It may not seem like the weather is cooling down anytime soon here in Texas (for context, on August 25th, 2023, summer is still in full swing). This won’t stop us from obsessing over the fall tides and the start of waterfowl season here on the Texas Coast. My favorite time about the upcoming season is the start of the Texas Coast cast and blast season. With great fishing all year, the start of the waterfowl season means we can start to combine passions in a single day.
What is a Cast and Blast?
A cast and blast, or blast and cast. Depending on which happens first in your day is what we believe to be the best of both worlds. A Texas coast cast and blast brings the opportunity to hunt waterfowl in the morning, head in for lunch, then embark to the bay or grass flats in the afternoon to find redfish, trout, black drum, and many other species we find in our bays.
For anyone who is a lover of the outdoors, this is the ultimate experience. You can experience the same bay and backcountry off the coast through two unique experiences on the same day.
What to expect
This will be one of those days where you get in bed at night and feel tired, but the good tired, you know, the feeling of lying in bed after a fulfilling day. You will start the day well before sunrise to get out to the duck blind. For a Texas coast cast and blast, you can expect to encounter diverse waterfowl species, with divers and puddle ducks locking up to your decoys all morning. Learn more about Duck Hunting HERE.
After completing your morning hunt, you will head back for lunch, an outfit change, and meet up with your fishing guide for the afternoon.
Fishing on the Texas coast in the fall and winter is one of our favorite times to be out on the water. Cooler weather makes the fish happy and especially eager to take your bait or fly, depending on your chosen path. Winter tides mean the water is skinny and crystal clear, making it an unforgettable sight fishing experience. The late fall and winter provide anglers with some of the best opportunities for trophy fish, both “bull” reds and large trout. Learn more about Fishing HERE.
What gear do you need to bring?
When packing for your Texas coast cast and blast, here is our list of things we recommend you have when you make it down to the Texas Coast. For more of our recommendations, check them out HERE.
Blast:
- A Valid Texas Hunting License, you can purchase one HERE.
- A Valid Federal Migratory Bird Stamp, as of 2023, can be held digitally. Buy one HERE.
- Chest Waders
- Wading Boots (if your waders are stockingfoot)
- Camo baselayer and jacket (patterns like Optifade marsh, shadow grass, first lite typha, or any other light “marsh” style camo will be great)
- 12- Gauge Shotgun and non-toxic shells
- Dull colored hat
Cast:
- A Valid Texas Fishing License, you can purchase one HERE.
- Long-sleeve sun shirt
- Chest waders (if you plan on wade fishing)
- Wading boots (if you plan on wade fishing)
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Flies (if you are fly fishing)
If you don’t have any gear, your guide can provide Rods, Reels, and other fishing gear.
Where can you do a Cast and Blast?
No place is better than Bay Flats Lodge for a Texas coast cast and blast. Here at Bay Flats, we provide everything you need to be successful in the blind and out in the bay. We have assembled some of the best guides on the coast and paired them with unparalleled accommodations for you and your entire group. Located within a day of driving from anywhere in Texas and an easy flight into Houston or Victoria, Bay Flats is easily accessible from anywhere in the country for your Texas coast cast and blast.