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Reel Time on The Road: The Center for Coastal Studies

Reel Time on The Road: The Center for Coastal Studies

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

On a trip to Cape Cod for a fam­ily wedding in July, my wife, Christine, and I were invited by Jeanne Leszczynski to tour the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown. Leszczynski, a friend from Longboat Key, is a longtime supporter of the Center and serves on the executive committee.

Founded in 1976 by Dr. Graham Giese, Dr. Charles “Stormy” Mayo, and Dr. Barbara Shuler Mayo, the three scientists brought together their expertise in geology and marine biology to establish a member supported nonprofit dedicated to understanding, preserving, and protecting marine ecosystems and coastal environments through applied research, education and public policy.

The Center grew from a small attic-based science program in 1971 to a 12,000-square-foot state-of-the-art marine laboratory that employs 40 staff members and is sustained by dozens of adjunct and citizen scien­tists today.

During that time the Center has branched out from wave and erosion studies to seabed mapping, whale biology, seal and fisheries monitoring, water quality monitoring, marine debris response and entanglement rescue. Some of the CCS’s premier focus is currently on whale research and includes:

  • Humpback Whale Studies: One of the world’s longest-running baleen whale monitoring programs;
  • Right Whale Ecology: Critical work studying North Atlantic right whales, a species with critically low population numbers (fewer than 372 individu­als). They see 80% of them annually in Cape Cod Bay;
  • MAER (Marine Animal Entangle­ment Response): Globally recognized whale-and-sea-turtle disentanglement team operating 24/7; they train other nations’ responders and design tools used worldwide; and
  • Marine Debris and “Ghost Gear” Removal: CCS coordinates cleanups across Cape communities, tracks trash via “Beach Brigade” volunteers and received $2.7M NOAA funding for debris recovery across the Gulf of Maine.

Another focus of the Center is on education and community engagement. They offer guided nature programs like “Science in the Harbor” aboard Dolphin Fleet boats blending sonar map­ping, marine wildlife, habitat data and coastal history. They also host public outreach events (e.g. Massachusetts Right Whale Day), winter lecture series, school programs and hands-on field walks reaching over 20,000 people annually.

The tour was led by the Center’s Development Director Sue Nickerson, who has been very instrumental in the organiza­tion’s outreach and growth. “As luck would have it” Suncoast Waterkeeper’s newest board member and the new development committee chair Tom Waite (who has a summer home in Mashpee) was able to join us for the tour.

The Center, located at Five Holway Avenue in Provincetown, houses the Hiebert Marine Laboratory and features an impressive 37-foot skeleton of a humpback whale named Spinnaker. The whale, which was found dead after being disentangled multiple times by the Center’s staff is a poignant reminder of the Center’s critical work.

During the tour we got an inside look at the Center’s current work and were hosted by the lead scientists in the different depart­ments. Everyone was impressed by the dedication of the those work­ing there and the science being done. If you’re on the Cape, a visit to the Center is an experience you won’t soon forget, one that will inspire you to be part of the effort to preserve our marine world for current and future generations.

Mangrove Rangers celebrate

Mangrove Rangers celebrate

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

In 2024, Suncoast Waterkeeper (SCWK) launched its Mangrove Rangers program to train local volunteers as community scientists using drones to survey and map the health of these essential coastal “forest” in vulner­able areas of Manatee County. SCWK realized the importance of educating the public and policy makers on the fact that mangroves continue to face strain from unchecked development, habitat destruc­tion, and rising sea levels.

Mangroves are essential nurseries for most commercial and recreational fisheries, are habitat for birds, maintain water quality, sequester carbon and protect coastal properties against wind, storm surges and waves generated by hurricanes. Despite their importance, mangroves continue to be strained by unsustainable coastal growth, habitat destruction, and rising sea levels.

With the generous support of the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, the program is now entering its second year, and the Rangers are now sharing the data from their surveys.

