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Reel Time: Against the wind

Reel Time: Against the wind

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

A “perfect” day on the water is hard to come by. Why? Because it just doesn’t happen that often. Rain, clouds and extreme temperatures can make fishing challenging, but of all the weather conditions, the wind can be the most daunting.

The wind makes for an uncomfortable ride in a boat, tests an angler’s casting ability and has a way of just wearing on your constitution. On windy days, you’ll find most anglers huddled in an area that provides some protection. That might be the lee of an island, a canal or a pass where they can get some relief from the choppy water and poor visibility. Sometimes the conditions will shut the fishing down and discourage fishermen from even staying on the water. While avoiding the windy days might be an option for some anglers, others will have a limited window of opportunity and have to make the best of a “bad” situation. In truth, the wind can actually provide prospects that most anglers might miss.

Experience has shown me that fishing in the lee on windy days might be the opposite strategy to employ. This might seem counterintuitive since fishing in areas exposed to the full force of the wind is definitely less daunting. In reality, the wind and the choppy water it produces might actually concentrate baitfish and crustaceans, providing predators with an opportunity to set up an ambush. The wind might mean it’s hard to see the fish if you’re sight fishing, but it also makes them less spooky and less visible to the prey they’re after.

Recently I had the displeasure of fishing just such a day. The weather guessers had correctly predicted winds from 12-15 knots. While we might have chosen not to fish that day, it happened to be the only time my friends and I could find to get together. We started out with the intention to fly fish but conditions (winds that actually gusted to 25 knots) soon made us glad we had stowed spin tackle under the gunnels. Wind doesn’t usually deter single-minded fly anglers, but even the most die-hard know when to say when. We worked the flats determinedly for close to an hour and only managed to catch one small trout before we finally made the switch to spinning tackle.

Casting jigs and top water plugs was a whole lot easier than attempting to fly fish, but the fish still didn’t respond to our new strategy. Moving from spot to spot we were determined to find some willing fish but even though we saw a few we couldn’t buy a bite. Fortunately, that changed late in the day when we targeted some deep-water flats that were fully exposed to the now howling wind. Using DOA jigs and the DOA Deadly Combo we began encountering some hungry trout. For some reason, a later afternoon shift in the tide had put them on the feed. In five or six drifts we caught and released some beautiful fish to 22 inches. This reminded me that if you’re determined enough and persist you can usually find some time of the day or tide when fish will feed. In this case, it turned what could have been a frustrating and futile day into a successful outing.

If you can hold out for better days to fish, you’re a lucky angler. Most fishermen don’t have that luxury. In any case, if you’re determined and use some counterintuitive logic, you have a good chance of turning a windy day into a successful outing, even against the wind.

Reel Time: Pole long enough and the fish will find you

Reel Time: Pole long enough and the fish will find you

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

I’ll always remember the adage, “Pole long enough and the fish will find you.” I heard this years ago when fly fishing legend Captain Steve Huff was the featured speaker at a Mangrove Coast Fly Fisher event. Huff, who honed his skills in the Florida Keys before relocating to Everglades City, holds a rare place in the legion of outstanding guides that have fished the Florida Keys since the heyday of fly fishing in the 70s. Huff is recognized as the “guides’ guide” by a cadre of anglers and competitive guides that are arguably at the top of the saltwater fly-fishing game.

It was about the same time that I remember asking Captain Scott Moore, a legend in his own right, what he had gleaned from his decades of fishing local waters, which I knew included his habit of keeping a comprehensive log of his fishing exploits. I have a vivid memory of fishing one day with Moore and his long-time client and friend, Stanley Glenn. When we were starting out after catching bait he announced, “We’re going to that point and catch a snook, then over to a nearby flat where we’ll find a school of redfish and then to a deepwater grass edge along Tampa Bay where we’ll find big trout.” He then proceeded to do exactly that. That’s why I was surprised and chagrined when he told me he had thrown all his logs away because he could sum up everything he had learned in three words, “Fish have fins.”

What I’ve learned from my time on the water and my fishing with and writing about guides for over three decades boils down to two words: patience and persistence. Whether that’s standing a long cast from a pot hole and waiting for spooky redfish to come to me or being patient as I pole an area I know has fish and not running from spot to spot, the strategy has paid off. Does that mean I catch fish every time? No, definitely not, but it does mean I’ve slowed down, enjoyed the process more and developed my powers of observation. Then there are the times when the strategy pays off.

This past Friday, I had the pleasure of spending a few hours with my longtime friend Michael Riter and his son, Chase, a pilot living in Tampa. Our plan was to fly fish, but because the conditions were so calm and the fish so spooky we decided to start by exploring the flats, casting spoons and jigs. The reasoning was that when we found fish we would anchor and wade for them with our flyrods. As it turned out, we never found enough fish to initiate our plan. That didn’t mean we didn’t catch fish, because exploring using the “Huff method,” which involved poling for four hours, we landed two reds, two pompano and several jacks.

A day like this reminds me to slow down, use my powers of observation and not make catching fish the only thing that defines a successful day. The funny thing is when I don’t get so consumed with catching, I actually do better. Enjoyment of the process and being out in the natural world rules the day!

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: Angler’s gift guide

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

Yes, it’s that time of the year again, and if you’re wondering what Christmas cheer to bring to your special angler, I’ve got some suggestions. The best things I can recommend are the products that I own and that have impressed me.

