It depends how close you are to the brick ledge, which is outside. It could be 3' below the structural panel, or it could be right at it. I have seen houses where the ground is higher than the structural panel. I would drill the structural panel and see if you hit mesh or not. The mesh should be plastic, no big deal, it is only used during construction to keep the wet mortar from plugging weep holes. If it seems clear, try fishing. If not, try your second option. As
@Moonville says, fishing through insulation is frustrating. The cavity
should be open. Brick ties are only an inch or so wide, spaced at 12" or more.