Tico Times Fishing Columnist Dies at 45

We deeply regret to report that Tico Times fishing columnist Jerry “Bubba” Hallstrom died last Wednesday of a heart attack at his home in Herradura, just outside Jacó on the central Pacific coast. He was 45.

An Omaha, Nebraska, native, Hallstrom arrived in Costa Rica nearly a decade ago. The owner of Bubba’s Fish Tacos in Jacó and Bubba’s Costa Rica Fishing Report website, Hallstrom took over The Tico Times’ fishing column in June 2008, advising antsy anglers about sunny days, calm seas and hot fishing spots.

An ebullient man, “Bubba” lived up to his nickname. Friends described him as an entertaining and genuine person who lifted the spirits of everyone around him.

“This is a tough loss,” Capt. Chris Watkins of Go Fish Costa Rica wrote in an e-mail. “I can’t think of many in the sportfishing community who didn’t at the very least know who Bubba was. All of us submitted reports to him quite religiously. … Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and countless number of friends who will forever miss him.”

“The world is certainly a lesser place without him,” added Capt. Lee Keidel of Kingpin Sportfishing. “Bubba was an entertaining guy and I always looked forward to hearing from him.”

A casual poker player, Hallstrom was happiest at sea, hunting down sailfish, mahimahi and other tropical favorites. No matter what the catch, he always seemed to know where to find it.

Mr. “Bubba” Hallstrom, and his 100-pound fishing advice, will be sorely missed.