Reel Time: On the Road – the Nature Coast

Have you ever had a fishing trip that was so memorable you felt the need to pinch yourself to make sure it was real?...

Reel Time: All Clams On Deck

This past Saturday, Jan. 15, I attended a press conference at the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant on Longboat Key for the All Clams on...

Reel Time: Suncoast Waterkeeper, guardian of the bay

As readers are no doubt aware, I love to write about all things fishing, including the need to actively work to protect the resources...

Reel Time: A New Year’s resolution

I’m guessing that when it comes to making and keeping New Year’s Resolutions, your average isn’t much better than mine. When I look back,...

Reel Time: Catch and release digitally

The world of digital photography (and videography) continues to evolve and anglers have never had more options to explore. Whether you’re capturing a picture...

Rusty Chinnis

Rusty Chinnis is an avid fly fisherman, a photojournalist and a retired building contractor in addition to being a passionate defender of the local environment's importance to the health and economy of the area. A 42-year resident of Longboat Key and Manatee County, he is chairman of the board of Suncoast Waterkeeper, a founder and former co-chairman of the Sister Keys Conservancy, and founder and chairman emeritus of Sarasota Bay Watch in addition to being The Sun's Outdoors columnist. Email