Skip to main content
Rusty Chinnis

Rusty Chinnis

March 7, 2017
Rusty Chinnis is The Sun’s Outdoors columnist.
Email Rusty Chinnis
May 19, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

A salute to “Captain” Hunter Brown

I first met “Captain” Hunter Brown at Eldred’s Marina, at the foot of the Boca Grande Causeway after a day of tarpon fishing.  I had been poling a Charlotte Harbor flat with my good friend Mi…
May 12, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

The Apex of Angling: Part 2

If getting a tarpon to eat a fly wasn’t demanding enough, once a fish opens its mouth the real test of an angler’s mettle is revealed.  Tarpon are not trout, and attempting to raise the rod t…
May 5, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: The Apex of Angling (part one)

Tarpon are one of the premier gamefish that swim local waters and are a noble adversary on any tackle. The fish that frequent our beaches during the months of May through August can weigh over 200 po…
April 29, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Jim Costa Memorial Bowlees Creek Cleanup is May 9

On Saturday, May 9, Suncoast Aqua Ventures will sponsor the Jim Costa Memorial Bowlees Creek Cleanup from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bahia Mar West Marina at 6918 14th Street West in Bradenton.  The even…
April 21, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: For the birds

Baitfish are once again invading coastal waters, so it’s time to remind anglers about the importance and protection of seabirds. Knowledgeable anglers know how valuable seabirds are, and all anglers…
April 15, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Sister Keys Cleanup 2026

Suncoast Waterkeeper teamed up with Sarasota Bay Watch on Sunday, April 12, to conduct their 17th Annual Sister Keys Cleanup.
April 7, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Rotary Club hosting Reel for Rotary fishing tournament

Contestants and sponsors are still needed for the Reel for Rotary fishing tournament hosted by the Rotary Club of Anna Maria Island.
March 31, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Planning a successful fishing adventure

The transition from spring to summer is a time when many anglers start planning fishing trips and good planning pays dividends in catching fish and the overall experience.
March 25, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers host fly-casting clinic

The Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers club sponsored a free fly-casting clinic that attracted nearly 30 participants.
March 18, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Remembering Captain Zach

Captain Zach Zacharias was a staunch lover and defender of fishing and the habitat that supported it. 
March 10, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time on The Road: Fishing the Chass

Locally, we’re blessed with an amazing fishery and a natural world that supports it. As good as the fishing can be close by, every angler has an urge to experience someplace that’s unique, less crowd…
March 3, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

On the Cusp: legislative action needed

As of March 3, the Florida House of Representives had not adopted legislation to help fix the problems created by Senate Bill 180 in 2025.
February 24, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

The Waterman 2026: Fishing for a purpose

The annual Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament was held Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20 and 21.
February 18, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Scallopalooza 2026: “Taking Action to Preserve Our Bay”

On Saturday night, March 7, Sarasota Bay Watch will hold its 16th annual major fundraising event, Scallopalooza. This year’s theme is “Taking Action to Preserve Our Bay.” Scallopalooza is an annu…
February 10, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Think like a fish

Fishermen are forever trying to divine the secrets of fish behavior in an attempt to fool them into taking our submissions of fur and feather, lures in a kaleidoscope of shapes and colors or live off…