First on my list of recommendations is the Patagonia Stormfront Sling Pack. I have purchased enough vests, bags and packs over the years to stock a small luggage store, but I’ve finally found the “perfect” bag. Most of the time it functions as a boat bag whether I’m on my boat or with a friend. It holds all the tackle I need with room for a camera, raincoat (my next suggestion) and other sundries you’re likely to need for a day on the water. If I’m taking a long wade or fishing a mountain stream I can put it on my back where it sits out of the way until I need it. Then just un-snap one clip and it swings around to provide easy access to the waterproof compartment which has a separate zippered pouch. There are plenty of latch points and rings to customize the outside for items like a rod case, net, tippet holders, nippers, etc.

My second recommendation is the Patagonia Ultra-light, Packable Jacket. This is a new addition to my wardrobe that I was able to put to the test on a recent Bahamian bonefishing trip. Three things stood out about this jacket, number one being its ability to keep me dry during a harrowing 25 mph ride up the east side of South Andros into a 25 mph wind. Straps at the wrists, bottom and hood of the jacket cinch down to prevent the intrusion of driving rain, including at the hood, which wraps securely around your headwear. The second most impressive thing about this jacket is its ultra-light weight which translates into cool/breathable outerwear for the sub-tropical and tropical places where I live and fish. Lastly, the way this jacket packs away in a pouch about the size of a beer can is amazing. The first day I used it I forgot the pouch and was frustrated working around it when looking for gear in my sling pack. The balance of the trip it lived out of the way in my pack, and only came out when I needed it.

My third recommendation is the Rio Flats Pro Elite fly line. Admittedly, this is an expensive fly line and it wouldn’t have made this list if I didn’t find that it made a significant difference in my fly casting. Its main feature is a low stretch line (think hook set and fish control) with Rio’s SlickCast coasting that shoots farther and more accurately. This line also stood the test of some extreme conditions in the Bahamas and made a noticeable difference in high winds stalking big, spooky tailing bonefish. The price was well worth the added performance that gave me an additional 10-15 feet when I needed it most.

These three products are not priced to be stocking stuffers but are a gift that will keep on giving. With a little care, they will pay dividends in the field instead of being relegated to the storage closet. Next week we’ll reach out to some local charter captains to learn what gifts they might recommend. If you’re serious about your fishing, consider developing a relationship with and buying from a reputable local dealer. While it might be tempting to just order online, you won’t get the advantages a brick-and-mortar shop provides. For fly tackle, check out AMI Outfitters on Pine Street in Anna Maria. If you’re in Sarasota, The Compound Board Shop has a full line of fly tackle and both shops have courteous and knowledgeable staff.

Reel Time: Bahamian bones

Reel Time: Bahamian bones

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

If I 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.

From Nov. 10-17, I returned for my seventh trip to South Andros in the Bahamas and my second trip to Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge with my friend Captain Rick Grassett and a group he had been bringing to the lodge (except for a COVID-19 pass in 2020) for the past six 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 several other islands in the chain, but South Andros is special. It’s maybe one of the only places I’ve ever been where things had hardly changed in almost 20 years. That went for the fishing as well. There are very few places where you can travel to in a day and then fish all day and sometimes never see another angler. South Andros was like that when I first visited in the late ’90s and it remains that way today.

https://youtu.be/GPC18uDV1CQ

This trip (except for one day with perfect conditions) was challenging, with frequent clouds, some rain and a persistent 20-plus mph east wind. Despite the inclement weather, the guides were able to lead anglers to bonefish every day. On the days when the clouds persisted, we were able to stalk tailing bonefish on the flats while the appearance of the sun led to some terrific sight fishing opportunities. On the final day of the trip, my partner Kirk Grassett and I had our best day, despite some extremely challenging conditions.

One of the reasons anglers travel to this part of the Bahamas, besides the endless flats and solitude, is the number of big bonefish that ply these waters in the early fall. Fly anglers have a very good chance at bones pushing 10 pounds and on every trip, a fish or two in the double digits are landed. That was no exception this trip as one member of our party, Tracey Baker, landed a bonefish that pushed 12 pounds on the first day. I’m still looking for my first 10-pound bonefish, but did manage to land several fish from seven to nine pounds.

The lodge is smoothly run by a Bahamian staff and guides, and is owned and managed by Bill Howard, an expatriate from Nebraska. We stayed at the lodge for seven nights and fished six days. The day started out with a 7 a.m. breakfast, although coffee was on for early risers by 5:30 a.m. 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. After an approximately 30-minute ride, we rounded the south end of the “main” island and entered into an angler’s paradise with seemingly endless flats, islands and channels. After seven hours of chasing schools of cruising, tailing and schooling bonefish and dodging sharks and barracuda we returned to the basin at 4:30 p.m.

Back at the lodge, our chefs Cathy, Chrystal and Vaddie treated us to local hors d’oeuvres and libations of our choosing. The food at the lodge was consistently excellent and included fresh local delicacies including lobster, conch, local fish, steaks and rack of lamb. Dinner was served at 7 p.m. and evenings were spent discussing the day’s fishing on the back veranda where cool Bahamian breezes were complemented by a sky ablaze with stars and the occasional satellite. On the nights when the wind abated and the mosquitos pushed us inside, we watched football on a flat-screen TV and anticipated the next day’s fishing.

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 website.

Reel Time: Anatomy of a fishing rod

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

Whatever rod you fish with, be it a spinning rod, a fly rod or a casting rod, they all share the basic components – blank, guides, reel seats and handles. So why is one rod more expensive than another?

