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Rusty Chinnis

Rusty Chinnis

March 7, 2017
Rusty Chinnis is The Sun’s Outdoors columnist.
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October 11, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Shifting seasons 

Reel Time: Shifting seasons 

I admit, it’s been a subtle shift from summer into fall, but even if the weather doesn’t reflect it, the shorter days and cooling Gulf waters are sending local anglers a message. One sure harbinger o…
October 4, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Vote for water and land

I have been blessed to live on a barrier island in Manatee County since 1980. I was drawn to the area by family but moved here because of my love of fishing and the natural world. I realized I’d foun…
September 27, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Sarasota Bay Watch releases clams

Sarasota Bay Watch conducted its first post-COVID-19 clam release on Saturday, Sept. 26. SBW board members and volunteers gathered at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron in the morning to transfer clams to…
September 21, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis
Fred and the fish-eating squirrel

Reel Time: Fred and the fish-eating squirrel

Most of Bradenton was asleep and dreaming when I pulled up to the locked gate that barred access to Jiggs Landing on the shore of Ward Lake (a/k/a Bill Evers Reservoir). Beeping my horn and flashing…
September 14, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis
New horizons in trolling motor technology

New horizons in trolling motor technology

If there’s one thing I learned over the years it’s that the more “stuff” you put on a boat the more you have to deal with. Having said that, there are a few things I have found worth the effort. Chie…
September 6, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis
Hone your hot weather strategy 

Hone your hot weather strategy 

Summer may be on the wane but you would never know it unless you’re up early or get out later in the day. Savvy anglers know to change their strategies, tailoring their efforts to maximize comfort an…
August 31, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis
Fishing at o-dark-thirty

Fishing at o-dark-thirty

The clear, pale green halo of light stood out in stark relief, surrounded by inky dark water at the end of the boat basin. The properties and docks that encircled the water, normally bustling with ac…
August 21, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time on the Road: Yellowstone and the Madison River Valley

Reel Time on the Road: Yellowstone and the Madison River Valley, Part Two

When I planned my trip to Montana, visiting and photographing Yellowstone was one of my main objectives besides fishing. The day after fishing Lake Ennis and the Madison River, I returned to the park…
August 17, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time on The Road: Yellowstone and the Madison River Valley

Reel Time on The Road: Yellowstone and the Madison River Valley, Part One

Rounding a corner outside of Virginia City, Montana, I pulled to the side of the road to marvel at the vista. From horizon to horizon the Madison River Valley stretched out below, an invitation to on…
August 10, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time on the Road: Montana’s Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers

Reel Time on the Road: Montana’s Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers

When Robert Redford introduced fly fishing to popular American culture in the 1992 movie, “A River Runs Through It,” he also introduced them to the storied trout streams and rivers of Montana. Althou…
August 2, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Engage and defend

This week as I watched the tribute to John Lewis, the American politician and civil rights leader, being eulogized by past presidents of both parties, I was inspired anew by the message of this great…
July 27, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis

Sun protection: do the cool thing

Sun protection is a topic worth repeating, especially this time of the year! If you’ve been on the water over the last few years, you’ve noticed anglers covered head to toe even on the hottest and su…
July 20, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis

The Ocean Conservancy: Working to protect Florida’s future

Since the Ocean Conservancy was founded in 1972, it has changed names several times. With the support of conservation-minded individuals, they’ve accomplished many incredible things, starting with pr…
July 13, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Courtesy

Reel Time: Courtesy

Some things bear repeating. I’m guessing that you, like me, have a passion for fishing and besides the excitement of catching, a lot of the experience centers around just “being there.” It’s an oppor…
July 6, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Trouble in paradise

Have you ever driven down the Gulf beach and seen flags flying on the lifeguard stands? We’ve worked out a system to alert people who use the local beaches of potential hazards. A green flag signifie…