Skip to main content

Tag: fishing

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.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: A home away from home

Reel Time: Spain – Seville and Andalusia

Reel Time: Spain – Basque Country and Andalusia

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.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Spain – Seville and Andalusia

Reel Time: Spain – Basque Country and Andalusia

Reel Time: Spain – Madrid and Toledo

Reel Time: Get ready for fall

Reel Time: Get ready for fall

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

If I had to pick a least-favorite month for fishing, September would certainly be in the running. This is hurricane season and the height of the dog days of summer. There are a few highlights depending on where you are fishing, but there isn’t much to excite the local angler.

That, thankfully, won’t last long as we can look forward to early fall as a time when Spanish mackerel, little tunny and other pelagic species will be targeting schools of bait along the coast. One of the few bright spots was redfish that formed big spawning schools in area bays in August and September, but I haven’t seen that in many years.

I like to use the days I can’t or don’t want to be on the water to get ready for the fall action to come. That can mean getting the boat ready, checking tackle, tying flies and working on your casting skills so you’ll be ready when the action gets hot. Whether you’re a beginning fly fisher or are a proficient caster, it’s important to be aware of what are commonly known as the essentials of fly casting.

Fly casting differs from spin or bait casting where the weight of the lure or bait loads the rod. The rod then transfers the stored energy of the rod to the lure or bait which carries it to the target. In fly casting, the weight of the line loads the rod, and the line takes the leader and flies to the target.

The basic casting stroke consists of the rod being held in the hand at the base of the fingers with the thumb on top of the cork. The stroke is a combination of moves of the wrist, the forearm and the upper arm. In the ready position with the thumb on the cork, the wrist is straight and the butt of the rod is at a 45-degree angle to the forearm. The wrist travels from this straight position to a 45-degree down angle, then returns to a straight position. The forearm and the upper arm complete the motion.

There are five basic movements that make up what we refer to as the essentials:

1. There must be a pause at the end of each casting stroke, which varies in duration with the amount of line beyond the rod tip. This allows the line to straighten for the next cast.

2. Slack line should be kept to an absolute minimum in the casting stroke. Slack line prevents the rod from loading and applying the proper power to the cast. The most common mistake that creates slack line happens when the rod is started too high, forming a belly in the line between the rod tip and the water. To prevent this, start your cast with the rod tip pointing at the water.

3.  In order to form the most efficient, least air resistant loops and to direct the energy of the cast toward the target, the rod tip must move in a straight line.

4. The length of the casting stroke must vary with the amount of line past the rod tip. If you are making a short cast there is only a small amount of line needed (which only weighs a small amount). As the length of line increases, the stroke must be increased to load the rod.

5. Power must be applied in the proper amount at the proper place in the stroke. In general, the power is applied slowly at first, gradually increasing to a peak at the end of the stroke. There should be a crisp stop at the end of the stroke, forcing the rod to come out of its bend. This is commonly referred to as the speed-up and stop.

One of the best ways for you to master fly casting is to practice on a regular basis. Create a practice schedule that you can stick to. Start by practicing three times a week for 10 minutes. Any additional time will, of course, be a bonus, but the importance of a regular practice schedule cannot be overstated. There are lots of resources on the internet that can help you perfect your cast, but make sure you pick the right source. I suggest the instructional series on YouTube from Orvis and Rio and well-known casters like Lefty Kreh and Joan Wulff.

While there is a ton of content online, there is no substitute for local knowledge. Fly anglers on Anna Maria have a great resource in AMI Outfitters on Pine Avenue. It has a selection of rods and reels for the beginner or the advanced caster and can provide invaluable knowledge on local flies, what is biting and local guides.

We have some great fishing right around the corner. Now is the time to get ready so you can be able to take advantage of the opportunity!

Related coverage

Reel Time: Charleston and the Low Country

Reel Time: Scallop Search Aug. 24

Reel Time: Grant boosts SBW clam restoration effort

Reel Time: Charleston and the Low Country

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

Charleston, South Carolina, is a city that’s been on my list to visit for a very long time. The first week in August my wife Chris and I spent four days there exploring the Old City on bikes. While we were there we also sampled some of Charleston’s top restaurants and were introduced to the rich fishing opportunities on a coast resplendent in vast oyster-studded estuaries.

Charleston was founded in 1670 as Charles Town, honoring King Charles II of England. Charleston adopted its present spelling with its incorporation as a city in 1783 at the close of the Revolutionary War.

The city has a past steeped in history, including the birthplace of the Civil War and the infamous honor of being the city where nearly half of all Africans were brought to America as slaves. Today, Charleston is known for its well-preserved architecture, distinguished restaurants and hospitable people.