“Mangrove forests are among the most vital and productive ecosystems on the Suncoast.

Recognizing their importance, state law protects mangrove trees, but protection on paper is not enough,” explains Dr. Abbey Tyrna, executive director and waterkeeper of Suncoast Waterkeeper. “These ecosys­tems are under mounting pressure from development, seawall construction, sea level rise and increased runoff. Ongoing, consistent monitoring is crucial for understanding how mangroves respond to these threats and for ensuring their continuing health for future generations.”

The data was unveiled on July 26 on World Mangrove Day at a celebration party for volunteers at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron on City Island. The data, which revealed the reduced function of trimmed mangroves, offer residents, advocates and policymakers an updated picture of the health, vulnerability and extent of mangroves in Manatee County.

The hope is that by establishing real, localized data on mangrove forests, everyone can better understand what is being lost and help enact laws that better protect what remains. According to SCWK’s research, Manatee County has already lost many acres of mangroves, which are often replaced with seawalls, fill and turfgrass. While Florida’s Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act of 1996 has curbed violations, significant gaps remain in protecting these ecosystems from further degradation.

For the Mangrove Rangers, this data is part of a broader push to move from reac­tive enforcement to proactive conservation and securing the future of Manatee County mangroves before it’s too late.

This program and its findings should be a wake-up call for local anglers on the importance of getting involved in protecting this critical habitat that is essential to preserving the future of fishing for future generations, i.e., our children and grandchildren. To learn more about the Mangrove Rangers Program, visit and consider joining and becoming a part of this forward looking work.
Learn more about the program at the Suncoast Waterkeeper website.

 

In fishing, as in life, just be nice

In fishing, as in life, just be nice

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

When was the last time you got upset when you were on the water? Was it when someone cut you off while you were poling a shoreline, or maybe when they motored up to that school of tarpon you had been positioning yourself well ahead of? Maybe it was someone who had gotten a little too close to where you’re anchored and fishing, i.e., in your “comfort zone.”

If you were like me, your first reaction might have been to get upset or even to throw your hands up and yell expletives. It took a long time for me to realize that strategy only upset me and often made the situation worse. To give you an example, I would be set up on a line on the beach waiting for tarpon when a Jet Ski would appear and run back and forth right on the line the tarpon were traveling. My first response was to get upset, throw my hands up in a one finger salute and yell something like, “Hey, ******* it’s a big Gulf of Mexico out there!” That kind of a response was most often met with a return of my salute and multiple close passes just out of casting range.

Now, I wave them over and tell them what a nice day it is to be on the water. Then I explain what I’m doing and politely ask them to stay clear of my fishing lane. Almost always they respond with an apology and explain that they didn’t realize what I was doing.

The same goes for those times when I’m fishing inshore and another angler gets in my “comfort zone.” It’s important to realize that we have no idea what’s going on with the other anglers we’re sharing the water with. They could be fishing to eat, indulging a passion, finding solace from a traumatic experi­ence, enjoying a day with friends and family, or just getting some relaxation. We all get caught up in our fishing at times and let our awareness drift as we stalk a school of fish or head to the next spot we’re going to target. Most anglers start out with areas in mind where they’ve caught fish before, and more often these days we either find someone there or nearby. All too often, this can mean that fishermen get crowded together, which has the potential to ruin everyone’s experience. There are lots of places to fish, so if you find someone else nearby, move on to another location. You may even find that you discover fish or a fishing spot you didn’t know about.

I generally hunt fish by poling in shallow water or in schools along the beaches. When I encounter another angler, I either ask them if it’s OK to pass or just give them a wide berth. Most everyone appreciates this gesture and will tell you to proceed, but sometimes they want you to stay completely away, even if there’s little chance of disturbing the action. If this is the case, I don’t argue, I just move on. Even though I don’t fish offshore, I know that many anglers work hard to find a ledge or hard bottom where they target fish and they carefully guard it, never overfishing it. One of the worst things they experience is anglers who look for spots that others are fishing. Most often they don’t have the same respect as the original angler and mark the spot on their GPS, returning later to catch every fish they can. If care isn’t taken, it’s possible to ruin a good hole by overfishing it.

