Headed to the packery this wkend. Never fished there and have heard great things. but i do have a few questions. When i hear Jetty i just think line snags loss of tackle and what not. So does that go on alot here or are there just particular areas that u get snagged more than others. What are the best spots besides the ends of the jetties. or can i just fish all along the packery

You can fish anywhere along the jetties and just be careful with submerged hazards. You'll likely lose your line, but the potential payoff is worth it. I caught my one and only snook off of the packery two years ago--it's a great spot.

If I plan to fish with mullet (live or cut), I use a slip cork rig set at 8'-10' around jetties, sometimes slightly deeper. You can still cast it out then the bait drops to the desired depth. You can't just toss it and forget it though, throw up current and follow it along till it get just past you down current, reel in and toss again. You can use popping corks with live shrimp or a number of soft plastics if you're after trout. However, I prefer artificials mostly. Spoons, DOA shrimp, Gulp shrimp, spoons and even swimbaits. A mullet colored Storm wildeye swimbait (I like 5"-6" model) with a 1 oz head can be tossed a long way and allowed to sink as you reel slowly. I've caught several bull reds on that rig, 40"+ long.

Anytime you attempt actual bottom fishing at the jetties, you will spend some time hung up in the rocks and losing tackle. Note: the beach or surf side of the jetties are a little more forgiving because it's easier to get your bait out past the rocks. It can be productive at times but I prefer to keep my bait above the rocks, drifting or swimming along. I know at the Port A jetties there are a couple of spots you can fish the bottom without too many snags, sandy spots, but when you decide to reel in, you had better be reeling fast, lol.

Thanks for the timely replies! that slip cork rig sounds like a great idea but how exactly do you set that up. what size bobber do you use etc.

There are several different types you can use, just be sure to get ones with the hole all the way thru so the cork will slip up and down the line. You can buy "bobber stoppers" to place on the line and choose your depth (they are really cheap) or you can go old school and tie a rubber band on your line. The only problem with a rubber band is that it doesn't come thru the rod guides as well so the bobber stoppers are better. Once you attach the stop, just slip the cork onto the line. Now put a weight on. Size of weight will be determined by how far you want to toss it out and how big your cork is so the weight doesn't pull it under. I normally use 1/2 to 3/4 oz barrel weights. You can use crimp on if you like I just don't trust them to keep from pinching my line. Now tie on a barrel swivel to keep the weight from going down to the hook. Now get you some 20 lb fluorocarbon and make a leader to the hook. The leader can be whatever you prefer, I like 18" to 2'. Tie on a circle hook or kayle style hook, add bait and go.. That's my normal set up for mullet. Same set up for live shrimp except I use lighter weights, slightly smaller corks, etc and usually fish them only about 3' deep under the cork.

Thank you! i will def. give that a try. im also gonna hit red dot and indian point pier for awhile. i have a good feeling about this trip. will post my report when i get back

I have never fished at Packery but have heard many great things about it. I hope to hit it sometime this summer. Even though I now have a boat, I will always love jetty fishing. Started walking the jetties of Galveston when I was 2-3 years old. Those are some of my best memories. Matter of fact, best memories come from jetty fishing. Hope you have/had a great time...post some pics when you get back.

I learned from a buddy many years ago to use briht green high vis line when jetty fishing. When you can see your line its much easier to keep out of the rocks.