Charleston is a popular tourist destination, having received numerous accolades, including America’s Most Friendly City by Travel & Leisure in 2011 and in 2013 and 2014 by Conde Nast Traveler, and also the most polite and hospitable city in America by Southern Living magazine. In 2016, Charleston was ranked the World’s Best City by Travel & Leisure.

We stayed at the King Charles Inn in Charleston’s center city, a well-preserved historic district on a peninsular separated by the Ashley River to the west and the Cooper River to the east. Referred to locally as The Peninsula, the location allowed us easy access to the historic city center with its storied architecture and world-famous culinary destinations.

One of the highlights of the trip was an opportunity to explore the Low Country fishing with local guides Captain Mark Phelps and Captain Rob Glasser. I was introduced to Glasser by my friend and tackle representative Rick Hess. As it turned out Glasser was best friends with another acquaintance Captain Mark Phelps, whom I had originally met when he started his guide business in Sarasota in the late 90s.

Phelps has established himself as one of the area’s top guides and is based in at Isles of Palms Marina just north of Charleston. Phelps is well equipped to explore the riches the area possesses, both inshore and offshore. His Shore Thang Charters business is outfitted with a Hell’s Bay Guide, 18-foot flats boat for exploring the fertile inshore waters and a 25-foot Latitude Tournament boat for fishing the Atlantic Ocean.

Reel Time Charleston
Captain Mark Phelps holds a spadefish that fell for his match the hatch fly. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Depending on the weather, time of year and current fishing opportunities clients have the chance to explore the low country estuaries for trout, redfish, flounder, sheepshead and a plethora of other species in addition to a wide range of offshore pelagic species, including but far from limited to king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, cobia, amberjack, tarpon, tripletail and sailfish.

The day we fished we were greeted with early morning thunderstorms and rain showers. That didn’t dissuade Phelps, who started us fishing inshore points at the beginning of a falling tide aboard the Latitude with its large protective T-top. During the first couple of hours, we bounced from one area to another avoiding the rain and lightning, while connecting with some quality trout with seven and eight weight fly rods.

As soon as the storms cleared the area, we headed into the Atlantic where we fished a nearshore wreck for bluefish and spadefish on flies. The action was consistent as schools of blues attacked both baitfish flies and topwater poppers with abandon. That day I added spadefish to my list of fly caught species, thanks to some coaching from Phelps. The spadefish frequent the reef and rise to the surface to feed on jellyfish that float by. Phelps has developed a fly that mimics a piece of jellyfish and easily fools the spades. The trick is to set the hook fast as these hard fighting fish quickly reject the fly.  Phelps described the fight as “catching a two to eight plus pound bluegill on fly,” a characterization that wasn’t an overstatement.

We got our fill in two hours as the low country heat pushed into the low 90s glad for the protection of the T-top. If the weather had been better, Phelps would have headed further offshore. The day before he had led clients to a catch of amberjack, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, spadefish, dolphin (mahi-mahi) and black sea bass.

Regardless of the weather, it was a terrific introduction to an area that boasts some of the most varied fishing opportunities anywhere. Depending on the season, Phelps can lead clients to a variety of fishing experiences from tailing redfish in the inshore Spartina grass beds to sailfish and amberjack in the offshore waters. While Phelps specializes in light tackle fly fishing he’s well equipped with the latest spin tackle as well.

Contact Phelps at 843-475-1274 or visit his website.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Scallop Search Aug. 24

Reel Time: Grant boosts SBW clam restoration effort

Reel Time: Cameras – catch and release digitally

Reel Time: Cameras – catch and release digitally

Reel Time: Cameras – catch and release digitally

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

The world of digital photography and videography continues to evolve, and anglers have never had more options to explore. Whether you’re capturing a picture or a video clip to remind you of your catch, to share with friends and family or to post on social media, digital cameras allow us to capture images of our catches, making a catch and release all that much more rewarding.

Photography has never been easier and anglers can enjoy this amazing technology no matter what their level of expertise. Most digital cameras and most smartphones also come with software or apps that let you enhance the image, crop the size and share the final product in a number of ways. You can send the images via e-mail or as a text straight from a phone, download them, edit, and print them out to frame and display.

