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Rusty Chinnis

Rusty Chinnis

March 7, 2017
Rusty Chinnis is The Sun’s Outdoors columnist.
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March 14, 2022
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Tie one on

Reel Time: Tie one on

I have to begin this article with a confession. I have known how to tie flies for a long time but have been too lazy to tie my own for far too long. First it was guide friends who tied them for me. A…
March 6, 2022
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: We’ll see

Recently I was intent on fishing an area that has become one of my favorite haunts.  Unfortunately, when I got there, another boat was anchored nearby. As I started working my way towards my intended…
February 28, 2022
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: The Waterman

Reel Time: The Waterman

The second annual Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament was held last weekend. The two-day, fly-only redfish tournament and snook Calcutta had 114 two-member teams and three single-angler teams. The fis…
February 21, 2022
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Before you go

Getting on the water can be challenging for the average angler. Life often gets in the way of your favorite pastime and finds you unprepared when opportunity arises. Maybe it’s the “chance” day off o…
February 13, 2022
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Scallopalooza is ‘Clamtastic!’

On Saturday night, Feb. 12, Sarasota Bay Watch (SBW) held its 11th annual major fund-raising event, “Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic,” at the Sarasota Hyatt Regency Hotel. The yearly event was another…
February 7, 2022
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: The bridges of Manatee County

Bridges provide anglers who don’t have a boat or don’t want to bother with one some excellent fishing opportunities. Their structure provides the perfect habitat for fish. Besides the plethora of…
January 31, 2022
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Dangerous seagrass bill advances

Florida Senate Bill 198 (Sen. A. Rodriguez, R- Doral) would allow permits that will impact seagrass and allow for replacing them elsewhere in state waters. Why is that a problem? I posed that ques…
January 23, 2022
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: On the Road - the Nature Coast

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? I’ve been fishing a long time and I could count those times on one hand. Now I’ve…
January 16, 2022
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: All clams on deck

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 Deck clam restoration initiative hosted by restaurateur and Anna M…
January 10, 2022
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Suncoast Waterkeeper, guardian of the bay

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 that support this special area. That’s why I work with and write…
January 3, 2022
By Rusty Chinnis

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, I don’t sweat most of them. Resolutions like losing weight or…
December 27, 2021
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time

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 or a video clip to remind you of your cat…
December 20, 2021
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Against the wind

Reel Time: Against the wind

A “perfect” day on the water is hard to come by. Why? Because it just doesn’t happen that often. Rain, clouds and extreme temperatures can make fishing challenging, but of all the weather conditions…
December 12, 2021
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Pole long enough and the fish will find you

Reel Time: Pole long enough and the fish will find you

I’ll always remember the adage, “Pole long enough and the fish will find you.” I heard this years ago when fly fishing legend Captain Steve Huff was the featured speaker at a Mangrove Coast Fly Fishe…
December 5, 2021
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Guides’ gift guide

Who better to suggest a good present for a fishing friend than one of our local fishing guides? These men and women spend over 200 days a year on the water and know better than anyone what works and…