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Rusty Chinnis

Rusty Chinnis

March 7, 2017
Rusty Chinnis is The Sun’s Outdoors columnist.
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February 3, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: “Fish farm” proposal troubling

On Tuesday, Jan. 28, I attended an EPA public comment session at Mote Marine Laboratory. The hearing gave the public an opportunity to speak to a proposed draft permit to test the raising of almaco j…
January 27, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Get in on the hot winter action

Until recently, Gulf water temperatures have been surprisingly warm. It’s always been typical for a cold front to send water temperatures plummeting, after which a warming trend will send them back i…
January 21, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis
The solution to climate change

Reel Time: The solution to climate change

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, I attended an advance screening of the documentary, “Kiss The Ground,” based on the novel of the same name by Josh Tickell. The screening previewed at the newly remodeled Bishop…
January 14, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic

Reel Time: Scallopalooza, it’s clamtastic

Sarasota Bay Watch’s “Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic!” fundraising event is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Feb. 15, 2020. SBW’s major fundraiser supports the many projects the organization is…
January 7, 2020
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Fishing bridges, piers and docks

You don’t have to have a boat to get to some of this winter’s best fishing. Bridges, docks and piers provide anglers who don’t have a boat or don’t want to bother with one some excellent fishing oppo…
December 18, 2019
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: The ups and downs of tides

Reel Time: The ups and downs of tides

The only thing I know for sure after almost four decades of fishing area waters is that I’ll never figure it out. That’s in the context of finding fish and divining the conditions that make them w…
December 10, 2019
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: We’ll See

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 int…
November 19, 2019
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge

Reel Time: Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge

“Big bonefish 12 o’clock, 60 feet mon,” our Bahamian guide Lox whispered to my partner Gerry Tipper. Pointing his rod, Lox had him swing the tip until three big dark shapes morphed into view. When…
November 12, 2019
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Polarized glasses

Reel Time: Polarized glasses

Polarized sunglasses are essential for serious anglers. They serve multiple purposes including protecting the eyes from damaging UV light, cutting the surface glare and keeping eyes from tearing in t…
October 29, 2019
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Autres poisson

Reel Time: Autres poisson

When you read about fly fishing in the Georgia mountains, the story usually centers on trout. Whether it’s rainbow trout, brown trout or native brook trout, the narrative either revolves around the f…
October 22, 2019
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: A home away from home

Reel Time: A home away from home

It never crossed my mind that I might eventually find a place that would start to feel like a home away from home. For most of my adult life, I have been living and working (the dream) on a barrier i…
October 1, 2019
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Spain - Seville and Andalusia

Reel Time: Spain – Seville and Andalusia

Our travels in Spain concluded with a trip to Seville located in the southwestern Iberian peninsula on the Guadalquivir River. Seville is the capital of the autonomous community of Andalusia and i…
September 24, 2019
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Spain – Basque Country and Andalusa

Reel Time: Spain – Basque Country and Andalusia

For a country that’s smaller geographically than Texas, Spain is diverse in its culture, customs and cuisine. After exploring the capital Madrid and the ancient city of Toledo, a short flight to S…
September 17, 2019
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Spain – Madrid and Toledo

Reel Time: Spain – Madrid and Toledo

Spain was never on my list of places to travel. When looking for a new destination to explore, Chris and I settled on Portugal and somehow those plans morphed into an adventure in this small country…
September 2, 2019
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Get ready for fall

Reel Time: Get ready for fall

If I had to pick a least-favorite month for fishing, September would certainly be in the running. This is hurricane season and the height of the dog days of summer. There are a few highlights dependi…