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Tag: Anna Maria Island fishing

Reel Time: Learning to fish – back to basics

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time.

Anglers of all stripes like to keep up with state-of-the-art innovations in the angling world. While that new jig or special fly can perhaps improve their odds at catching fish, it’s important for new anglers to learn and apply the basics, the foundation that successful angling is built on.

Fishing means different things to different people. To some, it’s the simple pleasure of being on the water, where catching is optional. To others, it’s serious business and the outcome can make or break a day on the water. For still others, it’s the search for a meal or just an opportunity to share time with friends or family.

Whatever fishing means to you, it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, I’m convinced that the less complicated it is, the better your chance of success. That might not be apparent when browsing the tackle department at your nearest sporting goods store or tackle shop. There is a plethora of gear lining the shelves meant to lure anglers. Even the basics like line and hooks come in many shapes and colors, each promising the angler an advantage over the fish. Lures dazzle the eye with a rainbow of colors in mind-bending holographic patterns. In truth, experience has taught me that there’s no special magic to finding the right gear for angling success. Instead, concentrating on a few basic time-tested techniques will improve the luck of even the greenest angler.

Most important is the essential outfit – rod, reel and line. Pick the best quality tackle you can afford, but not the most expensive available. I’m talking about gear that is solidly made, and able to survive the rigors of saltwater. Whether you’re using spinning tackle, fly tackle or bait casting gear, get an outfit that’s balanced and appropriate for the kind of fishing you’ll be doing. A balanced outfit means that the weight is evenly distributed when held just forward of the reel on the cork of the rod. This isn’t an exact science, but you’ll be able to feel if one component is oversized.

Reel Time: Learning to fish – back to basics
The best place to shop for fishing tackle is at your local fishing outfitter. There you have the advantage of local knowledge. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

An appropriate outfit is one that is up to the task of catching the fish you’re targeting, but no heavier than necessary. An 8- to 10-pound rig is perfect for snook, trout, redfish and other inshore species while a 20- to 40-pound outfit works best for anglers hunting kingfish and cobia along the beach or bottom fishing for grouper, snapper or amberjack over offshore ledges and wrecks. The line should also match the outfit you’re using and should fill the spool of the reel. The most common problem I see is reels with too little line. This severely hampers the angler’s casting accuracy and distance.

When it comes to deciding whether to use live bait or artificial lures, I think artificial lures are a better choice, especially for beginning anglers. First and foremost, lures are less of a hassle. Live bait takes time to acquire, must be kept healthy and usually stays close to where it’s cast. Artificial lures by contrast don’t have to be changed often and aren’t affected by pests like pinfish. At worst it only involves changing the body of a jig occasionally. Using lures will allow you to cover more water, testing various water depths and retrieval speeds.

My personal favorite is a jig, and while I now use mostly lead-headed jigs with plastic bodies, the original lead-head jigs with bucktail skirts are still a great choice. My second choice would be a topwater plug. These lures require a bit of practice to master “walking the dog,” but allow the angler to cover a lot of water and attract fish with their sound and surface disturbance.

Consult your local tackle shop when choosing an outfit. They know the area, have a wealth of experience, and can be trusted to get you off to a good start. While big box stores might seem a good place to shop, you’re not as likely to get the professional advice of a local shop. Do some homework before shopping so you can pick the best rig for the fishing you intend to do.

There is no doubt that innovations appear that you want to be aware of, but your overall experience will be enhanced if you master the basics first.

Reel Time: Never Stop Learning

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time.

Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines learning as “knowledge or skill acquired by instruction or study.”

As most anglers will attest, that’s how we’ve gained the ability to successfully target (occasionally) different species of fish. That learning probably came from a plethora of sources. I count fishing guides, experienced anglers, the internet, television, books and magazines for a lot of what I’ve learned. If you’ve been around the water for any length of time, you’ve probably experienced that one of the best teachers of all is the mistakes we’ve made along the way.

I often vocalize the fact that “The more I know, the more I know how much I don’t know,” but recently that phrase came into sharper focus when I was fly fishing with an accomplished angler who is younger than I am. During several days on the water, he commented on several things I was doing that he thought, if changed, could improve my fishing. During that same time, I had a few critiques for him as well. At the time, both of us assumed we were right and the other was wrong. As it turned out he was right and so was I. I think in the end we both became better anglers as a result.

He criticized the fact that I trailed a few feet of fly line in the water when I was on the bow. I developed that habit as a way of getting a cast off quickly by being able to load the rod sooner, avoiding extra false casts. When I argued that the line being right beside the boat couldn’t possibly spook fish, in my mind I was right. As it turned out he was right and I was wrong, but for a different reason. As it turned out, not having that line in the water avoided getting it fouled with floating algae and grass and potentially blowing a shot at a fish. As it turned out, now that I have a few years of casting under my belt, I can get a cast off in plenty of time with less line. The trailing line wasn’t needed most of the time.

Stretching fly line before casting might not be necessary, but it’s a good idea to check for memory. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

When he stepped up to the bow that same morning and didn’t stretch his fly line it was my turn for a critique. I make a habit of stripping off the line I think I’ll need and then cast it out and stretch it to be ready for a presentation. Most fly lines have what is called “memory” from sitting on the reel and form coils that can foul a cast in the guides if not stretched. The stretching relaxes the line. The day after that trip he texted me to say I would have laughed because he had chased a school of jacks on the beach and when he went to cast, the unstretched line fouled in the guides.

There are times when having a trailing line is useful, for example, when there’s poor visibility, and then only if you watch for floating debris. The same can be said for not stretching line when using a line with little or no stretch.

The lesson I learned in all of this is not to get fixed in doing something a certain way and becoming inflexible. Now I’ll attempt to listen first, reason, and argue later. The bottom line: Keep an open mind and never stop learning.

Reel Time: Guides’ gift guide

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Fishing, Reel Time.

