November 16, 2025

Texas Coastal Cast & Blast Beat Down!

Texas Coastal Cast & Blast Beat Down

We’ve wrapped up another memorable week here at Castaway Lodge as mid-November brings warmer-than-usual conditions across the coast and low water levels. While temperatures have been mild, the action—both in the marsh and on the bay—has been anything but. Light winds, calm water, and steady bird movement have made for exciting hunts and strong fishing from the back lakes of Matagorda Island to the upper reaches of San Antonio Bay.

Strong Hunts Despite Warm Temps

With the warm November weather, hunts have continued to build. Recent fronts have pushed fresh flights of ducks into the system. Early risers have been rewarded with steady shooting and heavy straps.

Fishing Red-Hot in the Bay & Back Marsh

Fishing remains outstanding, with redfish and trout leading the charge. Warm afternoons have kept the shallow flats alive with redfish, while trout continue to hold along reefs, drains, and scattered shell. Black drum have helped round out quality boxes. The Caroselli crew kicked off the weekend in style with a strong showing in the bay with Capt. Casey Jones and Capt. Doug Russell.

We had the pleasure of hosting the Breton, Havard, and Grimsley parties this week—each group hitting ideal conditions with moving water, calm winds, and eager fish. Whether learning new techniques or chasing personal bests, everyone stayed on the action.
According to Capt. James, “The reds are doing exactly what we want this time of year—getting shallow and staying aggressive. You couldn’t script it better for folks wanting hands-on, sight-casting type fishing.”

For those choosing the cast-and-blast combo, the rhythm of ducks at dawn and reds by noon made for picture-perfect days. As Capt. Braden joked, “It’s the kind of schedule that’ll ruin you—after a day like that, nothing else feels as fun.”

Great Company

Back at the lodge, guests have been enjoying everything from horseshoes to washers after a day on the water. From hearty pre-dawn breakfasts to dinners that call for second helpings, the cooking continues to be a highlight of the experience. The Caroselli, Breton, Havard, and Grimsley parties brought great energy and camaraderie—stories flowing, photos flying around, and plenty of laughter echoing through the place each evening. As Capt. Chris summed it up, “Good weather and good fishing are great, but it’s the people who make a week stand out. This bunch made it easy.”

Looking Ahead

As we move deeper into November, bird movement should continue with each passing front, and the fishing remains in fantastic shape. Redfish, trout, and drum are all cooperating, and the warm weather pattern has kept the bay system stable and productive.
If you’ve been thinking about a fall or early-winter trip, there’s still time to jump in. The birds are working, the fish are biting, and the lodge is buzzing with great folks and great stories.