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Reel Time

Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time

Reel Time: Fall is in the air

Oct 6, 2026 – Rusty Chinnis
July 6, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Dog days of summer arrive early

This is an article that I would have written in mid-August when the “dog days” of summer normally set in. This season has been marked by two “anomalies”: a drought for the whole season and unusually…
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June 30, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Anatomy of a healthy Florida stormwater pond

In last week’s column, we discussed the importance of managing stormwater and its effect on water quality and fishing in coastal waters.  In our watershed, we manage stormwater runoff with po…
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May 26, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Profiles in Conservation

Columnist Rusty Chinnis plans to profile individuals, leaders and organizations that help protect the area’s natural resources.
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March 31, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Planning a successful fishing adventure

The transition from spring to summer is a time when many anglers start planning fishing trips and good planning pays dividends in catching fish and the overall experience.
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March 25, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis

Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers host fly-casting clinic

The Mangrove Coast Fly Fishers club sponsored a free fly-casting clinic that attracted nearly 30 participants.
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January 13, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: Why Mullet Jump

Reel Time: Why Mullet Jump

While I was sitting by the bay the other day a mullet jumped right in front of me. That’s not unusual if you spend anytime near the water, and it elicited memories of stories I’ve heard over the year…
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January 5, 2026
By Rusty Chinnis
Reel Time: A New Winter Strategy

Reel Time: A New Winter Strategy

Winter can have a chilling effect on local anglers and limit their quarry, but those who know how to mine the riches of any season turn their attention to the species that actually thrives in cold wa…
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December 9, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Double digits

Fly anglers generally don’t need to catch a lot of fish to consider a trip satisfying. Permit legend Del Brown said it best when I interviewed him in the Florida Keys. He told me never to let the num…
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December 2, 2025
By Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Winter fishing- slow and low

When winter arrives with cold winds and plunging water temperatures, it’s time to change your angling strategies. While winter fishing can be challenging, there are opportunities for some excellent a…
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November 25, 2025
By Cindy Lane

Help protect our waters on Giving Tuesday

Suncoast Waterkeeper is calling all residents to stand up for clean water. In just two weeks, communities everywhere will unite for Giving Tuesday, a day built on gratitude, generosity and collective…
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April 9, 2025
11:45 am

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