We should be looking at some cooler weather with the arrival of October. And with the presence of milder temperatures, coastal anglers should look for things to begin changing this month. One particular October change that will be noticed will be the short periods of strong north winds that accompany frontal passages. This means that anglers will be changing their focus on where to fish when this happens. They’ll need to begin looking away from the more common areas where they’ve been fishing throughout the warmer months, and start investigating northern shorelines as an alternative for when the north wind forces water out of the bay system.

The concept of change is often a hard thing for a lot of us to accept, especially when it comes to us trying to enjoy a pre-planned day of fishing. But you don’t have to make it more difficult than it has to be. Chances are great that if you took a minute to think about it, you’d realize that you have had to change your original fishing plans on numerous occasions in the past simply because of a change in the wind. Learn to keep things simple when searching for new places to fish in windy conditions, and you can do this in October by keeping in mind three basic things that you’ll need to always look for in your search – key on protected shorelines, water clarity, and bait activity. Those three ingredients have often carried many anglers a long way in achieving a perfect recipe for success.

Because we are dealing with frontal passages this month means that you should also be looking forward to the second or third day following these passages. This is the time that the north wind generally declines to almost nothing, and the sediment and sand in the water has had a chance to settle back upon the bay floor. It is at this time that you can start trying your luck amongst protected, open-water structure like the many oyster reefs and pads in San Antonio Bay (SAB). SAB is full of oyster reef opportunities, and they have produced some of the best fall fishing.

When the winds allow you to get out to the mid-bay oyster reefs this month, always remember to investigate the crown of the reef first. Over time, wind and waves can often carve subtle passages atop the crown, and you should look for these small guts and channels because they serve as a highway for bait. And where there’s bait, there’s often trout nearby. So, whenever you get a chance to experience a windward SAB reef surrounded by clear green water just after a frontal passage in October, go for it. Good luck, and keep grindin’!

Bay Flats Lodge, Inc.
P.O. Box 580
Seadrift, Texas 77983-0580
1.888.677.4868 Office

Wow, what a day! Kind of the “perfect storm” having very capable fishermen at the right time and place. Wading with lures with Chet Couvillon and crew. Thanks, Chet, for the business! Enjoyed watching you guys wear them out! – Bay Flats Lodge

Bay & Back Lakes Report

Trout to 21” and Redfish pushing the outside edge of the slot have made for solid fish boxes of late with guests enjoying a light jacket on the boat ride out in the morning. Spotty was the theme over the last week with everyone digging in with the ups and downs of the bite. Attempts at getting into the surf proved frustrating with heavier swells some days and “way too clear” water on the beach others. Trout have come off live bait over mud/grass with Redfish being encountered by airboat and bayboat in the back lakes and upper reaches of SAB.

We’ll be looking for big winds out of some direction to really start to set things up for strong feeding catalysts ahead of and through weather systems. Periods of instability right now can make for some memorable trips and great days.

Flounder Gigging

Capt. Pat Lester hit some really nice saddle blankets, some pushing 6 pounds and the cooling weather is certainly going to put us on track for a run here in October. We’ve got a few nights of Flounder Gigging left before the season closes November 1 for the Winter break. Every day approaching November will take us closer and closer to the Fall run and we’ve got the team to put you in the middle of the action. Combine a bayfishing trip with an evening of Flounder Gigging for a great combination trip and experience the best of the Texas mid-coast.

Alligator Hunting

We finished up the season with gators ranging from 8 to 12’ and as I said before, it was an outstanding season. We’d like to thank all of our guests who joined us!

Big Duck Season

Now is the time to be zeroing in on finalizing dates and scheduling trips for the upcoming regular Texas Duck Season which kicks off for us on November 5th. Come see us.

The Fishing Is Always Best When YOU Can Get Away!!

Capt. Kris Kelley
Castaway Lodge
www.seadriftbayfishing.com

Thanksgiving and Christmas is quickly approaching and all sorts of activities are now being activated.

Food is now being collected at various sites in Port O’Connor and in the foyer of our Church. Clean out your cabinets of non-perishables and drop them in the Collection Boxes. When you go grocery shopping, purchase some extra for the needy. Fisherman’s Chapel will be assembling Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets to deliver to Port O’Connor needy families.

Our Church is looking forward to hosting this years Port O’Connor “Community Thanksgiving Service”. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Fisherman’s Chapel and First Baptist Church will gather at First Baptist Church on Sunday Evening, November 13 at 6:00 p.m. for this Annual Celebration. Father Chen will deliver the “Thanksgiving Message” and the First Baptist Choir will be singing. A special offering will be taken to purchase food for the Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Baskets. Following the Service, everyone will go to Fellowship Hall for a Special Fellowship Meal. Everyone is invited to attend and don’t forget to bring some non-perishable food for the Baskets and money for the Special Offering.

The Port O’Connor Thanksgiving Service has been going on for the past 27 years and rotates between our three Churches. The first joint Thanksgiving Service was held in First Baptist Church 27 years ago and Father Dan Morales, who recently passed away, gave the Thanksgiving message.

Several of our members and friends will be departing for the Senior Adult Retreat at Camp Zephyr on Monday, October 24. This outstanding camp lasts four days and is on beautiful Lake Corpus Christi. Cost for the Camp is $100 per person and includes your lodging, all meals and refreshments. Transportation is provided. For more information call Doyle Adams 361-983-4866 or Pastor Donnie Martin at 361-983-2727.

The Church is again participating in “Operation Christmas Child” Shoe Box Campaign. Information of how to pack your shoe box is available in the Church foyer. Shoe Boxes must be packed and ready for pick-up on Wednesday, November 16. Shoe boxes will be sent around the World to Children, 2 years old thru 14.
Our next “Lord’s Supper” will be on Sunday morning at the 11:00 a.m. service December 18, 2016.

The Annual Church “Christmas Party” and “Birthday Bash” will be on Sunday December 18, at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. A Celebration with all those who have Birthdays in October, November and December will be held along with a “White Elephant Gift Exchange” during the Christmas Party. Be sure and bring some type of “gift” for the Exchange.