Fishing schooling species like tarpon, Spanish mackerel, little tunny and kingfish requires a stealthy approach; savvy anglers work the edges of a school where they know predators patrol for prey. They understand that a careful approach is their best chance of success. Anglers who don’t know the ropes often troll right through schools of baitfish and breaking fish, causing them to sound and ruining the action for everyone. When anglers take the time to consider others on the water, everyone wins.

Fishing should be fun, and with a little consider­ation, it can be. When you’re on the water, make it a habit to stay well away from other anglers and if you encounter someone who isn’t playing by those rules, move on. Show them the courtesy they don’t show you.

Who will protect our children’s future?

Who will protect our children’s future?

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

Every time I hear a new angler say, “Wow, this place is paradise,” it takes me back to the early 80s when I met Capt. Scott Moore and began fishing Suncoast waters. I had much the same response so many years ago, and while this place is still a paradise, I’m all too aware of the changes I’ve seen over four-plus decades and how they’ve im­pacted the fishing and habitat that brought us here in the first place.

Those changes haven’t all been bad because prior to environ­mental regulation (1940s-70s), canal dredging, port expansion, causeway construction, spoil islands, seawalls, marina con­struction and urban runoff had contributed to an estimated loss of over 6,000 acres of seagrass in Sarasota Bay and 40,000 acres in Tampa Bay.

Neighborhoods like Key Royale on Anna Maria Island, County Club Shores on Longboat Key and Bird Key in Sarasota are just a few of the developments that filled seagrass meadows, destroyed mangroves and increased turbidity in bay waters, blocking light from remaining seagrass beds.

From the early 80s through the early 90s, recovery began with the creation of the Tampa Bay Na­tional Estuary Program (TBEP) in 1983. The start of coordinated nitrogen reduction plans began in Tampa Bay in 1987. In 1991, the Sarasota Bay National Estuary Program (SBEP) was established and in 1995, regional agencies adopted a seagrass restoration goal of 38,000 acres which was based on 1950s mapping.

Early results from these efforts included improved wastewater treatment, fertilizer and stormwa­ter regulations as well as a public and political focus on the health of local estuaries. At the peak of the recovery between the early 2000s and 2015, Tampa Bay recovered over 40,000 acres of seagrass, which exceeded the restoration goals. Meanwhile Sarasota Bay experienced a steady increase in seagrass coverage to over 13,000 acres by 2016.

During this same period, alarmed anglers organized and formed the Florida Conservation Association (now the Coastal Conservation Association), which began establishing chapters in Florida to lobby for protection of species like trout, redfish and snook. That effort began locally in 1985 with the establishment of the Manatee chapter, and in 1986 with the Sarasota chapter, the state’s fifth and sixth chapters. Those years between the early 80s and 2016 gave anglers a reason to celebrate achievements that included redfish’s designation as a protected species in 1991 and the Florida net ban in 1995.

Unfortunately, those improvements ended between 2016 and 2020 when warming waters, high rainfall, algae blooms, development pressures and hurricanes like Irma contributed to increased runoff and turbidity. That trend only intensified from 2020 to 2024 and resulted in an estimated loss of 2,000-plus acres in Sarasota Bay (a nearly 20% decline) and over 10,000 acres in Tampa Bay. While there were many factors that contributed to the loss, the 2021 release of over 200 million gallons of nutrient-rich water from Piney Point exacerbated an already serious decline.

At a time when there should have been serious measures enacted to reverse this decline, just the opposite occurred when commissioners in Manatee County voted (against the will of the citizens) to actually reduce wetland setbacks for developers. This blatant disregard of the public resulted in the replacement of commissioners that voted at the will of developers when they were up for reelection in 2024.