Even though taking a picture may be easy, there are a few basic rules that will help you capture a better image:

  • Before ever leaving the dock, be sure you have fresh batteries, a charged phone, memory cards with enough space to record your images, a clean lens and a cleaning cloth.
  • There is almost always a certain amount of chaos associated with a catching a memorable fish, so get an idea in advance of where you’ll compose your image.
  • Check the background through the viewfinder carefully for distracting and cluttered backgrounds. Make sure you don’t have any unwanted objects, like a rod appearing to stick out of someone’s head.
  • Look to capture photographs that aren’t posed, and remember that the sooner you get your picture the more vibrant the colors of a fish will be. First and foremost, fill the frame with the subject, eliminating anything that doesn’t add to the composition.
  • Since you’re filming on the water, check that the horizon is straight. Most cameras and many phones have the option of putting a grid on the screen.
  • Preset your exposure and check it as lighting conditions change.
  • For most shots, I set my camera to aperture (F8) priority.
  • When trying to catch a jumping fish make sure you stop the action with an ISO of at least 1,000th of a second. Many digital cameras can capture up to 10 frames a second, so set the camera for a rapid burst.
  • Many photographs taken on the water are exposed in bright light. A camera’s light meter averages light over the scene, so an angler’s face, especially if shaded by a cap, will often be dark and lack detail. Make sure you expose your shots with fill flash.
  • Take a number of shots from different angles and get the angler excited and talking to you. One of the really great advantages of digital is that you can take lots of pictures and edit them on the go to make sure you have the shot you want.
  • When possible, use a polarizing filter during the daylight hours. It helps cut the glare on the water and saturate colors.
  • If you have photo editing software, like Lightroom or Photoshop, you can lighten the shadows in post-production. This can sometimes eliminate the need for fill flash, if the contrast isn’t too great, and prevents a flash from creating unwanted reflections on fish. Since lighting is almost always challenging, shoot and then review important shots. If you have a more advanced camera, you can bracket important shots in difficult lighting situations. Expose at least three images: one slightly (one-stop) underexposed, one slightly (one-stop) overexposed and one at the setting suggested by the light meter.

There are a lot of excellent digital cameras on the market today. The new generation of Smart Phones can take amazing images, but they have their limitations (lack of a polarizing filter).

If you’re really interested in photography, I would suggest getting a camera that meets your needs. Most come with a trial version of an image editing software like Adobe Elements. There are many cameras on the market from a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

Taking the time to capture the moments of life pays dividends that you can continue to relive by sharing them through your images.

For more information on the right camera for you, check with a professional at your local camera shop like Johnson Photo Imaging or go to www.bhphoto.com. Software demos (Check out Lightroom CC 2019) can be downloaded online.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Success – opportunity meets preparedness

Reel Time: Line and leaders

Reel Time: Waterkeeper Alliance holding polluters accountable

Reel Time: Line and leaders

Reel Time: Line and leaders

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

When anglers talk tackle, the conversation is usually centered on rods and reels, lures and accessories. While these make up the largest part of the fisherman’s arsenal, lines and leaders are a critical component of the equation. The major choices of line fall into three categories: braid, monofilament, and fluorocarbon.

While fluorocarbon, monofilament and braided lines were created to spool reels, fluorocarbon is most often used as a leader material. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and anglers should choose them based on their fishing style and use.

Monofilament has been around for decades and is probably the most commonly used line. It has many advantages and a few disadvantages that will affect the anglers’ choice. 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 it is less durable, has a larger diameter and can’t be cast as far.

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 braided line 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 (and take the slack out) the line after a cast and before retrieving.

Braided lines are much stronger than mono lines and pound for pound they have a much smaller diameter. 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 fact that braided lines don’t stretch makes them more sensitive for anglers when fishing. This 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. It’s important when tying knots like wraps that you take additional wraps with the smaller diameter, slicker braids.

Fluorocarbon lines are more expensive, and while it was intended as a filler line, most anglers use it primarily for a leader. It has a number of advantages over monofilament line, the most important being that it is less visible in the water. In addition, it is denser which makes it sink faster and is more abrasion-resistant. The abrasion resistance is important for fish like tarpon and snook.

There are so many lines and variations on the market that it would take a book to cover them all. Whatever line you choose, carefully seat all knots. This is especially true with braids. Whatever line is used, wet knots and seat them firmly with pliers. Monofilament and fluorocarbon lines also come in colors. Red is popular because it’s the first color to disappear at depth in the water column.

There is a lot of information on the internet, but probably the best advice would be to seek out local knowledge from anglers and tackle shops and try the different lines to see which suits your fishing style.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Waterkeeper Alliance holding polluters accountable

Reel Time: Dog days strategies

Reel Time: Tarpon primer

Reel Time: Dog days strategies

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

Dog days (Latin: diēs caniculārēs) are the hottest, most sultry days of summer. In the Northern Hemisphere, the dog days of summer are most commonly experienced in the months of July and August, which typically observe the warmest summer temperatures. The name comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, in close proximity to the sun was responsible for the hot weather.

Dog days on the west coast of Florida can run through September and into October, with the spell being broken by the shorter days more than the easing of daytime temperatures. While the temperatures create challenging conditions, savvy anglers know to change their strategies, tailoring their efforts to maximize their comfort and opportunities.