Who better to suggest a good present for a fishing friend than one of our local fishing guides? These men and women spend over 200 days a year on the water and know better than anyone what works and what doesn’t work.

Our first recommendation comes from Captain Todd Romine. Romine uses braided line like many other anglers. This line is an excellent choice in most cases but can be hard to work with. That includes cutting, which requires a quality, sharp tool. There are a lot of braided line scissors on the market and while most do an excellent job right out of the package, make sure your choice can stand the rigors of saltwater and are kept sharp. Romine’s choice: SAMSFX Fishing Braid Line Scissors.

His second suggestion is the Regions Heavy Duty Saltwater Hook Remover, one of the simplest tools you’ll ever use and one of the most important. While they come in many shapes and sizes, any model with a comfortable handle (wood or aluminum) and a stainless-steel shaft will do the job. With this simple device, you’ll be able to release a fish without ever taking it from the water (catch and release) and you’ll really appreciate it when dealing with toothy fish like barracuda and Spanish mackerel.

Captain Justin Moore was raised on the island by Captain Scott Moore, who needs no introduction to local anglers. Moore was quick to recommend the XTRATUF Performance Deck Boot. If a working captain who throws a net for bait before most charters highly recommends this footwear, you can be sure they keep your feet dry in comfort. According to Moore, “I like them because you can wear them even when it’s warmer out. They provide lots of support and are made for boaters.” Moore characterizes them as “super good quality footwear that will last.”

Captain Kyle McWorther was quick to recommend the Boomerang SNIP line cutter. This tool has a retractable tether and stainless-steel cutters that can handle braid, monofilament and fluorocarbon lines. When a full-time fishing guide can say, “I’m not sure what my life would be like without these,” that’s taking it to the bank for this writer.

These products might not be as pricey as last week’s suggestions, but are great gifts for any dedicated angler. With a little care, they will pay dividends in the field instead of being relegated to a musty hatch in your boat. As I mentioned last week (but bears repeating), if you’re serious about your fishing, developing a relationship with a reputable local dealer will be one of the best decisions you’ll make. Online outlets might be a quick fix but they won’t be able to advise you on local lure and fly selection or places where the fishing has been hot. Besides our local shops, AMI Outfitters (fly tackle) and Island Discount Tackle, check out Discount Tackle Outlet in Bradenton, a full-service shop where you can get just about anything you might need for fishing. They also have a terrific selection of fishing kayaks set up in different configurations. Sarasota fly anglers will want to check out The Compound Board Shop, which has a full line of fly tackle, tying materials and much more. Both shops have courteous and knowledgeable staff. Happy holidays.

Reel Time: Choosing line and leader

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time.

While most of the advertising and branding of fishing tackle targets rods, reels, lures and accessories, lines and leaders are an integral part of the equation.

The choices of line are varied but are mostly limited to monofilament, braid and fluorocarbon. While fluorocarbon, monofilament and braided lines were created to spool reels, monofilament and fluorocarbon along with wire are most often used as leader material. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and you’ll want to choose them based on how they perform in different fishing scenarios.

Monofilament has been around for decades and is the most commonly used line. It has many advantages and a few disadvantages. Chief among its advantages are affordability and the fact that it sinks slowly and is more forgiving (stretches) making it less likely to break when shocked. Its disadvantages include the fact that is less durable, stretches, and has a larger diameter.

Braided lines have made significant inroads since their introduction in the early ’90s. They are constructed of a special blend of polyethylene fibers. Some brands are wound loosely while others are fused. Braided lines are extremely durable, with no stretch. The unfused lines are generally suppler, while the fused ones are stiffer but less likely to wrap around guides and form knots during casting, one of the disadvantages of braided lines. When using braid, it’s important to be aware that no loops form on your reel, a sure sign of trouble to come. It’s also wise to raise the rod tip to tighten the line after a cast and before retrieving.

Braided lines are much stronger than mono lines, so pound for pound they have a much smaller diameter. In order to get the line to spool on the reel like mono, it is necessary to choose a matching diameter, which will be much stronger than the equivalent an angler is used to. Most anglers choose to go with a matching line test (i.e. smaller diameter line) and add a base of mono on the spool. That way you don’t have to use extra braid that will never see the light of day. The major advantage of braided lines is the lack of stretch which makes it easier to feel a bite and to set the hook on a fish. This is a big advantage when bottom fishing and targeting fish with subtle bites.

Fluorocarbon lines are expensive, and most anglers use them for leaders. Its most important advantage over monofilament is being less visible in the water. In addition, it is denser, sinks faster and is more abrasion-resistant. It’s important to carefully seat all knots after wetting them and this is especially true with fluorocarbon.

Wire leaders are used for toothy fish like Spanish mackerel, king mackerel and barracuda that can easily cut mono or fluorocarbon line. Traditional wire leader is hard to tie and kinks easily. While still being used, most anglers opt for wire that can be tied. These wires don’t kink readily and don’t require any other hardware like swivels.

Most choices are common sense. If you’re fishing shallow water or light floating flies and lures, you’ll want to opt for monofilament, which sinks slowly. If you’re interested in getting your offering down quickly, fluorocarbon would be a better choice. Fluorocarbon would also be a better choice for wary species like permit and bonefish. Generally speaking, you can get away with it earlier and late in the day when the sun is low or the water is off-color.

There are, of course, exceptions to all these rules, so my advice is to seek out local knowledge from anglers and tackle shops and try different lines and leader combinations to see which suits your fishing style.

Reel Time lines and leaders
Fluorocarbon leader material is advised for snook, whose raspy mouth can more easily abrade through monofilament line. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Reel Time: The things that matter most

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Fishing, Reel Time.

