October 1, 2025
Looking Forward to the Back Lakes
Castaway Lodge Seadrift Report
By Capt. Kris Kelley
Back Lakes Beat
Higher salinity levels and lingering cold snaps has really delayed grass growth in a lot of back lakes venues. Mid-April we should have began seeing grass growth starting to mat up on the water surface in many areas. Even with low water of late, we haven’t seen this matting to date. That along with observations of minimal or at best moderate grass growth is keeping alot of areas behind the curve.
This is making the intercept of roaming and foraging schools of Redfish and Black Drum more accessible and visible. While the transition in grass growth is delayed, it will catch up sooner or later. In the near term, however, we continue to have excellent catches of Redfish with visibile schools working over emmergent grasses and mud pockets left by minimal grass growth. There are also some solid Trout working the grass and topwaters can be the best method of hooking up. This tactic produced a recent tournament sweep for us and should continue especially during the big winds of late. Our preference is to work the area by airboat which allows us to “leave no trace” of our presence in this unique environment.
Schools of Black Drum have been hit and miss for us but they continue to frequent the back country providing excellent table fare and memories on the end of a rod.
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Capt. Kris Kelley
Castaway Lodge
1-888-618-4868
www.seadriftbayfishing.com
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Posted on William oppeltTrustindex 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 on John GrahamTrustindex 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 on Bill N Pat HansenTrustindex 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 on Eric NagelTrustindex 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 on Alicia TeggTrustindex 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 on John MilanTrustindex 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 on Ry STrustindex 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.





