The Saltwater Magazine for Gulf Coast Fishing!

Preview of Articles in the Summer Issue of

Gulf Coast Fisherman Magazine

SUMMER ISSUE 2003! Subscribe Today! (On sale date 6/16/03)   Besides the really fine articles -All of this is included in each issue...   o WELLS DAILY FISHING FORECAST & TIDES for the period of JUL-SEP 2003.   o ADVANCE PLANNING CALENDARS for OCT-DEC 2003.   o ASTRONOMICAL DATA for 2003   o OFFSHORE ROTARY CURRENT Strength Predictions JUL-SEP 2003   o PRODUCT REVIEW     Sample of Fishing Forecast Page in PDF FEATURES   SUMMER FLOUNDER by Chester Moore, Jr. Techniques for hot weather flounder success...   The bite of a southern flounder is unmistakable. Best described as a "thump", its report sends chills down the spines of those who consider flounder their favorite quarry.   That is exactly what I felt while working a Twister Tail tipped with shrimp in a deep cut on the south end of Sabine Lake last summer. The sound of drag peeling away from my spinning reel followed the "thump" as the flounder valiantly struggled against the tight, braided line.   A few minutes later, I landed the fat 23-incher that completed my Texas ten fish limit by 9 a.m. You might think this is normal, since many anglers consider Sabine Lake Texas' flounder capital. However, I caught this limit in August when few anglers are even thinking about flounder.   Most anglers consider flounder fishing a fall sport while a growing number are beginning to appreciate the fall run. Many consider summer to be dead time for flounder, but it does not have to be that way.   SOW'S & AJ'S - by Robert Brodie Mississippi's deep water bullies...   They are two of the most prominent deep water species that reside in Mississippi's offshore waters. The two species in reference are the gorgeous red-scaled red snapper, and the sleek and powerful greater amberjack. By nature, both of these species are structure oriented and prefer the clear, warm, and deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico.   Although both of these species are highly sought for their superb table fare, it's the sheer beauty of the snapper's crimson coloration, and the relentless backbreaking power of the greater amber-jack that gives fame to each of these gamesters. Since this duo prefers to take up residence around some type of underwater structure, the barnacle-encrusted vertical legs of oil rigs, and various man-made fish havens off Mississippi's coastline, provide ample sites for locating these deep dwellers.   To locate and catch AJ's off Mississippi's coastline you'll have to...       COBE'S on the FLY - by Pete Cooper, Jr. An opportunity too good to ignore...   As fly fishing along the northern Gulf coast increases in popularity, it is inevitable that many anglers will eventually begin seeking targets larger than the popular inshore species. In many cases - for logistical and financial reasons if for nothing else - those targets will not include the blue-water beasts. On the other hand, there is a creature that inhabits green water close enough to shore to be pursued in craft such as bay boats and which grows large enough - and resists capture strongly enough - to tempt any fly fisherman. And it tastes pretty good, too! It is the cobia, and they do eat flies!   Tackle-Up for Spanish - by Capt. Fred Everson Take on these toothy speedsters for some fact action fun...   Since the inshore net ban was passed in Florida more than five years ago, Spanish mackerel have made an incredible comeback in the waters of West Central Florida. There are Spanish mackerel in Tampa Bay all year long, but it is in early spring, summer and fall when the big schools ravage baitfish up and down the bay. The catching part can be easy when the macks are slashing through bait that's balled up on the surface, but a little forethought will go a long way in perfecting an approach to mackerel fishing. Spanish mackerel are toothy, and will cut off hooks and lures unless your leader is up to snuff. Wire leaders may prevent tackle losses, but mackerel specialists claim wire leaders deter strikes. Finding mackerel on Tampa Bay is seldom a problem spring, summer and fall. They will hang close to the schools of bait around the ship channels, and on the range markers. When you see bait on the surface... Gulf Coast Closeup - "Port Eads, LA - by Capt. Mike Holmes Louisiana's Blue Water Paradise Interest in Venice, Louisiana by visiting anglers has increased tremendously in the past several years due to great fishing, a unique location, and good marketing on the part of several guide operations. The Ballay family of Venice Marina are frequently mentioned in the pages of major magazines, as sons Brent and Brandon have made their reputation for putting customers on everything from snapper to marlin.   Capt. Peace Marvel, operating out of Cypress Cove Marina, has put Venice on the map as a tuna hotspot. Customers of these and other charter fishing companies as well as fishermen on private boats have discovered the excellent winter fishery for wahoo and tuna on the Midnight Lump and the billfishing opportunities around the deep water oil production platforms and along offshore current rips and weedlines... OUR DEPARTMENTS...   Rod & Reel'n - "The No Wait Re-Bait" - by Patrick Lemire   The Bay Naturalist - "Squid - the Go-to Bait" - by John Hook   Equipment Notebook - "Boat Wiring Tips" - by David Ayers   Tackle Time - "The Multi-Kit" - by Colby Sorrells   Bait Hook - "Precious Memories" - by Jim Martin   From the Publisher... Besides all these great articles and departments, Gulf Coast Fisherman is the only source for the Wells Daily Fishing Forecast. Each issue carries three months of the Wells Daily Fishing Forecast - with Monthly Fishing Calendars. This will provide what you need to intelligently plan your fishing trips - hours, weeks, and months in advance!   Top saltwater guides and fishermen use the Wells Daily Fishing Forecast - shouldn't you be using it ,too?...   "The fisherman that knows what the currents are doing has the advantage - over fish and fishermen!" And remember - "Fish feed everyday, somewhere " - Harold Wells   Gary Ralston Publisher   Home