However you voted in the recent election, there’s probably a certain amount of stress and angst that’s followed.  I’m not immune either, but like so many stresses that make up our lives, I’m reminded that this, too, will pass. I’m also reminded that it’s a good time to move past the vitriol, arguing and blaming and concentrate on the things we all have in common.

As island residents, we all depend on the many gifts our local waters bring us, whether a reflective walk on the beach, a day fishing with friends and family or the spiritual refresh of a morning sunrise or an evening sunset. Beyond that, the economy that supports our businesses and puts food on our tables depends on all of us working together for the common good. If you’re feeling like you are helpless in the face of the political and environmental storms that have rocked our lives recently, I would like to propose a path forward.

While I don’t mean to make this a philosophical discourse, I think it’s important to remember that we only have, at best, a short time on this planet. In that time we have the ability to help create real positive change and make a difference for our children and future generations by concentrating on the things that matter most.

I’ve seen the result of that first hand in the faces of volunteers that help plant clams to clean local waters, who work to enforce environmental regulations meant to keep our waters vibrant and in the letters and posts in the local papers and on social media. My experience has shown me that people care and want to get involved. I think the 71% of Manatee residents who voted for the Water and Land Referendum in an election that revealed the depth of our political divide is proof of that.

Want to get involved? Here is a partial list of organizations that work locally to protect our most precious resource and the fishing it supports!

Brice Claypoole is one of the youngest activists in the area.

Brice Claypoole is one of the youngest activists in the area.

Sarasota Bay Watch members and volunteers celebrate one of their 2018 clam releases. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Sarasota Bay Watch members and volunteers celebrate one of their 2018 clam releases. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Elizabeth and Ann Brooker, Sadie Barbour and Addy Freeman share a day on the water that they love and are working to protect. - Submitted

Elizabeth and Ann Brooker, Sadie Barbour and Addy Freeman share a day on the water that they love and are working to protect. - Submitted

Kids are working to clean bay waters. - Submitted

Kids are working to clean bay waters. - Submitted

Water quality is a continuing problem in local waters. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Water quality is a continuing problem in local waters. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Citizens prepare to address EPA officials presiding over the public comment session at Mote’s WAVE Center. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Citizens prepare to address EPA officials presiding over the public comment session at Mote’s WAVE Center. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The Scallop Search is a great opportunity for families to spend a day on the water helping the bay. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The Scallop Search is a great opportunity for families to spend a day on the water helping the bay. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

A thick mat of lyngbya covers the east shoreline of Anna Maria Sound. Brown areas of water appear where the mat has sunk to the bottom. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

A thick mat of lyngbya covers the east shoreline of Anna Maria Sound. Brown areas of water appear where the mat has sunk to the bottom. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Larry Beggs positions his barge so volunteers Benny Parrish, Becky Parrish and Taylor Wilson can unload their kayaks. - Submitted

Larry Beggs positions his barge so volunteers Benny Parrish, Becky Parrish and Taylor Wilson can unload their kayaks. - Submitted

Volunteers help Sarasota Bay Watch plant clams to address water quality. - Submitted

Volunteers help Sarasota Bay Watch plant clams to address water quality. - Submitted

Reel Time: Pulitzer Prize winning author to speak

Reel Time: Pulitzer Prize winning author to speak

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

On March 8, Suncoast Waterkeepers (SWK), a local environmental group whose mission is to protect and restore the Florida Suncoast’s waterways through enforcement, fieldwork, advocacy and environmental education, will hold its annual fundraiser Brunch for the Bay at the Bradenton Yacht Club.

The group uses the funds to advance its water quality enforcement and “Sick of Sewage” campaigns. SWK has been effective in educating the public about man-made pollutants (stormwater and sewage) and enforcement with legal challenges to municipalities in Tampa Bay and surrounding waters.

After a series of horrific sewage spills in 2016 despoiled Tampa Bay and other local waters, SWK and partners brought suit against the cities of St. Petersburg and Gulfport to stop serious and ongoing violations of the federal Clean Water Act. It focused its efforts on achieving four key goals for municipal wastewater systems: to de-politicize the issues by agreeing to court oversight of overdue infrastructure maintenance and improvements; to provide certainty via mandatory long-term commitments and deadlines; protect local waterways and to ensure public transparency along the way.

During the course of the hard-fought two-year litigation against St. Pete and Gulfport, Suncoast Waterkeeper began investigating sewage spills in Sarasota County. The investigation of Sarasota County’s sewage system revealed a shocking pattern of longstanding, systematic infrastructure failures and disregard for public health and water quality in area waters. In a race to consolidate its far-flung sewage system, the county decommissioned two tertiary, or Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT), plants to better centralize its operations. However, the remaining plants that it increasingly relied upon employed only secondary treatment, leaving billions of gallons of highly nitrogenated wastewater as a byproduct.

At the same time, demand for the reclaimed irrigation water from the county was disappearing as developers, in managing nitrogen in stormwater runoff, turned to less polluting options, such as well water or highly treated reclaimed water from the city of Sarasota. To date, spills from the Bee Ridge facility have totaled over a billion gallons since 2013 on at least 394 separate days, adding over 65 tons of nitrogen into bay waters.

Meanwhile, the extensive sewage collection system was deteriorating and poorly maintained in a piecemeal fashion, resulting in periodic spills of dangerous raw sewage throughout Sarasota County. In early 2019, the environmental groups initiated a federal lawsuit under the Clean Water Act.

According to SWK’s lead attorney Justin Bloom, “to their credit, the Sarasota County Commission showed a willingness to immediately work towards a solution and to avoid protracted litigation.”

You can help support the group’s efforts and learn about its ongoing campaigns in Sarasota and Tampa Bay by attending the fundraising event. Not only will you be treated to a wonderful brunch at the scenic Bradenton Yacht Club, but you’ll hear a presentation by University of Florida history professor Jack Davis.