When the newly-formed commission attempted to reverse the rule reducing wetland setbacks, they were challenged by state agencies while the Florida Legislature was in the process of enacting SB170/HB 1515 in May 2025. Dubbed “The Mother of All Preemptions,” the bill automatically suspends any local ordinance as soon as it’s legally challenged, even before courts decide on its validity. This bill allows developers or businesses to sue local govern­ments and seek reimbursement for legal costs (up to $50,000), creating a deterrent against passing locally driven rules.

This isn’t or shouldn’t be a political issue, but it clearly shines a light on the need for every citizen to be informed about and involved in decisions being made at the local, state and national level that affect them and future generations. Call it “enlightened self interest.” The choice determines who directs the future of the natural resources that form the basis of our environmental and economic future. We either get involved and vote for leaders who protect a future for our children or let our inaction fuel the greed and power struggles that will dominate in our absence.

Invest in catch and release

Invest in catch and release

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

The ethic of catch and release isn’t a new concept. Even in the early part of the 20th century, far-sighted anglers could see the potential for depleted fisheries. Over the last couple of decades, I thought it should be apparent to today’s anglers that there isn’t an inexhaustible well of fish in our waters. We’ve worked to make redfish a gamefish and fought battles to limit netting while making a commitment to be better stewards by agreeing to reasonable restrictions on size and bag limits. We’ve been better educated in the press and at the docks about limiting our catch and being less concerned about catching our limit.

After all the time and energy that concerned anglers spent in the 90s and early 2000s fighting to protect our fisheries, it seemed we had “rounded a corner.” Now it’s apparent that the job is never done as an influx of anglers, loss of habitat, climate change and water quality issues continue to pressure Florida’s fisheries. This makes it even more important to educate everyone on the importance of protecting the marine environ­ment, and anglers in particular on catch and release tools.

For anglers who worked hard in the past to protect fisheries, the job is never done. It’s important that we make sure the “release ethic” continues by inspiring new generations of anglers. It’s also important to continue to educate anglers on proper release techniques so they can release fish that are out of season, unwanted or undersized. Effective tools and procedures exist to assure that when properly handled, the major­ity of fish we release will survive to reproduce and fight again.

A fish’s chances of survival will be greatest if they are played to the boat and released quickly without removing them from the water. One of the easiest ways to assure this is to flatten the barbs on hooks. If constant pressure is applied during a fight, the hook will not back out. Once the fish is at boat side, it can be easily released without ever touching it using a “dehooker.”

Use proper tackle, de-barb hooks and be prepared to release fish quickly. Fishing is a great experi­ence and deserves to be passed along to future generations. Catch and release is a good investment in a prosperous fishing future, but it’s an ethic that needs to be passed along to new generations of anglers.

Jack crevalle - the ultimate underappreciated adversary

Jack crevalle – the ultimate underappreciated adversary

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

Jack crevalle are often underappreciated but are one of the toughest targets an angler will encounter. These tenacious juggernauts are not sought after by most anglers.

The majority of jacks are caught by anglers fishing for trout, redfish, snook and other species. Small jack crevalle are even considered “trash” fish by many anglers. Once they hook one over 5 pounds, they usually have a new apprecia­tion of these “bulldogs” of the sea.

During the summer months, it’s not uncommon to see large schools of big jack crevalle along local beaches when tarpon fishing. They cruise in packs, pursuing schools of baitfish. While even small jacks can put up a feisty battle, larger members of the species are incredibly challenging.

A big jack on the west coast will run about 15-20 pounds and can put up an awe-inspiring fight. It’s not uncommon for a 10- to 15-pound fish to wage a long battle even on a 12-weight fly rod used for tarpon.

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate these marauders, and while I don’t usually target them, I never turn down a cast at a big fish. When you encounter large schools of fish, the best choice of lures is a popper. There’s something about the disturbance on the surface that drives them wild. Catching one on a fly meant for a tarpon is another challenge, but there’s a trick to enticing them.

