redfish continue to keep anglers busy, conversations around the docks are quickly turning toward Texas alligator season. It won’t be long before our guides are trading rods for tags and heading into the marshes for one of the most exciting adventures the Gulf Coast has to offer.

“There’s nothing quite like alligator season on the Texas coast,” said Captain Jake Huddleston. “Every hunt is different, and watching someone harvest their first gator is an experience they’ll be talking about for years. We’re counting down the days until the season opens.”

With healthy bait throughout the bay system, quality trout showing up on early morning trips, and redfish continuing to cruise the shorelines, the second half of summer is shaping up nicely here on the Texas coast. Whether you’re planning a family fishing getaway, a quick drive-in trip, or looking ahead to alligator season, our guides are ready to help you make memories that will last a lifetime. We appreciate everyone who has spent part of their summer with us and look forward to welcoming many more anglers and families to Castaway Lodge in the weeks ahead.

Capt. Kris Kelley
Castaway Lodge • Seadrift, Texas
1-888-618-4868