October 1, 2025
Match The Hatch Like a Waterborn Super Sleuth
Castaway Lodge Seadrift Report
By Capt. Kris Kelley
Back Lakes Beat
It feels great getting back on the water with some regularity. HOWEVER, not everything is coming up rosey off the water. Hearing lots of struggling with the bite despite lots of fish sightings. Fortunately we’ve been managing to outperform of late with some solid boxes taking what the fish and Mother Nature are willing to give. It’s early, and early can present some challenges. Capt. Chris reported full limits of Redfish while taking a few black drum fishing a local tournament. He was among a couple of boats with much to show for the outing. Capt. James reported schooled up Reds shallow but uncooperative over a slick bottom on Thursday and came in with a light fish box. I’ve been working the flats and deeper venues managing to keep the rods bent fairly well for the conditions. There’s not a ton of fish shallow right now and that changes day to day with the weather.
Lure Selection
Redfish have been coming to the table full of Sandeels so if you are lure fishing, matching the hatch can be productive. There’s not much in the way of finfish in the shallows to this point. A lot of bait stocks are holding in bayous similarly moving back and forth from shallow to deep depending on temps.
Transitions, Another Spring Puzzler
Spring transitions vary from year to year and we are running late again similar to last Spring as we emmerge from the depths of Winter. There’s no real emmergent grass growth as of yet on flats stripped barren by low cool water and ravenous ducks. It’s quite amazing how fast a transition can take place but the conditions have to be right with elevated warming waters and rising temps.
For now, fish seeking the comfort of food sources over shallow mud/grass flats are playing the weather moving back and forth deep to shallow and back again. Plunging temperatures send the flats fish deeper until a particular comfort level is reached. It’s this seesaw back and forth that finds us ranging from the flats to the swales and deeper venues.
Check dates and inquire at https://seadriftbayfishing.com/Calendar
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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.