A rod’s blank is constructed from a product known as prepreg. This material is impregnated with resin and wrapped around a mandrel (which is removed after the blank is formed) giving the rod its basic round shape. This “blank” holds the guides, ferrules, handle, reel seat and fighting butt.

Prepreg has fibers that have a unidirectional (straight) orientation. The fibers can be made of different materials including fiberglass, graphite, boron or Kevlar. Some rods are made (laid up) from a prepreg that has additional fibers that run around or at an angle to the unidirectional fibers. This gives the rod additional strength and influences flex, stiffness and price.

Rod choice becomes critical when choosing an outfit for demanding conditions. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

A rod’s scrim refers to a lightweight material that forms an additional lining under the primary fibers and helps in working the material when it is wrapped around the mandrel. Scrim can be straight or woven and adds what is known as “hoop strength” to the finished rod.

The butt section is the cork part of the rod behind the reel seat that is held either in the non-dominant hand or fits into a fighting harness when playing a fish, while the handle is where the dominant hand is placed. The reel seat secures the reel to the rod. The fixed hood is the metal receiver where one end of the reel foot is placed. The sliding hood is the rear receiver that holds the other end of the reel foot. The locking ring is a nut that puts pressure on the sliding hood and holds the reel securely in place. The guides hold the line along the length of the blank. The ferrules connect sections of a two- or four-piece rod. The tip, as the name implies, is the section at the top of the rod.

You may also encounter the term taper. A rod’s taper refers to the diameter of a rod from the butt to the tip. The taper affects the rod’s action. Most rods have either a fast action (stiff) or a slow action (flexible).

When you’re shopping for a new outfit, knowing the parts and construction of a rod will help you make an informed decision. The most important part of the rod and the one that most affects its price and your buying decision is the blank. The materials and the method of construction of the blank determine its price. The least expensive rods are made from fiberglass while the expensive ones are constructed with graphite, boron and Kevlar. While fiberglass may be good for a beginner, the more expensive rods are a better choice for the seasoned angler. They are lighter, more responsive and less prone to break. But don’t let price determine your selection. There are a lot of very good rods on the market today that can be purchased at a good price point. The one thing to avoid is cheap equipment. It’s OK to buy a lower price point outfit if you’re a beginner, but choose an outfit that will make a good second rod when you upgrade. An informed decision can positively affect your angling efficiency and enjoyment.

Reel Time: Little tunny time?

Reel Time: Little tunny time?

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

Little tunny, one of my favorite species to catch on the fly, has essentially been missing for the last two years. Sure, anglers have encountered them during this time, but I haven’t found them to be a reliable target. Years ago, we would travel to Harker’s Island on North Carolina’s Outer Banks for the fall blitz. Then over time, they became a reliable target off our beaches during the spring and fall. The only reason I can come up with for their absence is the persistent red tide that ruined the tarpon fishing during July and now threatens our fall run of Spanish mackerel, kingfish and little tunny. I’ve got my fingers crossed this season and keep thinking back to one of the last runs we had in the Tampa Bay area. This is how I described it.

The water was flat and there was no sign of life as we neared the Tampa Bay shipping channel. Word was out that little tunny and Spanish mackerel were attacking baitfish in and along the edges of the waterway, but as far as we could see, the water was flat and mirror-smooth without a hint of action. After 10 minutes of surveying the waters in an easterly direction towards the Skyway Bridge, we were starting to wonder if the run from Longboat Key was a mistake. Then I remembered a day a few years back with Captain Rick Grassett, who was accompanying me, and I had a similar experience off Longboat Pass. Just as we were beginning to consider fishing in the bay instead of the Gulf, a striking fish exploded on the surface. After that, we were surrounded by action that lasted the whole morning.

No sooner had we uttered those words when baitfish started to show on the surface followed by diving birds and striking fish. Running to the nearest feeding frenzy, we cut the motor 20 yards away and launched small clousers into the melee. Almost immediately Grassett’s line came tight as a little tunny inhaled the fly. The fish bolted in a burst of speed that makes little tunny such a sought-after target. Grassett’s rod bent deeply as he applied pressure in an attempt to slow the fishes’ run as backing disappeared from his spool. The gamey fish would have nothing of it and ran another 20 yards of backing into the depths of the channel. After several more runs and a battle near the boat I was able to grab the little tunny’s tail and swing it into the boat for a quick picture. As quickly as we could, we launched the fast-swimming fish into the bay to give it a head start.

After the first fish, we found them challenging to intercept. Fish were exploding everywhere, but more often than not they would sound before we could get flies into the carnage. This is a common experience, but we knew to run up to a school as fast as possible and make casts before they sounded. Employing that technique we were able to catch four little tunny each and several mackerel before we decided to try the beaches on our return south.

We didn’t find any action on the return to Longboat, but we had a great day of action and were content to enjoy a smooth ride home in the Gulf. Little tunny should be in local waters until cold spells send them south. That’s a lot of time to enjoy some spectacular action. If you go, look for birds and breaking fish along the Gulf coast. Small flies and spoons that mimic the baitfish work best. Now is the time to enjoy some of the hottest rod-bending action of the year!

That was a memorable day and anglers should be on the lookout for action in the Gulf, especially after the first strong front sends water temperatures into the 70s. Little tunny will take any good baitfish pattern that matches the bait they’re after, but I love to watch them attack a top water fly. My favorite is a small Crease fly. Whatever fly you use, it’s important to hone your casting and be able to make the first cast count. More times than not, that will be your best and last opportunity!