One of the prime times to fish during the dog days is before the sun crests the horizon. The myriad dock and bridge lights that illuminate the waterways from Bradenton to Venice are prime targets. These areas hold schools of snook as well as trout and a host of other species.

Docks with water depths in excess of 6 feet are best. Tidal flow is another indication of action. Lights on the up-tide side of a structure are best, allowing you 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 some docks on the incoming tide and others on the outgoing tide.

The presence of hard bottom near a bridge or dock is another indicator of good fish habitat. The presence of bait is directly related to structures like ledges, oyster bars and seawalls. These areas attract the bait that lures the fish.

The type of light on the dock can also influence the action. Lights that sit low to the water seem to have a more distinctive shadow line, an area where feeding fish concentrate. In all cases, the bigger fish seem to hang on the dark edges of the shadow lines.

When the rising sun lightens the horizon, anglers can move to the flats to target redfish, snook and trout. By concentrating your efforts around flats with good grass cover, defined edges, potholes, sandbars and oyster bars you’ll find fish in much the same pattern as during other times of the year. The key is to find water temperatures that attract bait and are tolerable to gamefish. The addition of a strong incoming tide will increase your odds as well.

In the hottest months, from July to September, most of the early morning tides are from 1 to 1 1/2 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. The 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 doldrums 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. Snook and redfish are much more tolerant of high water temperatures than trout. 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 summer doldrums can be challenging, but master the rules and you’ll have a lot of productive fishing to yourself.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Tarpon primer

Reel Time: The morning run

Reel Time: Cleanup celebrates World Ocean Day

Pulitzer Prize-winning author to speak

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

There has never been a more important time for residents of our Gulf coast region to understand the importance of the resource that brought us to the area and that fuels both our passion and our economy. This March, we’ll have the opportunity to learn about the history of our coast, the forces that shaped it and the threats that have transformed it from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jack Davis.

Jack Davis’s new novel, “The Gulf, The Making of An American Sea” is the grand, sweeping history of the whole Gulf of Mexico that can give insight into the need to protect the natural bounty we are surrounded by. Davis, a history professor at the University of Florida, won the Pulitzer Prize for history in 2018 and will be on hand at The Seafood Shack on Thursday, March 14 at 6 p.m. for a Fishing for Our Future fundraising event for the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author to speak
Participants at the Seafood Shack fundraising event will get a chance to meet the Pulitzer Prize-winning author while supporting the Florida Maritime Museum in Cortez. – Submitted

The dinner and author talk are a tremendous opportunity to learn from and ask questions of one of the most engaging authors I’ve read in many years. As I mentioned in a book review in a prior column, I have been captivated with the beauty and the fish that surround us and reading “Gulf” has expanded my vision of the coastal resources we are blessed with and given me the insight to see it with new eyes. For me reading “The Gulf” shined a brighter light on what we have, what we’ve lost and the importance of protecting it.

From the geological beginnings to the present day, we learn the history of the nearly 8 million acres and the native Americans that first inhabited it, followed by the Spanish explorers, the French, British and Cubans. The descriptions of the vast schools of fish and flocks of birds that would blacken the sky hint at the incredible diversity and density of marine life and wildlife that once inhabited the Gulf and its estuaries.

Davis recounts how the tarpon, not warm weather and white sand beaches, brought the first tourists to Florida. The great silver fish was the impetus that introduced wealthy adventurers, artists and, indirectly, a wave of tourists to the Gulf coast. The influx of humans into the Gulf region in the 1800s began a period of intense exploitation that continues to this day.

Davis recounts records of armed passenger tourists on the Ocklawaha River that shot birds and wildlife indiscriminately for sport. At the same time, the plume trade was responsible for the killing of huge numbers of birds Gulf-wide. During this same period, the harvesting of eggs from seabird nests exacerbated the decline of the once-vast flocks of birds. Davis paints a picture with words that makes it hard to overstate the effects of this dark period. Fortunately, the resulting outcry from conservationists and birders resulted in the creation of 51 bird sanctuaries and the founding of the National Audubon Society. Passage Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay is one of those sanctuaries.

As the history of the Gulf unfolded, the exploitation moved from birds to oil and then chemicals that devastated the coastal estuaries of Louisiana and Mississippi. Davis recounts the effects of pulp mills, oil spills and hurricanes before the rush of development that resulted in massive dredge and fill operations. “The Gulf” serves as a cautionary tale of the importance of protecting, preserving and enhancing the place we call home. The opportunity to meet Davis in person is one not to be missed.

For sponsorship and ticket information, visit The Florida Maritime Museum online. Ticket prices start at $45 and all proceeds up to $34,000 will be matched and benefit The Florida Maritime Museum.