On numerous occasions, I have fished the edges of a school of feeding jacks only to have them inspect and turn down my flies. After a little experimenting, I found the “secret” was to toss the fly into the center of the school and to strip as fast as possible. The fact that the fly is surrounded by jacks seems to kick in competition and the fly is usually taken after only a couple of strips. Once the hook is set, jack crevalle make long head-shaking runs before settling into a circling pattern where they use their wide bodies to put up as much resistance as possible. The battle is usually won when the angler is able to get their heads out of the water, robbing them of much of their power. Even after an exhausting battle, they are easily revived and seem relatively unscathed by the experience.

On occasion, local anglers will encoun­ter big jacks schooled under local bridges to the Gulf. They will attack a plug, popper or other noisy lure with a ferocity that’s awe inspiring but are tough to control before they can make a run under the structure and are lost on the barnacle-studded bridge pilings.

A trick anglers can employ is having a fellow angler toss a hook-less ‘teaser” under the bridge to pull them away from the structure. Then it’s possible to get them under “control” before they can reach structure. Jacks don’t have teeth, so a heavy leader isn’t necessary, but they don’t seem to be particularly leader shy. When one is hooked, it needs to be fought just like a tarpon, with maximum pressure from the time of the take until they are ready to land. When they travel the beach, they are usually in large schools; while inshore, they are more likely to roam in pairs or small schools.

If you think jacks aren’t worth the effort, cast a popper to a school of big fish sometime and try to keep it away from them. I guarantee you’ll have a new appreciation for this underappreci­ated predator.

The apex of angling: Part two

The apex of angling: Part two

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

Last week we discussed the basics of fly fishing for tarpon; now we want to discuss the all-important details.

Once set up, the angler must be able to make a 40- to 50-foot cast to a location the size of a dinner plate. Placement of the fly cannot be overemphasized because tarpon will seldom vary a foot or two from their path to eat a fly.

Although there is always the rare exception, a fly must never travel in a path towards the intended target or stop when a tarpon gives chase. A tarpon’s prey species wouldn’t survive long if it moved towards its aggressor or stopped during pursuit and tarpon know it. Besides moving away from the fish, the fly must move at the proper pace and be at the proper depth. Conversely you can’t move the fly too fast, taking it out of a tarpon’s range. It’s a matter of learning to “read” the fish.

If all this wasn’t demanding enough, once a tarpon decides to eat the fly, the angler’s mettle is tested. Tarpon are not trout and attempting to raise the rod to set the hook is a cardinal mistake. Fortunately once a tarpon decides to eat the fly, there’s no need to make a lighting fast hook set. The right set is called a “strip strike” which involves letting the line come tight and immediately setting the hook with a combination of the line hand and the rod. The angler must at once work to set the hook in the cement-like jaw while being ready for the fish to bolt away from the boat.

After the initial hook set, attention must go im­mediately to clearing the line (getting the loose line off the deck). In most cases the angler has been stripping in line when the fish bites and the hook is set. That line can easily foul on the angler, the rod or the reel. The angler must take their attention from the fish to the line at their feet. By holding the rod away from your body and letting the excess line pass through the stripping hand through a circle made with the thumb and the forefinger, there is less chance of the line fouling. Once the line is “on the reel,” the hook should be set with several more strip strikes, using the rod.

If this wasn’t enough to remember, it’s critical to apply maximum pressure to the tarpon during the fight, yielding only on jumps when the angler thrusts the rod forward to relieve pressure on the line. This prevents the tarpon from breaking off if it lands on a taut line. This maneuver is known as “bowing to the king.”

It’s customary to start the engine and get as close to the tarpon as possible after the initial and subsequent long runs. This allows the angler to apply maximum pressure. If a tarpon is 100 yards from the boat, the stretch of the line makes it impossible to apply any real pressure.

