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Seadrift Bay Fishing and Texas Duck Hunting Report

Post-Christmas 2025 into January 7, 2026

As we roll out of Christmas and into the first week of the new year, the coast has continued to remind us that no two winters are ever the same. Weather patterns have stayed inconsistent, pressure has been heavy at times, and both the hunting and fishing have required flexibility. That said, if you’ve been willing to adjust, it’s been a productive and exciting stretch here in Seadrift.

Duck Hunting: Spotty, Unpredictable, and Pressure-Driven

Duck hunting since Christmas has remained hit or miss, with success largely tied to pressure and weather timing rather than traditional cold-front expectations. On days with mild temperatures and widespread pressure, we’ve seen the better shoots—birds moving mid-morning, trading more freely, and responding well to spreads when multiple groups are on the water.

On the flip side, the harder cold fronts have had the opposite effect. Those stronger pushes have locked birds down tight, keeping them rafted and inactive for long stretches. When they shut down, they shut down completely, making those days more about patience and managing expectations.

This season continues to reward hunters who stay flexible and are willing to pivot—something that has played directly into our Cast & Blast approach.

Fishing Steals the Show

While duck hunting has kept us guessing, fishing has been absolutely on fire.

The shallow bays and back lakes have been loaded, with redfish and black drum flat-out stealing the show. Warm, stable winter weather has kept fish shallow and aggressive, and it’s been some of the most consistent winter action we’ve seen in years.

Sight-fishing opportunities have been excellent on calmer days, and even with wind, fish have been stacked along shorelines, drains, and mud pockets. Redfish have been cruising in solid schools, and black drum have been thick and cooperative—perfect for anglers of all skill levels.

Simply put: if you put the boat in the right water, you’re going to get bit.

Cast & Blast Has Been the Go-To

Given the unpredictability of the ducks and the reliability of the fish, Cast & Blast trips have been the go-to option coming out of Christmas. We’ve been plugging fishing trips either in the morning or afternoon, depending on waterfowl results and conditions, with flexibility favoring AM or PM fishing windows.

This approach has kept trips productive, clients smiling, and rods bent even when the birds didn’t read the script.

February May Be the New Prime Time

Traditionally, March has been our sneaky good month—but if this mild, unseasonably warm pattern stays entrenched, February could very well become the new primetime.

Fish are already behaving like late winter/early spring, and if water temperatures remain stable, we expect redfish and drum to stay shallow and aggressive well ahead of schedule. This is where we begin shifting gears and marketing spring fishing season now, rather than waiting on the calendar to catch up.

If you’re thinking about late winter or early spring trips, February deserves a hard look.

Castaway Classic Is Right Around the Corner

We also want to remind everyone about the VIII Annual Castaway Classic Redfish Tournament, coming up January 30–31, 2026.

This event continues to grow every year, and online registration is now available. You can find all the details and the new registration form at the link below:

👉 ONLINE TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION

If you’ve been on the fence, now’s the time—spots fill fast, and this tournament has become a winter staple here on the coast.

 

Thank You to Our Post-Christmas Guests

Finally, we want to extend a sincere thank you to all the groups who joined us after Christmas. We truly appreciate everyone who made the trip down and spent time on the water with us during this busy stretch. Your continued support is what keeps this operation running strong.

Looking Ahead

Duck season continues to be a day-by-day deal, fishing remains outstanding, and February is shaping up to be something special if this weather pattern holds. Now is the time to lock in late winter and spring dates, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.

We’ll see you on the water.

Capt. Kris Kelley