Reel Time: Get ready for fabulous fall fishing

Reel Time: Get ready for fabulous fall fishing

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

As I write these words, the first front of the fall season has begun to clear the humidity, a harbinger of cooler temperatures and hot offshore action.

Just last week I scouted the Gulf waters from Big Pass to mid-Longboat Key with Captain Rick Grassett. Although we managed to land four tripletail and a 16-pound cobia in a morning outing, signs pointed to a change we eagerly await after a long, hot summer season. We’ll still probably have to close our windows and doors and turn the AC on again, but the light and the cool mornings will be teasing us with the change to come. When the water cools into the 70s and we hope for the passing of the red tide, we can look forward to some of the season’s best fishing. When it all comes together, schools of bait, already starting to mass off area beaches, should continue to migrate inshore with pelagic species like kingfish, Spanish mackerel, false albacore, cobia and tripletail hot on their trail.

Now is a great time to prepare for the fall season, getting tackle in order and keeping an eye to the sky for diving birds and breaking fish. Fortunately, all of these species can be found right off our Gulf beaches and some even enter the bays. All will take live bait, lures or flies and can be caught on spinning, bait casting or fly tackle. With the possible exception of king mackerel and cobia, most are able to be landed with light (8-10 pound test) tackle, adding to the excitement.

Depending on the species you’re targeting, you’ll want to rig accordingly. Since it’s possible to encounter such a plethora of fish in a single outing, multiply outfits are a good idea. One of the main considerations should be rigging. After a long, hot summer, tackle can fall into disrepair and need to be replaced. However you fish, make sure your knots are properly tied. To assure you’ll never lose a good fish to poor preparation and inferior knots, moisten and tighten all knots, sharpen hooks and rig outfits with the appropriate bite tippet and leader. Options include wire, monofilament, long shanked hooks or a combination of these. It’s possible to catch a kingfish without wire but your odds aren’t good. The same applies with certain exceptions to Spanish mackerel. Mackerel can sometimes shy from wire. That’s the time to switch to a long shank hook or a heavy (60-pound) monofilament leader. Even then it’s possible to get cut off, but you’ll be guaranteed more action if the fish are feeding. When using wire, an 8- to 12-inch trace can be tied to monofilament using an Albright Special knot (best) or a swivel. If you use a swivel, use a black one as opposed to silver to prevent fish from mistaking it for forage. American Fishing Wire makes a product called Surflon Micro Supreme that is extremely flexible and kink resistant. This wire can be knotted to your lure, hook or fly like monofilament; it also provides greater flexibility and less stretch than monofilament. Umpqua makes a product that’s ideal for fly anglers. Their Re-Twistable Haywire Twist wire is reusable and will allow you to change flies in a snap. This is the quickest and most painless system to rig wire for toothy fish. Wire is less likely to deter a bite under low light conditions like early morning, overcast days and late in the day.

One of the most effective ways to find schooling fish in the fall is to look for surface action and diving birds in the inshore Gulf waters. Predators can also be present without revealing themselves around structure, reefs and wrecks. When you find baitfish schools and feeding fish, you can approach them by trolling, drifting or with the use of a trolling motor. Whatever method you employ, never let your boat pass through or get too close to the action. With more and more boats and anglers pursuing feeding fish, they are likely to sound and move away. The best bet is to stay outside the action but within casting distance. If trolling, make wide turns so only your lures pass through the action.

Live bait anglers target schooling fish in a number of ways. By anchoring up-current from a likely area, they may deploy a chum bag and then toss wounded live baits to draw fish into casting range. This can be an extremely effective method. Those who prefer artificial lures find spoons particularly effective as well as jigs like the DOA CAL or the Berkley Gulp. One of the most exciting and effective types of lures are top water models like the MirroLure Top Dog, the Heddon Zara Spook or Rapala Saltwater Skitter Pop. Not only is the strike visual and often explosive, but their action can attract target species.

Fly fishing is also an effective and exciting way to target fall species from cobia to tripletail, Spanish mackerel and even kingfish. The same rigging applies and top water flies like the Crease fly or Garthside Gurgler can produce some memorable strikes. Clouser Deep Minnows are also a great choice for Spanish mackerel and false albacore. This would be a good time of the year to have a 10- or 11-weight rod rigged with a big black fly should a cobia or late-season tarpon make an appearance.

Whatever your fishing style, take advantage of the great action you’ll find in area waters this fall. If you’re new to the game, consider hiring a guide. This is a great way to learn the ropes and a great value when shared with a friend. Good fishing!

Reel Time: In praise of seabirds

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

One of the things that makes the Suncoast special is our seabirds. Who hasn’t been stirred by the sight or song of a bird? The haunting sound of a whippoorwill signaling the arrival of spring, the colorful plumage of a spoonbill and the elaborate rituals of herons, terns and other seabirds in breeding season? The graceful flight of a formation of black skimmers, their bills tracing paths across the water’s surface at sunset?

Birds not only inspire and uplift us, they also provide a significant boost to Florida’s economy and are a major reason the state ranks as one of the nation’s top wildlife viewing destinations.

With all that birds provide us, it’s alarming to learn that species-wide, we’ve lost the equivalent of one in four birds in the last 50 years. The major reason is loss of habitat and the seabirds we treasure are particularly vulnerable due to the loss of mangroves for nesting. Many seabirds also lay their eggs and raise their young just above a barrier island’s high-water line.

