September 30, 2025
Tops & Tails to Croaks & Crab
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; Corrosion X; and, Bob’s Machine Shop.
So the fish are acting like it’s Spring time hanging out
in February and March haunts riding bands of salinity and crushing bait and lures alike. Bait and predators are huddled up in close quarters and that’s got the makings for some explosive fishing. Historically artificial approaches wane this time of year but not “this year”. Soft plastics and top waters have been keeping pace with bait approaches. Just yesterday Capt. Chris Cady called an audible with guests on a two day trip. First day airboat fishing the crew went ahead and exited the boat for topwater in the back haunts of Matagorda Island catching both Trout and Redfish in areas typically reserved for Redfish. So elevated tides and the surge of water from TS Bill have moved things around a bit.
Guide Notes
Capt. Kolten Braun reported excellent catches of Trout to 23″ with guests post storm while wade fishing live bait over sand/grass shorelines. Redfish have been elusive over mud/grass in areas where Trout activity has been hot. That’s unusual, but it’s also a signature of elevated tides. Capt. James Eastep has been wowing guests with pockets of solid Black Drum and Redfish along with some decent Trout action working sand/grass shorelines by boat. Capt. James Cunningham found some solid Redfish working mud/shell and just lit them up yesterday with guests on a trip we donated to The Victoria Nurse Practioners.
Lodge News
We’d like to thank all of our guests for trusting our call on the weather and current conditions. Fishing freshwater inundation is nothing new to us, in fact, we spent 75% of our careers in such conditions. So they are nothing new and certainly nothing to be concerned about unless you’ve got rotator cuff issues; carpel tunnel; or tennis elbow. If that’s the case, then there is cause for concern because as Hank Jr. says “we’re catching them fish like they’re going out of style“!
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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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.