More Real Time:

Reel Time: Clams restored to Manatee County waters

Reel Time: Push poles – a must in skinny water

Reel Time: A new direction for Florida’s marine environment

Reel Time: Push poles – a must in skinny water

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Archives.

Push poles are as essential as rods and reels to anglers who stalk the flats. They have evolved from wooden poling oars hewn from solid timber to technological wonders of carbon fiber, Kevlar and graphite. In the early years of flats fishing, short poles were all that were needed as anglers’ hunted fish in shallow waters, poling from the deck and the motors of their boats.

As flats boats evolved, elevated platforms allowed anglers to peer into deeper water, requiring longer poles to reach the bottom. Long wooden poles were too heavy and cumbersome and anglers searched for lighter poles to propel them across the flats. Tubular aluminum and Fiberglas poles were developed with Fiberglas becoming the material of choice.

Technological advances in rod design shifted from Fiberglas to graphite, and it wasn’t long before graphite push poles began replacing Fiberglas. Graphite is light, causes the angler to expend less energy and allows a skiff to be poled faster. This material is able to store more energy under a load, giving it a much faster recovery rate that puts energy into propelling the boat. Fiberglas poles have a lot of flex and recover more slowly. Graphite poles can be made stiff with much less material, creating a lighter, more dynamic product.

Push poles are critical when stalking fish early and late in the day. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Initially, these new poles were crafted of pure graphite, but due to the cost and problems with breakage, products were developed that blended graphite with Fiberglas. Now the carbon fibers are blended with epoxy resin. The new push poles incorporate the strength of fiberglass with the lightness and dynamics of graphite. It also lowered the price point of the pole. The two most popular lines are manufactured with cutting edge materials including Kevlar and carbon fiber, incorporating techniques that allow them to be made strong without Fiberglas.

One of the most popular brands on the market is made by Carbon Marine in Tampa, offering three models of push poles. The Mangrove is the company’s entry-level push pole manufactured from 56-inch sections of carbon fiber and epoxy resin tubing. The Mangrove is its least stiff push pole and the company claims it gives anglers the lightweight advantage of carbon fiber, compared to Fiberglas.

The mid-range push pole, the G2LR is considered the work-horse class push pole. It’s built from 8-foot sections of stiffer carbon fiber and epoxy resin. The G2LR is one of Carbon Marine’s stiffest push poles. It provides one-piece push pole performance at a lower price-point.

The G3LR is the top of the line, one-piece push pole. G3LR push poles are cured in an autoclave resulting in an extremely lightweight, strong push pole.

Another top contender is Stiffy Push Poles. The company claims the Stiffy brand push poles are the strongest on the market. Stiffy makes a full line of push poles for flats guides as well as kayakers. Its top of the line push pole, the Stiffy Guide Series, comes in sizes from 12 to 22 feet. The 20-foot model weighs in at 3 pounds, 1.25 ounces.

The points and forks of most major push poles do not vary significantly. Most are made from a specially formulated abrasion resistant plastic for longer wear. The majority of forks are a simple Y design. A better option is a fork with a tapered mud bar that runs between the legs of the fork. The best are cupped, widened in the center for support and designed to shed mud better than standard forks. They allow the angler more latitude when poling over a soft bottom, so less effort is expended pulling the pole out of the soft bottom.

Anglers who pole over hard bottoms can opt for a metal tip that screws into the end of the point. The tip grabs bottom, wears longer, and is easier to push into the bottom to hold the boat. An appropriate length of the push pole is best determined by the depth of the water generally encountered and the size of the angler’s boat. Eighteen to 24-foot poles are most common.

Push poles are one of the most important components of the modern flats boat. There are a wide variety of push poles on the market for every budget. Check the warranty and make sure that you can get quick service if you ever need to repair or replace the pole. The most expensive poles can cost $1,000 plus each so it’s a good idea to actually try a push pole before investing in one.

Push poles help you approach fish quietly – a big advantage as more and more boats ply the flats making fish more skittish and harder to approach. For more information, visit Carbon Marine’s site and Stiffy’s website.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: A new direction for Florida’s marine environment

Reel Time: The miracle of Matlacha

Reel Time: Sarasota Bay seagrasses take a big hit

Reel Time: Preparing for fall fishing

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

Fall is here even though it may not feel like it. We still have the windows and doors closed and the AC on, but the light and the cool mornings are teasing us with the promise of change.  The golden lining is the coming cooler weather, the passing of the red tide and hopefully some of the season’s best fishing. When you read this, a front will have just passed through and as water temperatures drop, schools of bait should 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 promise of fall, getting tackle in order and keeping an eye to the sky for diving birds and on the water for breaking fish. Fortunately, all of these species can be found right off our Gulf beaches and some even enter the bays. All of these species will take live bait, lures or flies and can be caught on spinning, baitcasting or fly tackle. With the possible exception of king mackerel and cobia, most are able to be landed with light tackle, which adds 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, multiple outfits are a good idea. One of the main considerations will be rigging your 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 away 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 get more action that way.