Birds need our help and there are specific things that anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike can do to help them. One of the most heartbreaking things anyone can experience is a dead or dying bird garroted in the mangroves by an unsuspecting fisherman’s line.

Anglers who fish the coastal waters of Florida will invariably come into contact with the seabirds that inhabit the estuaries of our state. Often, that encounter is deadly to seabirds if anglers don’t know the basics of avoiding contact with or caring for hooked birds. Birds live here, it’s their home, and they aid savvy anglers as they search for food. The birds get into trouble when they come in contact with discarded fishing line in the mangroves, or they take line to their roosts after becoming hooked.

The incidence of anglers hooking birds can be reduced or eliminated by following a few simple rules. First, never feed birds. This trains birds to look for a handout and leads them to often unsuspecting anglers. Second, while you’re fishing, be aware of birds that might be eyeing your bait or lure. It’s easy to pull it out of harm’s way at the last second before a bird dives on it.

If you do hook a bird, make sure that you fight them just like you would a trophy fish to prevent them from breaking the line. Trailing line can be a death sentence for the birds when they return to their roost at night. Care should be taken when handling birds due to their fragile, hollow bones and sharp beaks. First, place a towel over the bird’s head. This will calm them and protect the angler from sharp bills. You can then cautiously remove hooks and unwind line before releasing them.

An angler may never realize the tragic results of careless line management. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

During nesting season (peaking here May through June) birds are particularly vulnerable, especially those that nest on the beaches of our barrier islands. It’s crucial that humans avoid breeding colonies on public beaches and especially the few places designated as off-limits because of their critical nesting potential. Locally, protected areas like Egmont Key and Passage Key are often threatened by unsuspecting and careless beachgoers who endanger eggs and young hatchlings. The birds don’t have a voice and it’s left to those of us that appreciate and benefit from them to be their advocates.

If while fishing you see a hooked or tangled bird in an active rookery, don’t approach them during nesting season. Our well-meaning intentions can cause more harm than good by causing startled young birds to fall from the nest.
Taking care of the environment that feeds our passion is everyone’s responsibility. Follow these simple guidelines: be aware of the presence of sea birds, take care in handling them, and never feed birds. If you see a bird in distress and it’s not nesting season, you can free them. If they swim or fly away on their own that’s all you’ll need to do. If you believe they are too weak to recover on their own, contact one of the local organizations that rescue and rehabilitate sea birds. On Anna Maria Island you can call Wildlife Inc. at 941-778-6324. To our south call Save Our Seabirds on City Island in Sarasota at 941-388-3010. Audubon’s Coastal Island Sanctuaries has an informative website and can be reached by calling 813-794-3784. You can also join Sarasota Bay Watch’s Annual Fishing Line Cleanup in the fall.

Birds of all kinds are a critical component and bellwether of a healthy environment. Let’s all work together to create a vibrant and safe place – for the birds.

Reel Time: Dog days

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

The term “dog days” originated with the ancient belief that Sirius, the dog star, in close proximity to the sun, was responsible for hot summer weather. Dog days is a common term among fishermen signifying the long hot days of August and September when fish can be hard to find and catch. Add in an early and persistent red tide and anglers can be faced with a daunting challenge. While there’s no doubt that late summer days are long and often intensely hot and uncomfortable, they can also yield some surprising results for savvy anglers. By employing a change of strategy and tailoring their efforts to maximize comfort and opportunities, anglers can catch fish in relative comfort.

One of the prime times to fish during the “dog days” is at night or in the early morning hours before the sun climbs high in the sky. The myriad dock and bridge lights that illuminate local waterways hold concentrations of fish including snook, trout, mangrove snapper, redfish, bluefish and tarpon. Docks and bridges surrounded by relatively deep water generally hold more fish. Tidal flow is another indicator of action. Lights on the up tide side of a structure are best, allowing anglers more latitude when making a presentation, preventing hang-ups and allowing flies, lures and bait to swing to the fish naturally. With a little attention to detail, it’s possible to target prime dock and bridge lights on the incoming tide, and then again on the outgoing tide.

Captain Rick Grassett with a mangrove snapper that took a baitfish fly from an underwater light in Palma Sola Bay. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The presence of hard bottom near a bridge or dock is another indicator of good fish habitat. Bait is also an indication of a prime area, and ledges, oyster bars and seawalls near lights can further increase the odds of action. Underwater lights, now fairly common, can really concentrate fish, especially when you factor in structure. Concentrate casts first to the shadowy edges and then progressively beside and through the light cone. Lights in Anna Maria Sound, Palma Sola and Sarasota Bay host the same opportunities for fish ranging from just a few pounds to over 100 pounds. Match your presentation – fly, bait or artificial – to the size of the fish that are attracted to the lights.

During times of red tide, try concentrating on lights in and around the Manatee and Braden rivers where fresh water lowers the salinity and limits harmful algae blooms.

When the rising sun lightens the horizon, anglers can move to the flats to target redfish, snook and trout. Concentrate your fishing around flats with good grass cover. In addition, look for flats that feature channel edges, pot holes, sand bars and oyster bars. Strong tide will also increase your odds.

In the hottest months, from August through September, most of the early morning tides are from one to one and a half feet, so anglers will seldom see pushes or tails. Instead, concentrate on scattering bait, working birds and schools of mullet. One of the most productive strategies is to fish “seams,” demarcation lines that separate grass, sand and other structure.

