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Fishing

It’s tarpon time off Anna Maria Island
Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time

It’s tarpon time off Anna Maria Island

May 14, 2025 – Rusty Chinnis
April 1, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis
Saltwater fly fishing basics: Tackle

Saltwater fly fishing basics: Tackle

It’s one of the fastest growing segments of the angling industry, a test of the mettle of angler and tackle. Fly fishing dates back to very early times, but its popularity has skyrocketed in recent y…
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March 19, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis
Spring fever? Go for cobia

Spring fever? Go for cobia

The first day of spring is March 20, and as local water temperatures warm with the approach of spring, local anglers need to be alert for cobia in area waters. Often mistaken for shark, whose shap…
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March 11, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis
In praise of seabirds

In praise of seabirds

Seabirds are an angler’s friend. Besides being an integral part of the marine ecosystem and beautiful to behold, they help us locate fish. An observant angler notices where birds congregate on a low…
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March 3, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis
The honorable harvest

Reel Time: The honorable harvest

While reading a chapter in “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer this morning, I came across the chapter entitled, “The Honorable Harvest.” Kimmerer, an American scientist, ac­claimed author a…
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February 26, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis
Anatomy of a fishing rod

Reel Time: Anatomy of a Fishing Rod

All fishing rods, whether a spinning rod, a fly rod or a casting rod, share the basic components – blank, guides, reel seats and handles. So why is one rod more expensive than another? A rod’s bla…
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February 17, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Harbingers of spring

The signs of spring are in the air, even though the official start of the season is a month away. I heard the first whippoorwill this past week and bait is starting to school in Sarasota Bay, welcome…
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February 4, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis

Fishing for fun

When we introduce children to fishing, we should make the experience uncomplicated and as much fun as possible. Creating unrealistic expectations can discourage young anglers and be the difference be…
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January 28, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis

In praise of guides

My first experience fishing with a guide was when I moved to the Suncoast and met Bobby Lee, a neighbor and avid angler. Lee had been chartering for Capt. Scott Moore and would invite me to join him…
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January 21, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis

Fly casting fundamentals explained

I’ve heard anglers say, “It’s just like riding a bike.” That’s true in the sense that it’s a learning experience that has to be practiced to be mastered. When we learned to ride a bike we often forge…
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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…
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Upcoming Events

April 9, 2025
11:45 am

The Off-Stage Ladies of the Island Players, April luncheon meeting