When using wire an eight- 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 as opposed to silver one 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 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 that 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 triple tail, 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 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!

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: The Zen of fishing

Reel Time: Yaz Crossing

Reel Time: Reflections

Reel Time: The Zen of fishing

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

The ancient word and concept of Zen have been co-opted to refer to things as diverse as a nail salon and a burger bar. The term comes from (massively oversimplified) a form of Eastern Meditation that stresses mindfulness and meditation but for our purposes, we’ll use the commonly accepted definition “absorption.” How you might ask does an ancient Chinese concept apply to fishing? Let me explain.

Over the years we’ve all noticed that there are more anglers on the water and, in many cases, there appears to be fewer fish to go around. When fish are present, say redfish, they are spookier and harder to approach. Over the years I’ve written about staking out holes on the flats and letting the fish come to you. More and more I’m reminded that this is a good way to find and entice fish as well as making the fishing day more relaxing. It’s amazing what you can notice when you slow down and become absorbed in the experience rather than running from place to place.

Reel Time The Zen of Fishing
This redfish fell for a stealthy, Zen-like approach on a flat in Tampa Bay. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

I was reminded of this principle during the past month on a trip to the mountains of North Georgia. Over the years I have trout fished a “trophy” trout stream at Smithgall Woods State Park near Helen. The stream, Dukes Creek, is managed by the State of Georgia and anglers in limited numbers are only allowed to fish there three days a week. The park is also an excellent place to bike and during my most recent trip there I did an afternoon of biking on a day when anglers weren’t on the water. Several times I parked the bike near the stream and just sat next to a tree and observed. It only took about five minutes for the section of stream I was sitting by, seemingly devoid of fish when I arrived, to suddenly come alive as smaller and then larger trout swirled into view, taking up stations at the edges of the eddies and along undercut banks. Any other day I would have probably waded into the stream slowly but not mindfully. Then and there I resolved to change my fishing procedure both in Georgia and in the home waters around Anna Maria Island.

Here’s a way of incorporating this principal when fishing local waters. When you find an area you intend to fish be methodical about covering the region. First anchor your boat at least a hundred yards from where you intend to fish. Then try a combination of slow wading and standing in place motionlessly where you have a good view of the flat. It’s critical to make as little noise as possible so don’t rattle the anchor chain or bang around in the boat. Take your time getting to the area you intend to fish. Move slowly to avoid pushing a wake and a pressure wave. When casting start by working the near side of a hole and pay special attention to the ends that generally feature deeper water over grass. Although they tend to be harder to fish, partly cloudy days are generally better than bluebird skies. If it clouds up stand still and wait for a patch of sunshine to light up the flats. Remember fish move around and just because you don’t find them on a particular tide doesn’t mean they won’t show up.

There are no sure things as far as I know but fish or not I’m guessing you will be more relaxed at the end of the day and more insightful. Turn the ancient art form of Zen into a well-reasoned outing. The worst-case scenario? You’ll burn less fuel!

More Reel Time

Reel Time: Yaz Crossing

Reel Time: Reflections

Reel Time: Sarasota Bay Watch active during red tide

Reel Time: Yaz Crossing

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

The Gulf and flats that surround Anna Maria Island were just a day’s drive to the south, but they felt a world away as we made our way down the steps at Yaz Crossing to the banks of the Chattahoochee River near Sautee Nacoochee in the north Georgia mountains.

Descending the crooked wooden stairs, fly rods tucked under our arms, our guide Wes McElroy chuckled as he told us how the area got its name. It happened when a local angler nicknamed Yaz took an unplanned swim while fording the river on a cold winter’s day. Now for better or worse, the mishap was forever immortalized.

I was spending the day with my good friend Bob Seeger, a North Georgia transplant from Longboat Key. Whenever my wife, Chris, and I vacation in the area, we set up a fishing trip, a tradition now for over five years. There are many local trout streams in the Georgia foothills and mountains that have a mix of public and private waters.

reel time Unicoi Outfitters
Unicoi Outfitters guide Wes McElroy and Bob Seeger hold two rainbow trout from the waters of the Chattahoochee River. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Some, like the stretch of the river we were fishing today, hold trophy trout as well as good numbers of smaller rainbow and brown trout. This trip we were fishing out of Unicoi Outfitters, one of Georgia’s oldest and most respected full-service fly shops.