If you’re looking for a good jump shot, here’s a great tip: When a tarpon makes any long run, motor to it, applying only enough pressure to make sure the hook doesn’t dislodge. As soon as you are in place, frame the shot you want and then have the angler apply maximum pressure. Most times the tarpon will make a jump that’s close enough to the boat to get the angler and the fish in the shot. It’s not a sure thing, but when it works it can present an awesome photographic opportunity.

Finally, don’t try and rush the tarpon when it gets near the end of the fight. Keep the pressure on but don’t clamp down and try to force the fish to the boat. Catching a tarpon on the fly is a challenging endeavor, one of angling’s ultimate tests, and well worth the effort when you finally get that first fish boatside for a photograph.

Related coverage:
The apex of angling: Part one

The apex of angling

The apex of angling

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

Tarpon, the premier gamefish that swim local waters in late spring and summer, can weigh over 200 pounds and average from 80-100 pounds. While most anglers pursue them on conventional tackle, a grow­ing number of fly fishers are targeting them in Tampa Bay along the shallow Gulf coast and the local sandbars that bookend the local passes. Tarpon on fly tackle isn’t a game of numbers and the anglers who pursue them often spend hours on the bow in the hot summer sun for a chance at a hookup.

Fly tackle should be stout enough to challenge these powerful gamefish that are renowned for their spectacular aerial acrobatics and long fast runs. Serious anglers hoping to land one opt for an 11- or 12-weight outfit and carefully tied leaders with 60- to 80-pound bite tippet. While it might seem like a difficult task to land a tarpon on the fly, someone who knows the limits of their tackle can actually land a tarpon in a surprisingly short time. The key is to apply maximum pressure from the hookup and never let up. Too many anglers “baby” their tarpon in a misguided attempt to land them. The truth is that the longer you fight a tarpon the better chance you have of losing them.

A properly tied tarpon leader usually runs between 10-12 feet and is tapered. It includes a class tippet from 16-20 pounds that is doubled at both ends to soften the (shock) impact of the larger leader (40-60 pounds) it’s tied to. Flies vary from the classic splayed feather “Key’s” style to more complex designs like the “Toad,” and the wildly popular Palolo worm fly. Although the worm hatch is a Florida Keys phenomenon, tarpon everywhere seem attracted to them. This fly and many others are best presented to a tarpon with a two-handed strip. Some fly anglers are not concerned with actually landing a tarpon, preferring to just enjoy the hunt, the hook up and the jumps that usually follow the hook set. They use light bite tippets which allow the tarpon to work through the leader with their abrasive mouths. The key to getting the bite is a properly tied fly that tracks naturally and the accuracy of the cast. The fly must be placed perfectly, move in a precise direction relative to the fish and be at the proper (fishes’) depth. Even when all of these factors come together, there’s still about a 50% chance that the tarpon will reject the fly.

Patience is another critical factor when fly fishing for tarpon. The most successful anglers find the edge of a sandbar or other underwater feature that tarpon track, deploy a release anchor in casting range and wait. Sometimes tarpon come at a steady rate, but just as often there are long periods of time when the only thing to look at is the water and the bottom. This really separates the great anglers from the good anglers. There are times when you need to move but knowing when and where is a skill that is developed, if ever mastered. There are times when poling might be more effective but experience has taught me to only move when a school of fish requires a short distance off anchor for a shot. Next week: Part Two.

Reel Time on the Road: A Drift on the Chattahoochee

Reel Time on the Road: A Drift on the Chattahoochee

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

“Eventually all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” Norman Maclean, “A River Runs Through It”

I have always had a fascination with rivers. As an angler more at home in saltwater, rivers are an enigma of sorts. Flowing rivers are often metaphorically used in life by spiritual masters like Buddha and Gandhi. One of those rivers, the Chattahoochee, flows near our cabin in Sautee.

I have fished the upper reaches of the river for years but only recently was introduced to a “lower” section of the river about 15 miles downstream from Helen, Georgia. Last week, my wife and I floated the river from the Highway 115 bridge to Wildwood Outfitters at the foot of the Duncan Loop Bridge. The trip along the river is like a liquid hike, showcasing some of the most picturesque features of the Unicoi Mountain foothills.

