Harold Wells
GULF COAST
FISHERMAN
www.gulffishing.com
GARY RALSTON
Publisher/Editor
DEPARTMENT EDITORS
David Ayers • Pete Cooper, Jr.
Jeff Herman • John Hook
Patrick Lemire • Jim Martin
Colby Sorrells
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Capt. Robert Brodie
Chester Moore, Jr.
Al Rogers • David A. Brown
Capt. Nate Skinner
Vernon Summerlin
Capt. Mike Thompson
Capt. Danno Wise
with Wells Daily Fishing Forecast
Vol. 39 No. 1
J ANUARY - FEBRUARY - MARCH
C ONTENTS
2015
FEATURES
Pontchartrain Blues & Reds by John N. Felsher 6
Winter conditions bring on the blues. A good thing!
The Jig is Up by David A. Brown ....................................... 7
Jigs give anglers an edge offshore. Here’s how to use them...
Winter Structure by Nate Skinner .............................. 10
How to find the most productive structure this winter.
Production/Design
Janna Ralston
Advertising/
Classified
Send requests for advertising rates
to: [email protected] or
mail to: GCF Advertising
P.O. Box 8, Port Lavaca, Texas 77979
Phone/Fax: (361) 552-8864
800-552-4853
Administration
Gary Ralston • Editor
Janna Ralston • Production/Design
Staff • Circulation
Warner/International Periodical
Services • Newsstand Distribution
GULF COAST FISHERMAN (ISSN 0164-3746)
is published quarterly by Harold Wells Gulf Coast
Fisherman, Inc., 211 Oakglen Dr., Port Lavaca, Texas
77979. Phone (361)552-8864. Copyright 2015. Single
copy at $4.50. Subscription is $15.00 for one year (4
issues); $28.00 for two years (8 issues); and, $40.00 for
three years (12 issues). Periodical postage paid at Port
Lavaca, Texas and at additional mailing offices.
Address correspondence concerning subscription
or address changes to Gulf Coast Fisherman, P.O. Box
8, Port Lavaca, Texas 77979 (361) 552-8864.
Unsolicited contributions are welcomed, but will
not be acknowledged or returned unless accompanied by
stamped, self-addressed envelope. Articles, photos, artwork, and other material should be addressed to the
Editor. We can not be responsible for unsolicited material. The contents of this magazine may not be reprinted
without written permission.
Advertising rates on request. Standard commissions to accredited advertising agencies. Send new
product information to Gulf Coast Fisherman, P.O. Box 8,
Port Lavaca, Texas 77979. Advertising Sales Office,
Gulf Coast Fisherman, 211 Oakglen Dr., Port
Lavaca,Texas 77979. Phone/Fax (361) 552-8864.
POSTMASTER: Send P.O.D. Form 3579 to: Gulf Coast
Fisherman, P. O. Box 8, Port Lavaca, TX 77979.
4 GULF COAST FISHERMAN
DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS
Tackle Time - New Shrimp - About the Evolution ........ 8
Rod & Reelin’ - Tuna Simplified ................................... 9
Gulf Coast Closeup - Louisiana’s Bay Bulls ............. 11
Equipment Notebook - Trailer Security .................... 12
The Bay Naturalist - The Ghost Shrimp ................... 28
The Fly Guy - All About Backing ................................ 29
Paddling Out - PFDs: Wear Them! ............................. 31
The