Hey guys. I really REALLY want to catch a decent-sized jack from shore. I know they're a hit or miss fish all up and down the Texas Coast. Any recommendations on a where/when/how over the next couple months? Closer to Galveston is better, but I am willing to drive a little further. I had one spool me (and break my rod) on the 61st Pier back in the spring, and caught several decent ones in Florida in June, and they're quickly becoming my favorite inshore fish. Tough...just freaking tough.

I appreciate any and all tips!

Thanks,
Matt

I've heard Padre Island National Seashore can have great runs of jacks near the beach and Mansfield jetties. I'm not sure when is the prime time but Billy Sandifer's best times chart shows late spring/early summer and October and November. Check out his and Eric Ozlins articles on Texas Saltwater Magazine website archives around that time, I think there are some mentions of jacks. I have a buddy that wants to do this with fly rod, that would be awesome. Jacks are a great fighting fish, good luck to you.

Wade the east cut at Mansfield. You'll see herds of them come up like feral pigs. They'll hit anything that moves and take your equipment with them.

I've caught them off of the rock groins off the Seawall in Galveston. Big ones too.

Sweet. Is that an area you can get to without a boat?

That's the easiest spot for me to get to. Couple questions......What were you using? Did they give you any indication they were there (crashing bait, following the mullet, etc.) or were they just random? And am I correct in assuming that if the water isn't green, they're probably not there?

Thanks,
Matt

Last one I caught was on a med/light rod/12b Flouro/ Down South Plum/Chartruese-fun fight for sure. Saw a school move in crashing mullet. Seems like late Sept./ October they are abundant there. I've also done well using a yozuri suspending crystal minnow. Like Pat mentioned, they'll eat anything. You don't need green water conditions to catch them but it helps. Mouth of the Brazos River seems to hold quite a few also.

Good info! Liking the jacks. First time they came up on me at the jetties, they were a swirling bunch of fish that reminded me of Neo and "The Matrix." Absolutely ferocious. Spooked me so bad, I didn't even know what to do with a 10wt. fly rod.