Glass says he prefers intermediate sink lines such as Scientific Angler's Monocore for tarpon and other species around the jetties. He doesn't like floating lines for jetty work because flies don't track as well behind them due to the turbulence. On the other hand, he says, fast-sinking lines can be overkill."You can use them when the tide is really ripping, but day in and day out, slow sink is the ticket," he says. "Most of the strikes come at about 3 or 4 feet below the surface."

Other species caught around South Padre's jetties are ladyfish, mangrove snapper, trout, reds, and snook.

Anglers can fish the ends of the jetties in flats boats during periods when there are only light swells. Even then it takes some practice making casts into the rocks when the boat is pitching in the swells.

Drive-up fly fishing is also available from the north jetty on Brazos Santiago Pass. It is located on the southernmost end of South Padre Island, in Isla Blanca Park. There is a $3 fee for fishing in the park. Most anglers fish the south jetty from a boat after making the short run from area launch ramps. The south jetty can also be reached by vehicle from Brownsville.