While pre-dawn or early morning is generally the best time during sweltering weather, there is one exception. Late afternoon outgoing tides that correspond to the full and new moons provide some fast action with a variety of species. Areas to concentrate on include the slues and channels that drain the inshore flats, and the passes where the funneling effect concentrates game fish and their prey. Passes that have flanking seawalls and rock groins can be particularly productive. These areas attract and concentrate the baitfish on which the predators feed. Work lures and flies close to the structure.

Fishing the “dog days of summer” can be productive no matter where you fish as long as you follow a few rules. First and foremost, you must find conditions that are acceptable to the species you seek. In general, water temperatures must not be excessive, and you can count on early mornings and deeper water to moderate conditions.  The exception to the rule will be those areas and times where the presence of food overrides the fishes’ desire to locate comfortable conditions. Fishing the “dog days” can be challenging, but master the rules and you’ll have a lot of productive fishing and very little competition.

Reel Time on the road: Big Sky and Red Lodge, Montana

Reel Time on the road: Big Sky and Red Lodge, Montana

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

This past week was spent mostly sightseeing near Big Sky and then later in the week exploring Red Lodge, Montana. After parting company with my fishing partners and picking up my wife, Christine, in Bozeman, we drove to our accommodations in Big Sky. On our first day we hiked the Spanish Creek trail near Ted Turner’s spectacular Flying D Ranch and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. The 113,613-acre ranch operates as a working ranch managed for the production of bison and wildlife. The ranch is home to established populations of mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, and the Rocky Mountain grey wolf, to name just a few of the native populations of wildlife the ranch protects. The Lee Metcalf Wilderness adjacent to the ranch was named after the late Montana congressman who was instrumental in the creation of the Wilderness Act. The day was a bit smoky from wildfires to the west but the hike still offered impressive views of the Spanish Peaks, the vast Flying D ranch and sparkling Spanish creek.

On our second day, we traveled south towards Hebgen Lake, an impoundment on the Madison River, and Quake Lake, the location of the tragic 1959 earthquake and landslide that killed 28 unsuspecting campers. The 190-foot deep, 6-mile long Quake Lake was created when the landslide dammed the Madison below Hebgen Lake. The views along the lake are spectacular and only surpassed by the incredible sight of the landslide very much in evidence today. On the outing, I visited Kelly Galloup’s Slide Inn Fly Shop, one of the west’s most famous fly shops. I got some local intel from the shop and purchased some flies they recommended for the nearby Gallatin River. I spent only a couple of hours on the Gallatin the next day and although I got only a couple of looks from the trout, the spectacular views were the highlife of my time on the river.

Reel Time on the road: Big Sky and Red Lodge, Montana
An aerial view of Quake lake created by the slide, still very much in evidence in the distance. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

We traveled to Red Lodge, Montana from Big Sky on Wednesday and settled into our cabin on Rock Creek about four miles from town on the Beartooth Highway. We spent the next few days exploring the area and spent Friday driving the Beartooth Highway to Cooke City and the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The Beartooth Highway was described by the late Charles Kuralt as “The most beautiful drive in America,” and was the reason we decided to stay here. Our experience validated that description and we were awed by the scenery at every turn. I did manage to fish two days on Rock Creek and on my first day managed to land a beautiful 14” rainbow trout behind the cabin. Rock Creek is a crystal clear stream that flows extremely fast and is difficult to fish, so I was pleased at catching a rather small trout that fought fiercely and sported beautiful colors. On our next hike the following day, our trail followed the west fork of Rock Creek and featured much more manageable waters that I plan to return to next week. Stay tuned for the final installment and hopefully some fish pictures!

Reel Time: Sea trout

Reel Time: How to catch sea trout

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

Sea trout have always been a target of local anglers, mostly as a food source but rarely by fishermen seeking a trophy. Most would rather target redfish, snook and larger species like tarpon and kingfish. The average Gulf coast trout weighs in at about 2 pounds and doesn’t put much of a bend in a light fly or spinning rod. Larger trout are harder to find, are much warier, and a worthy adversary on any tackle.

In the early 80s, it wasn’t uncommon to catch an 8-pound trout during the late winter and early spring. By the mid-80s, a large trout was hard to capture on any tackle. The net ban that was enacted in 1995 gave anglers great hope for a resurgence in trout populations. The net ban helped restore trout populations, but the anticipated resurgence of trout proved uneven at best. In the last few years, catching larger trout from 4-6 pounds has been a real possibility for conventional and fly anglers who are patient.

Traditionally, the best time to target trout is during the months of March, April and May. The months of December through February can also be good options for trout as they forage for food during the lean winter season. In late summer, late outgoing tides on the full and new moons can also produce some large specimens.

Sight fishing trout requires a stealthy approach. A wading angler moving too quickly through the water or rocking an approaching boat while casting can spook trout. For any measure of success, move extremely slowly and avoid any errant sounds like a push pole hitting the boat or a rustling anchor chain that will telegraph an angler’s presence.

Flats with healthy grass beds with white sand holes and edges provide cover and forage for baitfish, shrimp and mullet, and are prime habitat for large trout. When picking a fly or plug, try to mimic the prevalent forage food. In local estuaries and the open bay, mullet may be the dominant food source, but trout are opportunists and will pursue glass minnows, shrimp, pilchards and other available food sources. The pattern varies depending on the season and water temperatures. During times of low visibility and low tides, anglers can move their efforts to the deeper edges of flats, the drop-offs into rivers and bays and the deep edges of oyster bars.

