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Rusty Chinnis

Rusty Chinnis

March 7, 2017
Rusty Chinnis is The Sun’s Outdoors columnist.
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January 23, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Using push poles

Push poles have been used to propel boats for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Today’s push poles have come a long way since then. They’ve evolved from wooden poling oars hewn from tree limbs to…
January 16, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
The re-making of Perico Preserve

Reel Time: The re-making of Perico Preserve

Perico Preserve is a Manatee County jewel. But this gem wouldn’t have become a reality without the vision and determination of a few key individuals who captured the attention of and created opportun…
January 9, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis
The making of Perico Preserve

Reel Time: The making of Perico Preserve

Nestled just off the edge of Perico Bayou, a slender body of water that connects Tampa Bay and Palma Sola Bay, Perico Preserve would appear to the unversed as an extension of the wetlands that rim Pe…
January 1, 2024
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: New Year’s resolutions

New Year’s resolutions are an annual ritual. It’s a time to look back and reflect on what matters most, how we feel about our lives, and what changes might improve our situation. It’s also a time to…
December 23, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Luck is when opportunity meets preparedness

Reel Time: Luck is when opportunity meets preparedness

Whether you’re fishing local water, stalking bonefish in the Bahamas, poling a flat in Charlotte Harbor for tailing redfish, or any number of angling scenarios, we anglers spend the majority of our t…
December 19, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
The value of mangroves

Reel Time: The value of mangroves

Anglers know the value of the mangrove forests to provide habitat, food and protection for the snook, redfish, sheepshead and other species they pursue. For those who don’t fish but enjoy eating fish…
December 13, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
EcoSummit an enduring success

EcoSummit an enduring success

I hope you had the opportunity to attend the 2023 EcoSummit in Sarasota this past week. In case you missed it, I wanted to share some of the excellent presentations that were given and provide you wi…
December 5, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Former county commissioner files wetlands ruling challenge

Reel Time: Former county commissioner files wetlands ruling challenge

The decision to reduce local wetland buffers to Florida state minimum standards by the Manatee County Commission has been challenged by former commissioner Joe McClash. The policy couched by commiss…
November 28, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time on the Road: Andros North Bight

“Strip, long strip, stop, short strip, stop, strip,” Harry Neymour called out as I watched the bonefish home in on my fly. Neymour had spotted three fish as they hunted a shoreline in the Dressing Ro…
November 21, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Bahamas fishing

Reel Time: Bahamas fishing

Fishing the Bahamas or any other destination always seems to offer challenges as well as rewards. This annual trip to the Bahamas has checked both those boxes. The trip had a damp element at the begi…
November 13, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Join the 2023 EcoSummit

On Dec. 5-6, the Science and Environment Council, the region’s network of 43 leading science-based environmental organizations, will offer the community a two-day summit at Van Wezel Hall in Sarasota…
November 7, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Cleaning up the Sister Keys

Reel Time: Cleaning up the Sister Keys

Suncoast Waterkeeper teamed up with Sarasota Bay Watch last weekend when they conducted their 2023 Annual Sister Keys Cleanup. The event was a collaboration of the two non-profit organizations, the T…
November 1, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Try fishing by bike

Reel Time: Try fishing by bike

Two of my favorite activities are riding my bike and fishing. Often, my fishing adventures involved a boat. While I still fish more from a boat, biking allows me a way to get in some excellent fishin…
October 24, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis
Sister Keys clean-up set for Nov. 4

Reel Time: Sister Keys clean-up set for Nov. 4

Sarasota Bay Watch (SBW) is conducting its annual Sister Keys clean-up on Saturday, Nov. 4. The event is a collaboration with Suncoast Waterkeeper, the Town of Longboat Key and Mar Vista Dockside Res…
October 17, 2023
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Learn how to tie your own flies

When I first started fly fishing, I would buy my flies from local fly shops and occasionally, guide friends would supply me with the flies I was using. Eventually, through necessity, I started tying…