Dense forests cascade down steep slopes lined with garlands of mountain laurel, wild roses and multicolored wildflowers. The river has exposed metamorphic and igneous rock that date from the Precambrian to the early Paleozoic period, approximately 1 billion to 450 million years ago. The tapestry of brightly colored flowers, trees flush with springs green leaves and the ancient boulders wrapped in lichens were a feast for the eye and a bit of a distraction for an angler.

Our guide, Wes McElroy, of Unicoi Outfitters in Helen, introduced me to the river a couple of years ago (as reported in Reel Time in 2022). Since then, it has been on my A-list when we visit the area; and on this trip, I wanted to introduce my wife, Christine, to the river’s natural bounty. We didn’t plan this as a fishing trip, as I have always done before, because I wanted to enjoy the beauty of the float as well as get in a bit of fishing too.

The shole bass we targeted on this part of the river are bedding in May and require the knowledge of a seasoned guide like McElroy to locate. As a native Georgia freshwater fish species, shole bass are primarily found in the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers and are often confused with largemouth bass. When the bass are on the bed guarding their new brood, they don’t feed actively but a well-placed cast will elicit a defensive strike. McElroy has developed a keen eye for the areas where shole bass make their beds so we interspersed some targeted casts along the way. Over a four-hour float, we managed to get a number of strikes and caught two large shole bass.

One of the catches happened as I was casting from a sandy bank where we had beached the boat. I hooked a nice male that spit the hook; and figuring it was guarding a bed, I made another cast in the same direction. On the retrieve, I felt a tap and suddenly saw a large female tracking my lure up the sand bank. It made several lunges before it tipped up and took the imitation. Following McElroy’s advice, I waited a split second before setting the hook. The fish made several short hard runs before thrashing at the surface and giving McElroy an opportunity to net it. After several quick pictures, we revived the fish and set it free.

Getting a chance to actually sight-fish a shole bass in the river’s swift current was an experience I’ll never forget, and a fitting end to a beautiful day in the mountains of north Georgia. If you ever find yourself in this part of the world, I highly recommend a float down one of the south’s most beautiful rivers.

To get information on fishing the area, or to book a trip, contact McElroy at Unicoi Outfitters, 706-878-3083 or check out their web site, www.unicoioutfitters.com.

Here’s a short video from Rusty’s Chattahoochee River drift.

Reel Time on the Road: Fishing The Soque

Reel Time on the Road: Fishing The Soque

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

The Soque River is a 30-mile-long tributary of the Chattahoochee River in northeastern Georgia whose watershed, headwaters and mouth lie entirely in Habersham County.

The river has a vibrant heritage dating back to the Native American tribes that originally inhabited the region. The name “Soque” is said to be derived from the Cherokee word for “raccoon” because the area was known for its profusion of raccoons.

The river played a major role in the early settlement of the region by providing water for agriculture, industry and transportation. In the 19th century, the river powered sawmills, grist mills and other industries along its banks.

Today, the Soque River is known for its scenic beauty and excellent fly fishing opportunities. The river is a popular destination for fly fishing, primarily for its natural beauty and population of trophy-sized trout.

The river is protected by the landowners who realize the importance of a sustainable trophy trout fishery, and by a nonprofit organization, the Soque River Watershed Association (SRWA), that’s dedicated to protecting and restoring the river. The SRWA was established in 1998 by local residents and focuses on protecting the river’s water quality and ecological integrity.

The Soque River is unique in the state, as it begins and ends within Habersham County; and it serves as a vital headwater tributary to the Chattahoochee River, which supplies 70% of Atlanta’s drinking water. The final destination of the waters that spring from Habersham County is the Apalachicola River that empties into the Gulf, in Northern Florida.

