Mysteries on the Rocks

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WINTER AND SPRING provided exceptional fishing for us on the Lower Laguna Madre with quality speckled trout, redfish and snook being landed. During this transitional time of year, my eyes and thoughts shift from the gorgeous flats to the always mysterious jetties, where the possibility of hooking up to a big fish is just one cast away.

While drifting or wading and throwing jigs with soft plastics will continue to produce fish, the first signs of migratory tarpon at the South Padre Island jetties fully encapsulate my brain. On the first calm day of the summer last May, Capt. Brian Barrera and myself had a stellar day.

The perfect conditions allowed us to check out some nearshore wrecks and structure in the 24’ Skeeter and catch several state water red snapper. We then made our way back to the inlet and the Humminbird Solix 12 screen was covered in what we could tell were redfish. Thanks to Minn Kota’s Spot-Lock feature on Barrera’s Ulterra trolling motor, he positioned the boat perfectly so we could drop baits straight down to these fish. It was game on after that.

My parents were onboard and having an absolute ball catching bull reds one after another. During the redfish catching madness, I saw a tarpon roll on the surface. This tarpon was no baby either. About 80-90 pounds give or take. I quickly reached for the G. Loomis E6X extra heavy rod paired with a Shimano Saragosa 10,000 reel and casted a D.O.A. Lures Baitbuster in the color rootbeer towards the rocks.

I let my lure sink for just a few seconds and slowly began reeling when I felt the first tarpon thump of the season. The fish went bonkers and jumped full-body out of the water basically on top of the rocks. As soon as the excitement began, it was over just as quick when I saw my Baitbuster eject from the beast’s mouth. I dropped to my knees with disappointment mixed with adrenaline. The highs, lows and heartbreak are all part of the deal when it comes to tarpon fishing and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Days like this is why I enjoy fishing the jetties as much as I do. You may have a game plan of putting out some bottom rigs or throwing a Baitbuster for bull reds and end up seeing snook bullying some baits on the surface, or see a 150-pound tarpon come looming across the GPS. You truly never know what you will see or end up having on the line. Just like that saying “don’t bring a gun to a knife fight”, we always make sure to bring a variety of rods and gear so we can be adequately equipped for whatever Mother Nature is throwing our way. 

The recent Descend Act requires all commercial and recreational fisherman to possess a venting tool on their boat while fishing for reef species such as red snapper. With the water depth at the jetties being around 40 feet, several redfish would come to the surface with an everted stomach. Having this tool on deck made it possible to release gases in the fish’s abdomen, allowing them to swim safely back to their preferred depths. 

With this winter and spring being relatively warm, I am confident that the action at the jetties will start early this year. The lower coast is home to a unique fishery offering anglers plenty of species to chase after from mangrove snapper to tarpon, and so much in-between. Enjoy the challenge and pursuit of big fish at the jetties this summer, just make sure you come prepared ready for anything.

 

Email Kelly Groce at ContactUs@fishgame.com

 

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