Davis’s book, “The Gulf,” garnered numerous literary accolades including the Pulitzer Prize for history, the Kirkus Prize for non-fiction, was a finalist National Book Critics Circle Award (nonfiction) and was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, just to name a few. I’ve lived here for close to 40 years and the book caused me to see the place I live with new eyes. I highly recommend it and this is a chance to get your own signed copy.

Suncoast Waterkeeper is a group that has earned the support of anyone that values and is willing to work to protect the amazing marine ecosystem surrounding our local islands, and that is vital to the region’s local economy. Anglers, in particular, can learn how the group’s efforts are supporting an environment conducive to healthy fisheries, now and for future generations. Learn more at the Suncoast Waterkeeper website. Tickets can be purchased for the brunch online.

I hope to see you there.

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Reel Time: Fishing bridges, piers and docks

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Fishing, Outdoors, Reel Time.

You don’t have to have a boat to get to some of this winter’s best fishing. Bridges, docks and piers provide anglers who don’t have a boat or don’t want to bother with one some excellent fishing opportunities.

Besides being a convenient access point over the water, their structure provides the perfect habitat for fish. A large variety of small baitfish, crabs, barnacles and other crustaceans call these pilings home and provide gamefish a refuge and an ambush point for feeding. The bridges that span the local passes are natural corridors for fish like pompano, Spanish mackerel, ladyfish and bluefish. These species migrate from the gulf to the local bays, feeding around the bridge pilings and fenders. Action on one species or another can be found year-round around local structures. That doesn’t mean that they are for shore-bound anglers only because boaters will find them a great place to fish too.

Reel Time: Fishing bridges, piers and docks
There are ways to rig your line that allow you to deal with any tidal stages you encounter while fishing from bridges. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The old saying that the best time to go fishing is any time you can is a good one to follow.  However, if you have the luxury of picking your time and tide, a morning incoming tide on bridges that span the passes is hard to beat. The second best time would be a late outgoing tide. Timing your trip to coincide with the beginning or end of the tide cycle will make it easier to deal with the often strong currents that course through the passes. That doesn’t mean you’re restricted to those times and there are ways to rig that will allow you to deal with any tidal stage. Many docks and piers don’t as strong a tidal flow but look for times when the water is moving.

When fishing the bridges, a medium weight spinning outfit is perfect. At least, depending on the species you’re targeting, a 10- to 12-pound outfit is recommended since you’ll have to hoist your catch from the water to the bridge. There are special nets available that can be lowered to help with this operation, but it is one more piece of equipment you’ll have to transport. With most catches a careful hand over hand retrieve will work just fine and your mobility will not be restricted. You can go lighter when fishing docks and piers but you’ll need to be able to control your catch when they get near the pilings.

Depending on your quarry, a few lures will suffice. Live bait is another option, but keeping it alive poses some problems. Swimming and diving plugs are effective but I prefer to shy away from treble hooks. One of the most effective lures is the jig. When the current isn’t particularly strong a jig tied directly to a 30-pound section of leader will work perfectly.

If the tide is strong, when fishing in or near passes, a weight will help get the lure down in the water column where most of the action occurs. To keep the weight from interfering with the jig, tie a section of 40-pound leader with a sliding egg sinker between two small swivels. Then add your leader and jig below. This rig can be also be used to get lures or live bait to the bottom. Another advantage of this rig is that as it is being worked across the bottom it sends up a small puff of sand that attracts predators like pompano.

Some anglers tie a short section of leader from the jig to a smaller jig of fly. One of the advantages to fishing from a bridge is the ability to easily move from one spot to another. This allows the angler to try near the pilings, on the edges of the channel, tide lines and areas where striking fish might be found.

If the action is slow or you’re exploring a bridge and pass for the first time, work both sides of the bridge. Vary your retrieve, working the lure fast and slow, exploring the water column. With obvious differences, the same applies to docks and piers.

Spanish mackerel and bluefish, two common species that frequent local bridges have sharp teeth and can cut through monofilament leaders. There are two options to protect your lure. One is to use a short strand of wire leader. The other is to use long-shanked hooks. A wire can keep fish from biting if the water is clear but you’ll lose a few rigs if you fish without it.

Whatever your fishing style, don’t pass up a trip to local bridges, piers and docks. The action can be spectacular and the effort required is far less than an outing in a boat.   Anglers should be vigilant of the traffic when fishing bridges and always remember to look behind before casting. Some good locations to target include Longboat Pass, the Rod & Reel Pier, the Bradenton Beach Pier, the Anna Maria City Pier and the Manatee and Cortez bridges.

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Reel Time: We’ll See

Reel Time: We’ll See

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Awards, Awards 2020, Outdoors, Reel Time, Special Sections, Third Place.

Recently I was intent on fishing an area that has become one of my favorite haunts.

Unfortunately, when I got there another boat was anchored nearby. As I started working my way towards my intended target yet another boat pulled up behind me intent on heading in the same direction.

Third Place
Light Features
2020

My first reaction? Disappointment crept over me and I was thinking my carefully planned strategy had failed me. Then suddenly I remembered a fable I had read in a book by Zen master Thich Nhat Hahn. In a parable from his book, “The Art of Living,” the poet, global spiritual leader and international peace activist tells the story of a farmer’s son that fell off his horse and broke his leg. His neighbors tell him how unfortunate that is. His response? “We’ll see, we’ll see.”  Two weeks later the military comes to conscript new recruits for war and his son was not taken because of his broken leg. Once again, the neighbors chime in, this time saying how lucky he and his son are. His response, once again is, “We’ll see… we’ll see.”

