Catching big fish at the jetties is certainly not guaranteed, but if you’re in the right place at the right time it can be a rod bending adventure that you won’t soon forget. Capt. Robert Sloan photo

Greg Simmons had never been saltwater fishing a day in his life, but after we got anchored up at the jetties he was converted in no time flat. His first drop to bottom with a live shrimp just about got the rod yanked out of his hands.

“What do I do!” he yelled.

My immediate reply was to not let go of the rod and reel. Inside of five minutes we had netted a 38 pound bull red and he was ready to sell his bass fishing tackle.
Fishing the jetties is a thrill a minute on most days. It’s exciting fishing that can hook you up with anything from a big speckled trout to a jumping tarpon. Other fish commonly caught along the Port O’Connor jetties include reds, black drum, sheepshead and jack crevale.

As a guide I get the opportunity to fish with folks from all over the place. I had a guy out this past winter that lived in Wyoming. His only fishing experience over the past few months had been ice fishing for perch. When I told him we were heading to the jetties, I may as well have been talking in Japanese. He didn’t have a clue. But about four hours later he was demanding to have his picture taken with the limit of three reds, five sheepshead and two trout he had put on ice.

What makes the Port O’Connor jetties so unique is that they extend a long way out into the Gulf of Mexico. Plus the water depth gets deep in a hurry towards the end of the rocks. The deep water and strong currents attract a lot of baitfish that in turn bring in plenty of tasty fish, including the occasional ling, tripletails and snapper.

There are a number of ways to rack up some good catches of fish along the jetties. The most popular is to drop down to bottom with a piece of cut bait or live shrimp. That’s usually where you’ll find the most reds, black drum and sheepshead.  Two other options, that will put you on more trout, is to fish a live shrimp or croaker under a slip float, of free-line them along the rocks.

One thing is certain – catching fish along the jetties is never guaranteed. The “hot” bite depends on the current and your location over hungry fish. Whenever you can connect those variables you’ll likely catch more fish. Another very good option is to hire a guide. It’s a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a $50,000 boat, loads of tackle and enough bait to break the family budget.

Feel free to give me a call and learn how to fish the jetties today.Capt. Robert Sloan, 409-782-6796, email – sloan288@aol.com or go to www.luckystirkeguide.com