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Rusty Chinnis

Rusty Chinnis

March 7, 2017
Rusty Chinnis is The Sun’s Outdoors columnist.
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May 28, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

FWC announces 2024 Lionfish Challenge

If you’re a diver, you’ve seen first-hand how lionfish invade the reefs and threaten the balance that sustains many offshore species. You’ve probably also heard of the Lionfish Challenge, an opportun…
May 21, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Carpe diem

Carpe diem

The sound wasn’t exactly deafening but it enveloped me as I stepped out of the car at the boat ramp. Located on the South Carolina side of Lake Russell, an impoundment of the Savannah River, the fore…
May 14, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

Try a beach fishing adventure

Are you an accidental angler? Someone who might not be passionate about fishing but who has always wondered what all the hype is about? Maybe you’re an avid freshwater angler from the north unfamilia…
May 7, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Egmont, Passage keys prove enchanting

Egmont, Passage keys prove enchanting

Extending approximately 5 miles from Anna Maria Island to St. Petersburg, the mouth of Tampa Bay is fronted by the barrier islands of Egmont Key and Passage Key. The surrounding waters are beautiful…
April 30, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

Tarpon Primer: Part two

Although tarpon can be one of the most exciting gamefish to engage, they are also one of the most demanding and exhausting. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of epic two-hour-plus battles, which are…
April 22, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Tarpon primer: Part One

Tarpon primer: Part One

Tarpon season is one of the most anticipated times of the year in local waters. While I’ve encountered tarpon occasionally most every month of the year, April through July is the time ardent anglers…
April 15, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

Get to know Suncoast Aqua Ventures

Over the years, I’ve had the honor and pleasure of getting to know and work with many passionate and action-oriented citizens on the Suncoast, people who turn their concerns into accomplishments…
April 8, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Rotary, Ringling team up for ecological film series

Rotary, Ringling team up for ecological film series

The Rotary Club of Longboat Key is nearing completion of a short documentary film series created in collaboration with Ringling College of Art and Design’s film department. Partners include the Rotar…
April 2, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Support local waterways during Giving Challenge 2024

Do you support organizations that help protect the environment and our fisheries but can’t seem to find the time to get involved by volunteering or participating in events? You can help fund the effo…
March 26, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Salon fundraiser meets with success

 Reel Time: Salon fundraiser meets with success

Salon (noun) – a conversational gathering of notables held at the home of a prominent person. On Saturday afternoon, Suncoast Waterkeeper held its Suncoast Salon fundraiser at the Sarasota home of…
March 20, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Check, check and double check!

Reel Time: Check, check and double check!

How many times have you arrived at the boat ramp to find you left something important behind? How about forgetting to put the drain plug in before launching the boat? Not often, I hope, but if you’re…
March 12, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Suncoast Waterkeeper’s vision expands

Reel Time: Suncoast Waterkeeper’s vision expands

Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK) has seen phenomenal growth over the last several years. In that time, they have hired an accomplished wetlands scientist as executive director, hired a marketing and commu…
March 5, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Harbinger of spring

I just heard my first whippoorwill last night, a harbinger of spring. While we might still be a few cold fronts away from spring, now is a great time to prepare for the upcoming season, getting tackl…
February 27, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Take a kid fishing

Reflecting back on the importance fishing has had on my life, I’d like to pass on some of the things I’ve learned over the years about how to introduce children to the marine world and fishing. Thos…
February 19, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Waterman tournament challenging

Reel Time: Waterman tournament challenging

The fourth annual Waterman Fly Fishing Tournament was held this past weekend. The two-day, fly-only redfish tournament with a snook calcutta was a sellout with a total of 145 anglers registered. The…