Suddenly my mindset changed and I saw this as an opportunity to maybe actually benefit from what had initially been my frustration. Although there wasn’t any catching involved, I fished a place close by and discovered some promising areas I had never explored. I’ll definitely return there again as I’ve learned over the years one certain fact about fishing (thank you Captain Scott Moore), “fish move around!” How many times over the years have we as fishermen developed a plan that was altered by factors out of our control? Wind, rain, cold, heat, tides, competition for territory and a hundred other things conspire to alter and sometimes completely destroy a well thought out plan. While it always doesn’t turn out to be advantageous, who hasn’t in hindsight looked and found perceived disruptions to be “blessings in disguise.” Over-optimistic you say? Maybe, but I’d rather look for the proverbial “pony under there somewhere” than let disruption ruin my day.

Don’t get me wrong, I am totally a fan of having a plan for my fishing. I’ll check tides, wind and the myriad of other factors to try and develop a strategy to improve my odds of catching fish. Having said that, it’s good to have a backup plan that includes addressing the actual conditions you find on any given day. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m not really good at finding fish. I jokingly and fully in earnest comment on the fact that fish and I don’t see things alike. The places I find that should hold fish don’t seem to appeal to them.

Then there’s the strategy of being persistent, definitely an advantage as fish get more spread out, pressured and spooky. Another seasoned fishing guide has a saying that resonates with me. Captain Steve Huff, arguably one of the best guides the Florida Keys ever produced, likes to tell anglers who seek his advice, “Pole far enough and the fish will find you.” My advice? Go out with a plan but be willing to make a change. Will that strategy pay off? We’ll see, we’ll see.

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Reel Time: Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge

 

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Reel Time: Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge

Reel Time: Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

“Big bonefish 12 o’clock, 60 feet mon,” our Bahamian guide Lox whispered to my partner Gerry Tipper.

Pointing his rod, Lox had him swing the tip until three big dark shapes morphed into view. When the fish were 50 feet away, Tipper placed the mantis shrimp fly in their path and waited for direction. “Strip now, strip,” Lox instructed as the fish were approaching the fly. All three bonefish rushed the fly, the smallest fish reaching and inhaling the fly first. Gerry set the hook with a quick strip strike and shifted his attention to the bow, watching as line flew from the deck while making sure there were no obstructions.

When the fish was on the reel, he set the hook again and held on as the bonefish made a blazing run for the nearby mangroves. I grabbed my camera and watched in awe as line melted from Tipper’s reel. As the bonefish closed in on the mangrove roots, Tipper palmed the reel trying to turn it. The big fish was unstoppable but as luck would have it, it only went under one mangrove before crossing a channel and going into another clump of trees. Lox pointed it out trashing on the surface 200 yards away. We managed to clear the line from the first mangrove root and poled across the channel to the other mangroves.

As we approached, I jumped from the boat and waded over to find the fish. When I spotted the big fish, it was completely wound around an arching root. I grabbed the exhausted fish and with Lox’s help managed to free it. Holding the fish, I was amazed at its weight and size. At 9 pounds, it was the biggest bonefish I had ever held. Even a small bonefish will amaze anglers with their power but a big bonefish drops jaws, including mine. After taking a few pictures we revived and prepared to release the big fish. As I was high-fiving Tipper I noticed Lox swishing the fish in the mud. When I asked what he was doing he related that covering the fish with mud before releasing it kept the scent down so the fish could recover its strength before a shark or barracuda could find it. I logged another lesson learned! The balance of that day we encountered and hooked three other fish in the 8- to 10-pound range, all of which broke us off in the mangroves. Fortunately, we managed to land several other smaller fish.

If had to pick my favorite fish to catch, it would probably be a bonefish. Tarpon are amazing targets as are redfish, little tunny and snook, but sight fishing for bonefish in the locations they inhabit and the crystal-clear waters in which they swim is incomparable. Not to mention that a well-placed fly is more often than not tracked and inhaled. On this trip, I was visiting a new (to me) lodge on South Andros with my friend Captain Rick Grassett and a group he had been bringing to the Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge for the past five years.

The lodge is situated near the southeast tip of what is the largest and least populated island in the Bahamas. I’ve been to the island several times but not in a long time. It was one of a few places I’ve been in a long while that had hardly changed. That went for the fishing as well. There are a few places I know where you can fish all day in solitude and never see another angler. South Andros was like that when I first visited in the late 90s and remains that way today.

The lodge was incredibly well-run by a Bahamian staff and guides, owned and managed by Bill Howard, an American expatriate from Nebraska. We stayed at the lodge for seven nights and fished six days. The day started out with a seven o’clock breakfast, although coffee was on for early risers by 5:30. We loaded up at 8 a.m. and made a five-minute ride to a nearby boat basin where boats, guides, drinks and lunches were waiting. We returned to the basin at 4 p.m. after eight hours of poling and wading the seemingly endless flats on the southern tip of the island.

At the lodge, staff had laid out libations and local hors d’oeuvres. The food at the lodge was consistently excellent and included fresh local delicacies including lobster, conch, fish and meats. Dinner was served at 7 p.m. and evenings were spent discussing the days fishing on the back veranda where cool Bahamian breezes were complemented by a sky ablaze with stars and the occasional satellite. On the rare nights when the wind abated, we watched football on a flat-screen TV from comfortable chairs and couches.

It had been a long time since I had visited the Bahamas but I’m already signed up for next year’s trip. If you’re interested in experiencing some of the world’s best fishing in a destination that’s literally in your backyard, contact Grassett at 941-350-9790 or check out his website. The lodge can be reached by emailing marsbaybonefishlodge@yahoo.com. Check out their excellent website.

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Reel Time: Polarized glasses

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Reel Time: Polarized glasses

Reel Time: Polarized glasses

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

Polarized sunglasses are essential for serious anglers. They serve multiple purposes including protecting the eyes from damaging UV light, cutting the surface glare and keeping eyes from tearing in the wind while running. Enhancing the visibility below the waters’ surface is an indispensable advantage when looking for signs of fish while sight fishing.