Once we were by the river, McElroy rigged our five-weight rods with nymph patterns. These flies mimic the aquatic life stage of insects like stoneflies and mayflies that begin their lives in the river. While I have always preferred fishing dry flies, the reality is that most of the time nymphs make up 90 percent of a trout’s diet. The time to switch to dry flies is when the nymphs emerge from the river and fly away as adult insects.

For anglers like me, there is a fallback.  Although experienced anglers can fish nymphs and detect a strike when their fly line pauses or stops, most anglers use a strike indicator.  This consists of a small cork or piece of floating yarn that is tied above the fly. This gives neophyte anglers a more visual reference when a trout picks up the subsurface offering. My fall back was to use a dry fly as an indicator with a nymph suspended below. Whether the fly is rigged below a traditional indicator or a dry fly, the depth the nymph is fished is calculated by approximating the depth of the water and adding 50 percent to the leader.

We started out fishing a run that tailed out in a pool. Wes positioned Bob along the river and then me about 50 feet further upstream. It didn’t take Bob but four casts to hook a beautiful 18-inch rainbow trout. Three casts later and my nymph was taken by a trout a bit smaller than Bob’s. When either of us hooked a fish, Wes was right there to net them. He was also readily available when we got hooked in a tree or tangled our line around the rod. Besides helping with equipment, he was constantly coaching us on how to maximize a drift or pointing out a particular area that would hold trout.

With my new appreciation of nymphing I put what I had learned into practice,  and by being quicker with my hook set, started catching fish on every third or fourth cast. During our afternoon of fishing, we moved no more than four times and probably caught and released 20 plus fish each. The afternoon had started out cloudy with light showers and progressively improved.  When we left the water at five p.m., the sky had cleared and the temperatures dropped to a delightfully cool 65 degrees.

If you are new to the sport or unfamiliar with a stream, I highly recommend a guide. It’s money well spent. Some amazing stream fishing for trout is only a day’s drive away from Anna Maria Island.

If you find yourself in the area, give Unicoi Outfitters a call. They have a  beautifully stocked full-service fly shop with private water on the Chattahoochee right out their door. They can also arrange trips for native shoal bass and striped bass on nearby streams and lakes. Check out their website at www.unicoioutfitters.com.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Reflections

Reel Time: Sarasota Bay Watch active during red tide

Reel Time on the road: Fishing the South Georgia coast

Cortez flea 1024 rope

Old salts enjoy the Cortez Nautical Flea Market

Written by Cindy Lane on . Posted in Entertainment, Markets.

From rigging to radios, all things nautical were on sale at the 21st Annual Cortez Nautical Flea Market at the Florida Maritime Museum on Saturday. Live music by local acts, including one who played for 15 years with Lynyrd Skynyrd (on his turntable at home) entertained the crowds, shopping for dive vests, fishing poles, lures, antique lanterns and vintage anchors.

Bob Hageman was on hand with his fishing poles. - Cindy Lane | Sun

Bob Hageman was on hand with his fishing poles. - Cindy Lane | Sun

Everything from rope to marine radios was for sale or trade at the 21st Annual Cortez Nautical Flea Market at the Florida Maritime Museum on Saturday. - Cindy Lane | Sun

Everything from rope to marine radios was for sale or trade at the 21st Annual Cortez Nautical Flea Market at the Florida Maritime Museum on Saturday. - Cindy Lane | Sun

Handmade cigar box guitars, both acoustic and electric, were a popular item. - Cindy Lane | Sun

Handmade cigar box guitars, both acoustic and electric, were a popular item. - Cindy Lane | Sun

A sailboat sale drew attention at the market. - Cindy Lane | Sun

A sailboat sale drew attention at the market. - Cindy Lane | Sun

 

Red Tide Banyas Request

Red tide fishing request denied

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Fishing, Outdoors.

CORTEZ – Commercial fisherman and Cortez businessman John Banyas came up short in his attempt to get the state-issued special activity license that he sought to harvest mullet and thread fin herring threatened by red tide.

On Wednesday, Sept. 26, Banyas went to Tallahassee to make his appeal to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) during their commission meeting.

“I spoke and they listened to me. They understood exactly where I was coming from and what I saying. The commission thought it was a good idea, and they referred me to their legal counsel after the meeting,” Banyas said after returning home.

“I sat down and talked with them, and we tried to find a way to make it happen. When they reviewed the paperwork and tried to find a legal way to do it, they really couldn’t find one. They said we’d have to change the Florida Constitution and the amendment for the net ban (enacted in the 1990s). The three-mile fishing line is written in the Constitution, so I’d have to try to change the Constitution in order to do it. That isn’t really feasible, so I pretty much ran into a wall, but I feel good about trying,” Banyas said.

