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Rusty Chinnis

Rusty Chinnis

March 7, 2017
Rusty Chinnis is The Sun’s Outdoors columnist.
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January 14, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis

Fly casting for beginners

Fly casting and fly fishing are lifelong learning experiences that you can participate in whether you’re 9 or 90. They will introduce you to a whole new way of approaching fishing and a cadre of enth…
January 8, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis
Winter sight fishing

Winter sight fishing

Sight fishing is my favorite way to target fish since I like to see the whites of their eyes. Last week I was reminded of how rewarding this method can be. While fishing Sarasota Bay with my friend…
January 1, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis
Using a Power-Pole

Using a Power-Pole

I have a confession to make. When I first saw a boat with the novel (at the time) Power-Pole, I remember thinking, “That will never get off the ground.” Boy, was I wrong. Not only are these mechanica…
December 24, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
New Year’s resolution: Vote water

New Years Resolution: Vote Water

I’ve reported frequently about concerns for our coastal waters in Manatee County and beyond. Loss of seagrass, lyngbya blooms, sewage releases, more frequent and stronger hurricanes and hundred-year…
December 17, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Marine debris cleanup successful

Marine debris cleanup successful

On Dec. 14, Suncoast Waterkeeper, Suncoast Aqua Ventures, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, the Organized Fishermen of Florida and Sarasota Bay W…
December 2, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

Marine debris cleanup effort planned

The effects of the 2024 hurricane season have been all too apparent to Anna Maria Island residents since the passing of Hurricanes Helene and Milton in a two-week period in late September and early O…
November 28, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
November 24, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

Successful 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 se…
November 21, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

Fall and winter wading

Many anglers think that wade fishing is a warm water activity, but fall and winter wading can produce some fantastic results and gives you many advantages over anglers fishing from a boat. Getting in…
November 5, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

Island business owners rebuild, collaborate, rebound

Hurricanes Helene and Milton took a toll on Anna Maria Island businesses, which are showing their resilience in working together to rebuild and reopen to serve their clientele. AMI Outfitters and An…
October 29, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

Suncoast Waterkeeper’s Brunch for the Bay

Suncoast Waterkeeper is holding its annual brunch for the bay fundraiser at a different venue this year. Get ready for an inspiring and impactful event featuring a powerhouse lineup of expert spe…
September 23, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Water matters

Water matters

Two years ago, I had the honor of meeting Dr. John Bowden, who was collecting samples in the area for a study of PFAS (forever chemicals) in local waters. Bowden is an associate professor at the Univ…
September 17, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Pitch in at cleanup for cash prizes

Pitch in at cleanup for cash prizes

Suncoast Aqua Ventures is hosting the Eighth Annual Suncoast Reef and Beach Cleanup, which offers a unique opportunity to win money and prizes while having a positive effect on the coastal environmen…
September 10, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time on the Road: Magic on the mesa

Two weeks ago, I reported that my wife, Chris, and I were traveling to Colorado, occasioned by an invitation from friends. Two weeks in Durango with side trips to Mesa Verde and a vintage train ride…
September 3, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Voters speak out for water

Voters speak out for water

I knew that the citizens of Manatee County cared about water quality and preserving the coastal ecosystem. That was apparent when they voted to tax themselves for the Vote Water and Land Referendum i…