Many anglers choose their glasses according to style, not realizing that the color of the lenses and other factors determine their real effectiveness. Color is important, but it’s just one of the choices that you will need to make to get the most from your sunglasses.
After choosing a frame that’s comfortable and fits your face, lens color is the most important component.

Anglers who fish blue water and spend long hours over the open sea generally prefer grey lenses. Grey provides natural contrast and minimizes color distortion in offshore waters. Brown/amber lenses are the common choice for flats fishermen who sight fish in shallow water. Brown/amber lenses offer a brighter field of vision, better visual acuity, and excellent color contrast. Many dedicated anglers own more than one pair of glasses. The color vermillion and light copper heighten visual acuity and enhance color in low and flat lighting conditions. When the sun is out and bright, they switch to the darker grey, brown or amber lens. Anglers also have the option of choosing sunglasses that feature interchangeable lenses.

The reduction of glare has another beneficial component. The eye functions like a camera and must adjust to varying light levels. On a bright day, the pupil constricts, muting light levels. Polarized lenses help eliminate reflected glare, so the remaining light falls in a much narrower range of intensity. The eyes can then relax, allowing greater depth perception and truer color contrast.

When choosing polarized glasses you have a number of options: cheap versus expensive, glass versus (polycarbonate) plastic, cast versus laminated polarized lenses and color. The lowest quality glasses are the so-called “rack glasses,” the kind you find in the local pharmacy. These are better than no sunglasses, but you should buy the best pair you can afford. As a rule, a quality pair of polarized sunglasses are expensive but they’re well worth the money.

One of the major decisions is choosing glass or polycarbonate (an advanced plastic) lenses. Glass lenses provide better visual acuity (clarity) than plastic and are more scratch-resistant. However, glass lenses are heavier and can fatigue the ears and nose after many hours. If you purchase glass lenses make sure you buy a quality pair with a broad, comfortable nose piece.

Whether you choose glass or plastic lenses, your primary considerations will be frame style and lens color. Choose a frame that is comfortable and one that helps block out extraneous light. Some glasses wrap around the side of the face, while others have separate side shields.

Several of the top manufacturers of sunglasses feature technologies that further increase the effectiveness of polarized lenses. Some offer photochromic lenses that lighten or darken as light levels vary during the day. Lens coatings are another consideration. High-quality sunglasses often come with some type of coating. Hydrophobic coatings repel water so that the occasional water droplet doesn’t affect your vision. Lenses may also be coated with a chemical to make it fog proof. These options can be particularly valuable for humid environments. Some brands also include flotation assuring the glass will float, a good option for your considerable investment.

If you wear prescription lenses with or without bifocals, make sure your sunglasses have them too. Trying to tie on a lure or fly after gazing at the water for a long time can be frustrating and put you at a distinct disadvantage. You can get prescription lenses with bifocals in both glass and polycarbonate.

When you choose a pair of polarized glasses, follow the guidelines above while experimenting to find the color that works best in your fishing situation. By choosing a quality product with the proper color you’ll greatly expand your fishing horizon while protecting your most valuable asset, your vision.

Some of the more popular brands you might want to consider are made by Smith Optics, Costa Del Mar and Amphibia. Choose your sunglasses carefully; they’re one of the angler’s most valuable tools!

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Reel Time: Autres poisson

Reel Time: Autres poisson

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

When you read about fly fishing in the Georgia mountains, the story usually centers on trout. Whether it’s rainbow trout, brown trout or native brook trout, the narrative either revolves around the fish known as “stockers” or “natives.” The stocked fish are raised in hatcheries and either find their way into public streams or private waters. The so-called natives, small rainbow trout and brook trout, reside in the “high” mountain streams where the water remains cool enough to support them year-round. Of the two, the only true natives are the brook trout that rarely reach 12 inches long.

Anglers that fish these waters have the option to fish the “put and take” trout that are regularly stocked in public streams or pay to fish the “catch and release” private waters that raise impressive double digit “trophy trout.” Over the years I’ve enjoyed some notable days on these North Georgia streams, but recently I’ve been introduced to some of the other local species, including spotted bass, shoal bass, carp and striped bass.

My first introduction to stripers was in the private waters of Unicoi Outfitters in Helen. Last year I fished with owner Jimmy Harris and Georgia fisheries biologist Jeff Durniak and caught a 9-pound striper on a 7-weight outfit. Those fish had migrated from Lake Lanier and reached the dam at Nora Mills in record numbers bolstered by high water from an unusually wet winter season. That was followed by a trip to the “lower” Chattahoochee with Harris and Capt. Henry Cowen where we sight fished carp.

This year I did a float trip on the Chattahoochee below Helen with Unicoi Outfitters guide and assistant manager Wes McElroy for the aptly-named shoal bass. These hard-fighting fish are closely associated with rocky shoals and are uncommon in other habitats due to their unique spawning requirements. They were only described as a separate species in 1999, having been confused as a sub-species of the red-eyed bass. The four-hour float introduced me to a section of the Chattahoochee that features intermittent rapids interspersed with smooth stretches notable for its scenic beauty and lack of development. McElroy also introduced me to the articulated flies he uses for shoal bass. These segmented flies create incredibly life-like patterns that “swim.” We encountered a number of fish along the river but never managed to “hook up.” Still, the experience was one that I will definitely repeat in the future.

On another day I fished the upper reaches of Lake Lanier near Gainesville, Georgia with Harris and Durniak for striped bass and spotted bass. The stripers in Lake Lanier are the source of the fish caught in the upper reaches of the Chattahoochee where they migrate to “spawn” and feed on a variety of forage fish, crayfish and small trout. We arrived at the lake just before the sun crested the horizon and as we launched the boat we noticed fish rising on a nearby point. It only took two casts before I was hooked up to a spotted bass that put up an admirable fight for its size on an 8-pound spinning tackle.