Fly leaders should be long and tapered (up to 12 feet) with no more than a 30-pound bite tippet. I prefer a premium 20-pound fluorocarbon bite tippet. While it’s possible to catch big trout on a larger tippet, I think the smaller diameter is best for the biggest and wariest trout. Your approach, even on foot, is very important. One of my favorite ways to hunt big trout is with a top water plug or popper. Plugs and noisy poppers can actually scare big trout when the sun is high, but are deadly early in the morning and just before dark. When wading, shuffle your feet and move slowly to avoid a pressure wave. Fly fishers need to be stealthy and avoid disturbing the water when lifting the line for another cast. Every advantage is necessary in the hunt for big trout.

This is a game in which anglers may have to cover a lot of water. When fishing for trout, never run the flats, looking instead for surface action, including schools of baitfish, mullet and diving seabirds. Top producing flies include the Clouser Deep Minnows, Lefty’s Deceivers and top water poppers like the Garthside Gurgler. Some of my favorite plugs are the Heddon “Zara Spook,” the MirrOlure “Top Dog” and the Rebel “Jumping Minnow.”

Now might not be “prime” time to target trout in local water, but it’s a good time to perfect your approach. Many of the trout you catch will be unwanted and undersized, so remember to handle with care and release them quickly. Release them in the water if possible and always wet your hands if you handle them. Trout might not be glamorous but they are a worthy adversary for local anglers. Always remember to check regulations before keeping any fish.

Reel Time: Seeing is believing

Reel Time: Seeing is believing

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

Polarized lenses are one of the angler’s best tools. They not only help fishermen avoid eye fatigue but also allow their vision to pierce the water’s surface. These lenses are so important that odds are you won’t find a serious angler who doesn’t own a couple of pairs.

When anglers discuss polarized sunglasses, they’re usually concerned with the color of the lenses. Color is important, but it’s just one of the choices that you’ll need to make to get the most from your sunglasses. In general, sunglasses reduce the amount of visible light allowed to pass through the lens and enter the eye. Polarized lenses actually cut reflected glare and allow the angler to see below the water’s surface, a definite advantage when sight fishing or looking for signs of fish.

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 in polarization versus laminated; and the color of the lenses.

The lowest quality 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.

Anglers have the option of choosing glass or plastic lenses. Glass lenses provide better visual acuity (clarity) than plastic and are more scratch-resistant. However, glass lenses are heavier. Whether you choose glass or plastic sunglasses, your primary considerations will be frame style and lens color.  Choose a frame that is comfortable and one that helps block out extraneous light.

Lens color is the most important choice after you’ve chosen a comfortable pair of quality polarized sunglasses. Anglers who fish blue water and spend long hours over the open sea should buy grey lenses. Grey provides natural contrast and minimizes color distortion.

For flats fishermen, brown/amber lenses are the best choice when sight fishing in shallow water. Brown/amber lenses offer a brighter field of vision, better visual acuity, and excellent color contrast. Other colors that flats fishermen might consider are vermillion and copper. These colors heighten visual acuity and enhance color.  They also deliver a brighter field of vision and are excellent for flat and low light conditions.

Several of the top manufacturers of sunglasses feature technologies that further increase the effectiveness of polarized lenses. Recent advancements include coatings that prevent fogging, enhance contrast, and lighten or darken as light levels vary during the course of a day. These photochromatic lenses are more versatile and provide better visual acuity in changing lighting conditions.

When you choose a pair of polarized glasses, follow these broad guidelines while experimenting to find the color that works best for you in your particular fishing situation. Buy the best pair of glasses you can afford and keep them clean and in a protective case when not in use. By choosing a quality product with the proper color, you’ll greatly expand your fishing horizon while protecting your most valuable asset, your vision. When you see the difference a quality pair of polarized lenses can make, you’ll quickly be a believer.

Reel Time: Catch and release

Reel Time: Catch and release

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

Catch and release used to be a relatively new concept in sport fishing, one that recognized that fish populations are vulnerable and not the endless resource that they were once thought to be. Now the concept is commonplace and has even spawned a sort of backlash, as the “I Kill Fish” sticker on the back of a truck I saw recently attests.

Fishermen who fish mostly for fun have been criticized because many see catching and releasing fish as playing with fish. Anglers, unlike hunters, can pursue their passion and release their prey. Both hunters and anglers are quite often great champions of their respective passions and invest their time and money in protecting the habitat and well-being of fish and animals.

Most anglers I know who practice catch and release have no problem with taking an occasional fish home for dinner. It’s more about enjoying the sport and trying to be proactive in helping it to remain healthy and viable. There are many species, notable among them tarpon, that anglers seldom, if ever, kill. Catch and release is not just about releasing fish that you don’t want, it’s also about safely releasing undersized fish or species that aren’t valued at the table. Catch and release in any form is a wise use of the resource, but unfortunately, many anglers don’t know how to properly handle fish.

When we get cut, bruised or battered we can head for the local drug store, or in more extreme cases the Emergency Room. Not so for fish. For them, it’s heal or die, and in their world, it’s the sick and wounded that first fall prey to predators. What a shame to do the right thing, releasing a big speckled trout full of roe, only to have it eaten by a shark, barracuda or other predator because it wasn’t handled properly.

