October 1, 2025
“Life Is Like A Box of Solids”
Castaway Lodge Seadrift Report
By Capt. Kris Kelley
Sponsored by: Mercury Marine; Air Ranger Airboats; Haynie Bay Boats; Baysport Marine Victoria; Castaway Rods; JL Marine; Pure Fishing; and, Bob’s Machine Shop.
Trout Fishing/Wade Approach Is Outperforming
Solid action on the flats and shorelines has put a spark in everyone’s step heading into August. Wade fishing continues to outperform boat fishing when it comes to catching Trout and there isn’t anyone still standing that wants to argue that point. Capt. Jake Huddleston drove it home on wade trips late week as well. We’ve seen that story play out here in “strong boat fishing Trout real estate”. Trout have been hung up on shorelines and they just aren’t coming off them for deeper shell venues. I’ve seen this play out before around floods and other situations so it’s not uncommon. Weather and wind certainly haven’t encouraged a move either. Constant garhole conditions in the bigger open water venues can be a tough place to make a living as a Trout looking to feed.
Locating fish on live bait while wading, Capt. James Cunningham dialed in guests fishing with artificial lures taking some nice Redfish and Flounder with soft plastics. That’s dedication to plastics right there, I’m here to tell you!
Boat Fishing Scene/Redfish Impress
On the boat fishing side of things, Redfish continue to impress along with intercepts on schools of Black Drum. Capt. Chris Cady reported seeing ultra strong concentrations of Redfish and some huge schools of Black Drum working the shallow back lakes by airboat mid-week. That story abruptly shifted as tides crept ever lower on spiking winds heading to the weekend. Vast stretches of shallow back lakes went dry sending those fish toward deeper pools and back lakes along with outside beaches and near bay perimeter and adjacent bay lakes. These are drains for fish seeking a little more water on their backs in extreme low water conditions.
Working with guests of Martin Marietta & Graystone Construction, I took full advantage of the drains and fallouts along with Capt. James Eastep for bigtime Redfish action with some solid Black Drum as well. Chasing schools along grass lines and pushed up against wind driven shorelines has produced. Best baits have been a variety of Crab; Mullet; and Croaker. Diet on these fish can fluctuate from day to day so it’s always best to have at least some small variety.
Lodge News
Wendi always puts on a pretty good show when it comes to digging in for dinner. I grab a few pictures when I can. Here’s a few of our surf n turf, Filet Mignon w/blackened Salmon; off the pit Brisket with dirty rice and Yorkshire Pudding cooked in a cast iron skillet with plenty of drippings from the Brisket. In Costa Rica, the folks call that “Que Rico” which roughly translated means “that’s rich” and I’d have to agree!
We hope you’ve been bowed-up in a good way and would like to invite you to give us a shot sometime when you get a chance. Come see us.
Check dates and inquire at https://seadriftbayfishing.com/Calendar
Like us on Facebook or check our photos on Flickr and we promise to “love you back”!
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.