After making a few more unsuccessful casts we headed south on the lake in search of stripers that reach eye-popping proportions, upwards of 40 pounds, on the lake. This was early in the season for the stripers that are regularly found chasing baitfish on the surface under birds. The combination of an unusually hot and dry summer created water temperatures approaching 70 degrees even though the morning temperature had dipped into the low 40s. We still encountered a few fish on the surface and managed several casts near the breaking fish. This fishing reminded me a lot of the “run and gun” tactics we use locally for little tunny. Unfortunately, the winds picked up early and the fish sounded so we were unable to hook up. While I’ve yet to experience the action that makes this lake a mecca for anglers, I did get enough of a taste to keep me coming back.

Now that I’ve been introduced to some of the area’s “other fish,” I look forward to exploring the resource more fully. If you’re interested in the wide range of angling opportunities in the north Georgia mountains contact Unicoi Outfitters at 706-878-3083 or visit their website. Capt. Henry Cowen can be reached at 678-513-1934 or visit his website.

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Reel Time: A home away from home

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Reel Time: A home away from home

Reel Time: A home away from home

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

It never crossed my mind that I might eventually find a place that would start to feel like a home away from home. For most of my adult life, I have been living and working (the dream) on a barrier island, a destination that many of my clients and friends worked their lives to spend the winter months or a week’s vacation. This has been nirvana for a lifelong angler.

For those of us who are lucky enough to live on the coast of southwest Florida, the seasons and the ability to “get away” were sort of reversed. We lived here and longed to escape the hot summers.

Over the years, trips to the west coast and the mountains of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana provided a reprieve from the heat and some excellent fishing opportunities but always seemed a bit far away. Closer to home the mountains of north Georgia became a regular destination, in part because of the ease of access. We could load suitcases, bikes and fishing rods and be there the same day. After a few years of thinking of buying a second home, we found a place to rent in a unique area that’s becoming a sort of home away from home.

A big part of that “home away from home” feeling was occasioned by the friends we’ve made. Recently I had the pleasure of fishing with a longtime friend, Jimmy Harris, owner of Unicoi Outfitters and connecting and fishing with Captain Rex Gudgel. Gudgel, who hails from Athens, Ga., guided for years at Unicoi Outfitters before moving to Englewood, Fla. where he is an FFI Master Fly Casting Instructor and guide. I had met Gudgel years ago but this was the first time we had a chance to spend time on the water together.

We enjoyed a beautiful morning on the Chattahoochee River at Nacoochee Bend, a private section of river that Unicoi Outfitters manages near their shop in Helen. Everyone caught fish that morning and, like me, enjoyed the camaraderie as much as the fishing. We worked the lower section of the river fishing nymphs under indicators on five-weight fly rods. Harris brought a seven-weight outfit and a large streamer for stripers that have invaded the river in the last few years. As luck would have it, the day started off with Gudgel hooking a striper on the trout rig and Harris catching two rainbow trout on the streamer. We ended the morning’s fishing four hours later, everyone having caught fish and reveling in a cool and relaxing streamside experience.

The waters of North Georgia yield a surprising variety of fishing options for fly and conventional anglers as well. From trout streams to beautiful mountain lakes with striped and largemouth bass, opportunities abound. Now, after years of thinking we wanted to buy a “home away from home,” we’ve decided we can have it both ways. As an old friend said, “You don’t have to own it, you just need to have access.” North Georgia has that feel of a “home away from home” but it’s not an either/or decision. All those other wonderful fishing destinations around the world remain in play.

Today, I’m fishing with Unicoi Outfitter’s managers Wes McElroy and Jake Darling. They’re taking me on a float trip on a lower section of the Chattahoochee for shoal bass. This coming week I hope to fish for stripers on Lake Lanier with Harris. But that’s another story.

If you’re interested in fishing North Georgia, contact Unicoi Outfitters at 706-878-3083 or check out their website. Captain Rex Gudgel guides anglers in Charlotte Harbor as well as helping them to improve their casting. He can be reached at 706-254-3504 or check out his website.

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Reel Time: Spain – Basque Country and Andalusia

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

For a country that’s smaller geographically than Texas, Spain is diverse in its culture, customs and cuisine.

After exploring the capital Madrid and the ancient city of Toledo, a short flight to San Sebastian on Spain’s northern coast seemed more distant as the autonomous Basque Country is distinct, with its strong cultural traditions, celebrated cuisine and distinct language pre-dating the Romance languages. A vibrant coastal city, San Sebastian is a resort town on the Bay of Biscay that’s celebrated for its picturesque bayfront promenade and beaches lined by world-renowned restaurants.

The cobblestoned old town, Parte Vieja, features a variety of upscale shops and vibrant pintxos bars, or tapas restaurants as they’re known here, that pair local wines with the small portioned regional specialties. We were centrally located in the Old Town in the Pension Iturriza, an intimate accommodation that was just steps away from the harbor, pintxos bars and the picturesque Monte Urgull, a public park that features the remains of fortification that dates back to the 12th century.

The park has many winding trails along the Atlantic Ocean’s rocky coastline and spectacular views of the city and bay from its lofty promontory. The city also has a world renounced film festival and a beach that attracts surfers from around the world. A local square was a wonderful place to people watch and featured a bandstand where musicians entertained tourists as locals participated in traditional Basque dances.

At the suggestion of our hosts Ibon and Miata, we rented a car and drove to the small coastal town of Zumaia that is world-renowned for a geologic formation along its beaches that’s known as the Flysch, the longest set of this particular continuous rock strata in the world. A walk along the beach with its towering cliffs and caves that feature the uplifted layers of sedimentary rocks was truly awe-inspiring.

On the final leg of our trip, we traveled south to Seville in the autonomous region of Andalusia, situated on the southwestern Iberian peninsula, an area rich in a mix of cultures dating from the early Romans. Over the centuries, it was dominated first by the Moors and then Christians. On the first day, we took an electric bike tour with a local company Elecmove that gave us an excellent introduction to the city and lesser know but more authentic enclaves like Triana.