The first step I would suggest is to make sure you match tackle to the task. Trying to land a big tarpon on 20-pound tackle might be OK if you’re experienced, but to the uninitiated, it’s like announcing a free meal to the sharks that ply local waters looking for weak or injured prey. Enjoy the action, but land the fish as quickly as possible. Once you have the fish subdued, the best course is to never take them out of the water. If you’ve been fighting them for a long time (think tarpon), make sure you revive them properly. If you can reach the water over the gunwale, slowly move the boat forward while holding the fish firmly but lightly. This forces water and oxygen through their gills and helps them recover from oxygen depletion. They’ll let you know when they’re ready to go.

The hook is probably the next most important consideration. Either a circle hook or a barbless hook is usually best for anglers and their fish. The key to keeping fish on a barbless hook is to keep the line tight. Circle hooks are recommended for inexperienced anglers and on fish that tend to swallow the hook, like speckled trout. Fish secrete a protective coating that covers the scales and skin. This slime coat acts as a defense against invasion by bacterial, parasitic and fungal pathogens. Whatever hook you use, a de-hooker will keep your hands safe and clean, preventing you from inadvertently harming the fish’s protective slime coat and protecting hands from sharp gills and teeth. De-hookers come in various shapes depending on how they’re used. The simplest is J-shaped and removes hooks in or near the jaw. A circular-shaped longer version allows anglers to remove hooks that are deep in the throat of a fish or in the jays of a big fish like a barracuda.

Anglers who fish for reef fish like snapper and grouper need to learn how to “vent” fish with inflated swim bladders. Bringing the fish up from deep depths fast bloats the bladder, which has to be punctured to allow the fish to reach the bottom. A good presentation of the process is available online.

Anglers that release a trophy-sized fish may want to take home a picture. Here are a few tips that will help you record your catch. Set your exposure in advance and have an idea where in the boat you want to take the picture. The best picture for the fish would be when it’s still in the water, but if you do remove the fish, hold it horizontally, with one hand near the head, and the other hand under the fish’s belly to support its weight. Holding a fish vertically puts a strain on the internal organs and can potentially dislocate its jaw. This is particularly important with large fish. Lastly, eliminate any extraneous objects like rods and focus in on the subject.

By being prepared we can get the fish back in the water fast, thus ensuring its chances of survival. Taking the time and having the tools and knowledge to release fish mindfully is a great way to help ensure we have a healthy population of fish now and into the future.

Reel Time: Online angling

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

It might seem like the digital world has been around forever but it wasn’t that long ago that information about fishing was only available in books and magazines, on fishing shows, or by going fishing. Now, in the internet age, fishermen have a wealth of resources to supplement their days on the water.

Whatever your questions, answers can be found on YouTube instructional videos, Facebook posts, groups and live events. Searches reveal forums, illustrated articles, and much more right from your computer keyboard. Want to learn how to tie a particular knot, or a permit fly? Wondering where the fish are biting or what the tides are for your fishing trip (anywhere in the world) next week? You can even learn about the licensing requirements for an excursion to Belize or lodges that cater to fly fishermen in the Bahamas. The internet has a wealth of wonderful information and tons of junk. You have to know the right questions to ask to get the right answers.

Cast your net wide with “fishing” in Google, the net’s current #1 search engine, and you’ll have 271,000,000 websites to choose from. There are also 373 million fishing-related images and 209 million groups with fishing links, as well as directories and news. If you want to go fly fishing in the Bahamas and you’ve heard great things about the Abacos, type in “fly fishing the Abacos” – without quotation marks – and you’ll get approximately 431,000 websites. Google is looking up everything on fly fishing and Abacos. Narrow the search by putting quotes around the query and you’ll narrow the search to 272 sites specific to fly fishing the Abacos.

When searching the internet, be as specific as you can by entering words that narrow the inquiry. This advice will get you close in your search, but it may take some further sleuthing to find just what you’re looking for. Narrow your search down as far as you can, and then start paging through the results to view the websites. I pay attention to page views when searching YouTube. More views are often a sign of a good result, but not always.

If this all seems very confusing, that’s because it is. But that doesn’t mean it’s not useful.  The best way to learn is to practice. Time on the web, when used intelligently, is fun, interesting and very informative.

Here are a few sites you might want to check out. They have information on tides, what’s biting, where the action is, clubs, events and much more.  Captain Mel Berman’s Online Fishing Florida Magazine has to be the most comprehensive site in our area. Many of you may remember Mel as the host of “The Mel Berman Show” on Tampa’s 970 WFLA Radio. His website has a wealth of information for local anglers. Even though Berman passed away over a decade ago, Neil Taylor administers the site and has kept Mel’s legacy alive and well. Learn from others, and share your thoughts through chats, forums and email.

When you’re planning your next trip, you might want to stop by The Angling Report, www.anglingreport.com, an independent online (and print) newsletter on fishing travel.

The Angling Report gives fishermen what they call the “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” low down on destinations, lodges and guides. The site concentrates on quality fly and light tackle fishing in the U.S. and abroad and is written by anglers who actually traveled to and fished the destinations. Want to chat and share information with other anglers? Explore sites like www.flyfishingforum.com , or www.floridasportsman.com. There’s something out there for even the most sedate armchair angler.

The possibilities are endless, so sit down, turn on your computer and see what you can find. Just remember, it’s a jungle out there and you’ll want to narrow your focus to the sites that are worth your time!