“They understood I was trying to help and trying to do the right thing. I got to meet with the FWC commissioners face to face, and they really wanted to help. I showed them the $25,000 check from the recent long table fundraising event we did on the beach that raised money for Mote Marine and START,” he added.

Banyas sought the special activity license to use a 500-square-foot nylon net with a two-to-four-and-a-half-inch mesh size to harvest mullet. He also sought state permission to use one-inch mesh purse seine nets at one mile out instead of three miles out, but only within five miles of a red tide outbreak or an anticipated red tide outbreak, as determined by FWC.

Banyas thinks it makes sense to catch and use the fish before the red tide kills them, and he felt this approached could be used in future years, beyond any red tide outbreaks currently taking place.

Before Banyas attended the FWC meeting, the Bradenton Beach City Commission agreed the city would serve as the license holder for those limited fishing activities. Banyas sought the City Commission’s assistance because a special activity license permit can only be issued to a municipality, a research organization or an educational organization. The village of Cortez is in Manatee County and does not have its own city government.

“My concern is to utilize the fish before they are wasted,” Banyas told Bradenton Beach commissioners in early September. He had already received letters of support from the Manatee County Commission and Congressman Vern Buchanan and had reached out to State Sen. Bill Galvano as well.

Related Coverage

Special license sought to lessen red tide fish kills

Restaurateurs combat red tide

catch and release moore

Local captains support catch-and-release order

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Fishing, Outdoors.

ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Local charter fishing captains support the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) executive order that temporarily imposes catch-and-release restrictions on snook and redfish because of red tide.

Issued by the FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton on August 30, the executive order applies from the northernmost point of Anna Maria Island in Manatee County to Gordon Pass in Naples and Collier County.

Sutton’s order is scheduled for review and additional discussion at the FWC Commission’s Sept. 26 meeting.

“I support Eric Sutton’s decision to implement the executive order as we continue to manage this world-class fishery for future generations. We will continue working with our partners and will evaluate next steps at our commission meeting,” FWC Chairman Bo Rivard said in the FWC news release.

“We’ve seen the devastation of redfish and snook populations in southwest Florida and we support the catch-and-release initiative taken by FWC,” said Brian Gorski, executive director of the Coastal Conservation Association Florida (CCA).

“We’ve heard support from members and guides throughout the state who also understand the need for such a change to ensure that generations to come can enjoy the thrill of catching one of these iconic species.”

Local reaction

Holmes Beach resident charter fishing Captain Scott Moore has been fishing the local waters near Anna Maria Island for more than 40 years, and he supports the catch-and-release order.

“If they limit snook and redfish to catch-and-release for one season, that will give those fish a chance to rebound and it won’t hurt anybody economically. There’s plenty of other fish to eat. We’ve got mackerel, beautiful mangrove snapper, trout and other fish that are eatable. With my customers, we’ll go catch and release a few snooks and then we’ll go catch some snapper and Spanish mackerel to take home to eat,” Moore said.

“From Tampa Bay south, the reoccurring red tide has really knocked down the population of snook and redfish. What we want to do is give them a break and preserve what’s out there so they can spawn,” he said.

“Snooks, from here south, had significant brood stock snook killed because of the time of the year we had the red tide. In June, they had horrific red tides south of here and it killed those fish that were spawning in the passes. Right now, redfish are going out in the Gulf to spawn, which I’m very concerned about. Redfish spawn in September, October and into November. If that red tide is lying offshore it will kill the brood stock,” Moore said.

Local charter Captain Nate Weismann supports the catch-and-release order.

“I do not allow clients to harvest snook, and starting about nine months ago, I stopped keeping redfish as well. I just don’t feel good killing these fish given the number of them here locally. Redfish stocks have seemed to decline sharply in the last several years. I would’ve loved to see the FWC extend the emergency closure to trout as well,” he said.

Weissman said he’s seen a 75 percent decline in business in August and September due to the red tide.

“It literally happened overnight,” he said.

Local charter Captain Carson Wooten supports the catch-and-release order.

“It’s a positive thing for the fishery in our area. For me, it doesn’t really make a difference as far as it being closed on those two species. I always encourage catch-and-release on my charters anyways, but if they want to keep a couple fish, there are plenty of other fish to keep such as trout, snapper, mackerel and flounder,” he said.

Captain Lance Plowman said the catch-and-release order does not impact Cortez Deep Sea Fishing and others whose fishing excursions go much further out in the Gulf.

“You’ll see redfish sometimes at three miles out, but snook you don’t really catch past the beach. They go out deep and spawn, but you don’t really catch them out there.”

When asked how the red tide is impacting the local deep sea fishing industry, Plowman said, “Other than people not being here, it’s not affecting us at all.”