October 1, 2025
Dodging Bullets & Getting Lucky
Castaway Lodge Seadrift Report
By Capt. Kris Kelley
Weather Windows
A few small breaks in the big winds and weather gave us another look at better Trout action heading into May. We’re seeing some size movement toward larger fish and the big tides are certainly helping to bolster the numbers in our favor. From topwater to soft plastics, popping cork/shrimp and heading for Croaks, things are looking good.
Shock N Awe
As has so often happened this Spring, the weather windows closed in around us with a Shock N Awe finale Saturday late or early pre-dawn on Sunday. We had huge winds and thunder storms dropping 5″ of rain locally that rocked us leaving the bays gutted and tore smooth up. With a 5 boat trip hitting the water, it wasn’t looking good. Capt. James C. was first to report an upbeat outlook with a phone call telling me “the fishing has picked up and we’re thumping on them and getting adjusted”. Big Redfish and Black Drum were tearing up the shallows over mud/grass. Sunday’s trip with guests of Jim K. was a highpoint that topped off some fireworks on the flats bruisers. Late week we welcomed a large Pharma concern entertaining guests from all over State and found another strong showing on drag burning Redfish to 28″ and all boats maxing the boards and the limits.
Double Tapping
Friday with Dana E. and guests, we lit up the back country by airboat taking limits of Redfish and saw the first re-emergence of Black Drum since the cold front knocked them back. With winds settling for Saturday I offered a run at Trout. The boys shot me down hard and said let’s hook onto somemore of those big fighters. It was certainly a good call with Saturday’s winds ramping higher than projected and Trout returns being modest. We managed to double tap limits of both Redfish and Black Drum; great trip with some really great guys.
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Capt. Kris Kelley
Castaway Lodge
1-888-618-4868
www.seadriftbayfishing.com
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Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thoroughly enjoyed our time at Castaway Lodge during our duck hunt. Class act from the food, to the lodging & duck hunting. The entire facility was top rate & I really appreciated the effort. And thanks for supporting Serve Outdoors Texas charity by donating the hunt. Jody O.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very nice clean place. Everything is very nice and new looking. Very well maintained.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great father day fishing trip, we will return again! The lodge was wonderful and breakfast and dinner was great! Bill Hansen Medford Ma. Austin TxPosted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We did a blast and cast and had a successful day getting a few birds and a lot of bites. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable which made our adventure a great learning experience too. The accommodation and hospitality at Castaway is top notch and I look forward to returning for another experience!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great day fishing! Excellent guide and super meal! Thanks for having us. We will be back!!Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great time hunting! Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable and made it a great time for my daughter and myself.Posted onTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great group of people, lodging and food. Definitely a great experience and plan to book another trip.
