Castaway Lodge Fishing Report | Seadrift, Texas | Wading Trips, Family Fishing & Summer Limits (July 27 – August 3, 2026)

The Texas summer heat has definitely settled in along the middle coast, and if you’ve been on the water lately, you know the early mornings have become more important than ever. Fortunately, our guides have these fish figured out. Getting on the water before daylight, staying mobile, and making the most of those cooler morning hours has been the recipe for success. While the afternoons have been better suited for the A/C than the boat, our crews have continued to put together some great trips and plenty of lasting memories here at Castaway Lodge.

We kicked the week off with Todd Charron and Captain Chris Cady heading out for a two-day wading trip. The first day made them work for every bite, but that’s summer fishing on the Texas Coast. Instead of getting discouraged, they made a few adjustments, trusted the game plan, and the second day rewarded their patience with a much better bite.

“This time of year, you don’t always have to change locations—you just have to change your timing. Stick with it and those fish will tell you when they’re ready.” — Captain Chris Cady

By the weekend, the lodge was buzzing with familiar faces returning for another trip and a few first-time guests making memories of their own. Several dads brought their sons down to experience the Texas coast together, and I know I say it often, but I really do love seeing kids out on the water. Whether they’re catching their first redfish, watching a school of mullet scatter across a flat, or simply taking in a sunrise ride across the bay, those are memories they’ll carry with them long after the trip is over. That’s what Castaway Lodge is all about.

Darryl Shanefelt and his crew climbed aboard with Captain James Cunningham and made quick work of the morning bite. They stayed ahead of the heat and had their four-man limit in the box before lunchtime, making it back to the dock with plenty of the day still ahead of them.

“These fish aren’t slowing down because it’s hot—you just have to beat the sun to them. Once you’re on them, the action can happen in a hurry.” — Captain James Cunningham

Jeff Wilkinson and his son spent the day on the water with Captain Casey Jones, while Eric Gomez and his son teamed up with Captain Chris Cady for a great day chasing fish around the bay. There’s something special about watching fathers and sons spend uninterrupted time together, and we’re proud to play a small part in those experiences year after year.

Scott Caron and his group of four packed plenty into their stay. They started with a bay fishing trip alongside Captain Braden Proctor before heading back out with Captain Chris Cady for an evening floundering trip. It’s always fun when guests mix things up and experience different ways to enjoy the Texas coast during the same visit.

“Summer gives you options. Chase trout and reds at daylight, then come back after dark and chase flounder. It makes for a pretty full day.” — Captain Braden Proctor

We also squeezed in a last-minute Drive-In trip when Tony Sgarbi gave us a call. Captain Devin Spencer got him on the schedule, proving once again that sometimes the trips planned at the last minute end up being some of the best ones. Around the lodge, there was never much downtime. Between guests coming and going, boats being cleaned and rigged, lunches being packed before sunrise, and our crew getting everything ready for the next day’s departures, it was another busy week from daylight until dark. That’s the kind of pace we enjoy this time of year.

The Texas heat isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but neither are the fish. Our guides continue to adjust with the conditions, getting folks on the water early, staying one step ahead of the weather, and making every trip count. Around the lodge, it’s been another busy week of welcoming returning friends, meeting new families, and getting everything ready for another full week ahead.

As we roll into August, we’re looking forward to more early morning launches, plenty of stories back at the dock, and making memories with every group that comes through our doors. If you’ve been thinking about getting one last summer trip on the calendar before school starts, now’s the time.

“The fish don’t care how hot it gets—they’re still going to eat. We just have to be there before the Texas sun reminds us who’s really in charge.”

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