October 1, 2025
Strong Arming A Win!
Castaway Lodge Seadrift Report
By Capt. Kris Kelley
Tactical Shifts Beat Big Winds & Crowds
Saturday brought another tournament win for us here at Castaway Lodge. We were invited by Brian C. and guests to fish the MHI Tournament in Port O’Connor on Saturday consisting of a 20 boat venue. Wiegh in required 2 Redfish and 5 Trout. Challenging tournament anglers was alot of wind and alot of boats on the water with Warrior Weekend (salute).
Having a pair of 26 3/8’s Redfish in the box along with two Trout in the 22″ range; two in the 18″ range along with another 16″ fish pointed to a win but you never know. Leaving the ramp after the trip I asked Brian to call me with their “margin of Victory”. Sure enough around 5:30pm the phone rang and it was a “sweep”. Topwaters played a big role producing the winning Trout by .20; big Redfish by .60 and overall big stringer.
May Transitions
A big theme for the month as always are big winds from the South. As the cold fronts start to linger north of us, no longer pushing through coastal waters, the low pressure sucks our winds off the coast. That is nothing new and warming waters will bring tactical shifts; style shifts; bait shifts; and real estate shifts.
As always, we will be on the move taking advantage of these seasonal shifts moving forward. With salinity levels remaining elevated despite recent rains, I look for more and more fish to pile up North of the ICW as in 2009. That’s going to lead to strong catches as winds stabilize but may present more than a few “realities” until then. For Trout, big winds are going to require a focus on fishable water and timing our moves day to day as conditions present themselves. I’ve got a few questions concerning fish relating to mud/grass moving forward and only time will answer these.
We’ve got lots of great days on the water ahead, come see us when you get a chance!
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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.