Next week we explore the Giraldi Bell Tower, The Alcazar and the fabulous cuisine of Seville.

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Reel Time: Spain – Madrid and Toledo

Reel Time: Spain – Madrid and Toledo

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

Spain was never on my list of places to travel. When looking for a new destination to explore, Chris and I settled on Portugal and somehow those plans morphed into an adventure in this small country that at one time dominated the known world.

As I write this, the bells of the Basilica of Santa Maria Del Coro Catholic Church (circa 1774) in San Sebastian are ringing. Many times a day they announce the time and call the faithful to Mass and prayer.

We began our trip in Madrid, the capital of Spain, where we stayed for four days. While we originally only considered Madrid as a central point to begin our stay, it turned out to be a memorable experience. In four days we explored the central city by bike, enjoyed tapas in the Mercado de San Miguel, made an excursion to the nearby city of Toledo and spent a day viewing some of the world’s finest art in the Prado Museum.

Mercado Reel Time
The Mercado San Miguel in Madrid provides an excellent cast of Spanish Tapas. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

I found out before the trip that my old friend Rallis Papas would be in Madrid on business. Rallis introduced me to some of the city’s highlights, including its world-famous tapas, an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine. Spain is famous for its tapas bars, and Madrid has some of the best. That first night I got a terrific introduction to this unique and delicious tradition.

On our first full day in Madrid, we took a guided tour of the city on Ebikes and experienced a side of the city that we would probably have never seen. The excursion started in the Plaza de San Miguel with a ride in the Parque Madrid Rio, a 6-kilometer park along the Manzanares river that was once a busy motorway. That road was relocated underground and resulted in a delightful park with playgrounds, gardens and public walkways. After touring the riverside park, we headed high over the city to the Casa De Campo public park.

“The history of Casa de Campo began with the decision by Philip II to move the Capital (Court) to Madrid. It was declared a Bosque Real (Royal Forest) under Fernando VI. Carlos III gave it a new twist when he introduced livestock and agriculture as one of its purposes, which would be continued by Queen María Cristina. After the proclamation of the Second Republic, the State donated the Casa de Campo to the people of Madrid (May 1, 1931), and it has been open to the public ever since.”

We enjoyed spectacular views of the city from on high and reveled in the cool and dry weather that greeted us in Madrid. The park is accessible by cable car from the city but was closed on the day we visited due to high (and refreshing) winds.

On our second day in Spain, we took a tour from Madrid to Toledo, an ancient hilltop town an hour south of Madrid. Toledo was declared a World Heritage site in 1986 for its extensive monumental and cultural heritage.

Toledo is known as the Imperial City for having been the main venue of the court of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and as the “City of the Three Cultures” for the cultural influences of Christians, Muslims and Jews that are reflected in its history.

After touring the Old Town and the magnificent Cathedral De Toledo, we headed south to an authentic farmstead and estate where we were treated to lunch and a ride through the farm in an open-top 4WD truck. The farm is owned by a Spanish Count and encompasses over 16,000 hectares.

On our last day in Madrid, we took a tour of the world-famous Prado Museum with Jamie, an art historian, who presented a fascinating look at the paintings, the artists, culture and the history of Spain through its art. The tour included an introduction to the paintings of  Francisco de Goya, Spain’s most famous artist.

The Prado houses the world’s largest collection of Goya’s work as well as of Flemish artists including Hieronymus Bosch and his “Garden of Earthly Delights.”  Next week – Basque country and south to Sevilla.

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Reel Time: Scallop Search Aug. 24

Reel Time: Scallop Search Aug. 24

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Outdoors, Reel Time.

Sarasota Bay Watch’s annual Scallop Search, its signature and longest-standing event, is slated for Saturday, Aug. 24, at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron on City Island. This free event engages the public in what has been called citizen science because it assists scientists with monitoring the scallops in Sarasota Bay. The search is a boating event, but Sarasota Bay Watch (SBW) will try to place non-boaters on boats when possible.

Over the years this event has been conducted in cooperation with other groups in Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound to assess the health of scallops in southwest Florida. This year, Sarasota Bay Watch will also be assessing our local clam population after the successful release of 250,000 clams last year. The bay is still recovering from last year’s devastating red tide, so your participation will help answer the question “How’s our bay today?”

Over the last several years, SBW has gotten invaluable support from The Anna Maria Island Sail and Power Squadron (America’s Boating Club of the Bradenton area). The Squadron’s focus is boating education and civic service to groups like SBW. It is currently creating a life preserver loan program for boaters and conducts vessel safety checks.

Janet Razze, the commander of the group, has organized the squadron and other volunteers to monitor Palma Sola Bay and north Sarasota Bay. Razze and the group begin early, actively looking for scallops and clams in a two- to three-week window before the actual event. This allows more people to be involved as it allows them to work around weather and people’s availability. They then have their data ready to share on the 24th. If you would like to participate with the squadron give Razze a call at 941- 779-5477. Participants will still need to go online to register.

To assess populations, a grid is constructed that covers the bay and volunteers snorkel transects for scallops and clams to document their presence. The Scallop Search was originally initiated with support provided by Tampa Bay Watch. The goal of the event is to monitor and document the health and status of scallops, clams and the bay in general. Data goes to the Florida Wildlife Research Institute.

This event is a perfect family activity. Searching requires swimming and snorkeling abilities. It is done over the grass flats usually in six feet of water or less. There will be a complimentary lunch for volunteers after the search at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron on City Island. This is a No Harvest event.

Participants will need to bring a mask and snorkel, sunscreen, water, and (optional) a weight belt. Fins are helpful, and divers should bring a dive flag if they have one. The only other requirements are good eyes and a great spirit! Registration is required, so go to www.sarasotabaywatch.org for more information.

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