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Rusty Chinnis

Rusty Chinnis

March 7, 2017
Rusty Chinnis is The Sun’s Outdoors columnist.
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May 15, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Tarpon tactics

Tarpon season is one of the most anticipated times of the year for local anglers. While it’s possible to encounter tarpon occasionally most every month of the year, May through July is the time savvy…
April 25, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time on the Road: The Chestatee

Reel Time on the Road: The Chestatee

Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of fishing many of the finest trout streams in north Georgia, like the Soque and Chattahoochee as well Duke’s and Noontotla Creek. Always looking for a new advent…
April 17, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Successful fishing trip planning

Planning any fishing trip can be a challenge given the peculiarities of weather and the idiosyncrasies of fish. Add a few thousand miles, a different language and an exotic species or two, and some s…
April 10, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: All about pompano

Reel Time: All about pompano

Pompano range from the upper eastern U.S. coast to Texas, but the most consistent action is encountered from the Carolinas to Texas. Although they are a relatively common species along our coast, the…
April 3, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Anatomy of a fishing rod

 Reel Time: Anatomy of a Fishing Rod

Every angler’s fishing rod, be it a spinning rod, a fly rod or a casting rod, is constructed in a similar way and has the same basic parts. Have you ever wondered why one rod is more expensive than a…
March 27, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: If we don’t do it, who will?

Reel Time: If we don’t do it, who will?

Red tide; two words that nobody wants to hear but everyone needs to understand. The term is just the common expression of the much deeper problem best described as harmful algae blooms (HABs). Someon…
March 21, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Oyster River Ecology moving restoration forward

Reel Time: Oyster River Ecology moving restoration forward

I first met Damon Moore at a Sister Keys Cleanup in 2010 when we were introduced by Ann Hodgson of Audubon. Moore worked in environmental consulting for seven years at Stantec before joining Manatee…
March 13, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Spring is in the air

Reel Time: Spring is in the air

I heard my first whippoorwill almost three weeks ago. It’s one of my favorite times of the year and one of the most productive for anglers who fish with flies, artificial lures or live bait. I like t…
March 6, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Sarasota Bay Partners Grants offer environmental win/win

Reel Time: Sarasota Bay Partners Grants offer environmental win/win

Sarasota Bay Partners Grants are competitive awards for projects in the Sarasota Bay watershed that promote habitat and water quality restoration, environmental education, community involvement and s…
February 28, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Suncoast Waterkeeper launches ‘Eyes on the Suncoast’

The waters on the Suncoast need the protection of those who love them. You can help Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK) do that with a new program the nonprofit launched recently by keeping your “Eye…
February 20, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Join in the cleanup

Reel Time: Join in the cleanup

Have you been looking for a way to meet new friends who share your passion for the environment and work to keep it healthy? An upcoming event will provide you with that opportunity. Join Sarasota Bay…
February 16, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: The magic of seabirds

Reel Time: The magic of seabirds

Seabirds are one the Suncoast’s prime attractions for anglers, visitors and residents alike. Birds in general, and seabirds specifically, provide a significant boost to Florida’s economy and are a ma…
February 7, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Results in from the 2023 Waterman

Reel Time: Results in from the 2023 Waterman

The third annual Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament was held this past weekend. The two-day, fly-only redfish tournament with a Snook Calcutta (an award for the longest snook of the tournament…
February 3, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Compete in the Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament

Reel Time: Compete in the Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament

No one has more vested interest in water quality and the protection of our local marine habitat than anglers. That fact is clearly evident for those that make a living from the bays and estuaries tha…
January 23, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Scallopalooza - Welcome to the Clam Jam

Reel Time: Scallopalooza – Welcome to the Clam Jam

On Saturday night, Feb. 11, Sarasota Bay Watch (SBW) will hold its 13th annual major fundraising event, “Scallopalooza: Welcome to The Clam Jam,” at the Sarasota Hyatt Regency Hotel. Last y…