This past Friday, I fished the Soque’s upper reaches, near Batesville, Georgia, with my longtime friend Bob Seeger of Blue Ridge, Georgia. We spent the day on a stretch of the river managed by Dragonfly Lodge, with guide Phil Culver. After meeting Culver in nearby Batesville, we drove a short distance to the river and donned waders and boots while Culver rigged our fly rods with leaders and flies. During the day, we fished several stretches of the river. At first the trout were picky, until Culver discovered the nymph patterns that the trout were keyed in on. For the balance of the day, we had some of the best fishing that either of has ever seen.

Fishing a combination of double nymphs and dry flies with nymph droppers, we estimated that we caught between 15-20 trout from 22-24 inches. These trout weighed in at 6-8 pounds and put up excellent fights that featured runs, jumps and headshaking rises to the surface. The highlight of the day was a rare catch by Seeger of a Kamloops rainbow trout, a fish in the steelhead family that’s renounced for its vivid colors and fight. Besides being one of the best days of fishing, the ambiance along the river’s banks made for an exciting and relaxing experience. An experience we both look forward to exploring in the future.

For more information, or to book a trip on these storied waters, contact Culver at 707-768-8922.

It’s tarpon time off Anna Maria Island

It’s tarpon time off Anna Maria Island

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

Tarpon are one of the premier gamefish that swim local waters and are a noble adversary on any tackle. The fish that frequent our beaches during the months of May through August can weigh over 200 pounds and average from 80-100 pounds.

We are blessed with some of the best tarpon fishing in the world, and the local bars and inshore waters host some of the finest fly and spin fishing to be found anywhere. This isn’t a game of numbers and, to the anglers who pursue tarpon, it’s the hunt and the action that keeps them on the bow for hours in the hot summer sun.

Tackle should match the size of the quarry and most anglers opt for a 20- to 30-pound spin outfit and an 11- to 12-weight fly rod, line and reel. A heavy bite tippet is required because of the size of tarpon and their rasp-like mouth. Fly anglers generally use 60- to 80-pound tippet, while spin anglers choose 80- to 100-pound test.

While it might seem like a difficult task to land a tarpon on the fly, or any tackle for that matter, an angler who knows the limits of his/her tackle can actually land a tarpon in a surprisingly short time. The key is to apply maximum pressure from the hookup and never let up.

Too many anglers baby their tarpon in a misguided attempt to land them. The truth is that the longer you fight a tarpon the better chance you have of losing it.

A properly (IGFA-approved) tied tarpon leader used by fly fishers usually runs between 10-12 feet and is tapered to properly deliver the fly. The leader includes a class tippet (weakest link) from 16-20 pounds that is doubled at both ends to soften the (shock) impact to the class tippet and bite tippet.

Key to the whole equation is to have a very sharp hook as tarpon have extremely tough mouths. Conventional leaders vary from angler to angler, but a doubled standing line tied to a leader and then to the bite tippet with a blood knot or Albright Special is recommended.

Flies vary from the classic splayed feather Key’s style to more complex designs like the Toad, and various baitfish imitations. Some fly anglers are not concerned with actually landing a tarpon, preferring to just enjoy the hunt, the hookup and the jumps that usually follow the hook set. They use light bite tip­pets, which allow the tarpon to work through the leader with their abrasive mouths.

The key to landing tarpon on the fly is accuracy. The fly must be placed perfectly, move in a precise direction relative to the fish and be at the proper (fishes’) depth. Even when all of these factors come together, there’s still about a 50% chance that the tarpon will reject the fly.

The go-to bait for spin anglers is a live crab. Small blue crabs can be purchased from many bait shops and pass crabs can be dipped from the local passes on a falling tide. Other effective baits include pinfish, threadfin herring and pilchards. Artificial lures like the DOA Bait Buster and the 4- and 6-inch shrimp, jigs and even topwater plug can be effective.

Patience is a critical factor when fishing for tarpon, especially when fly fishing. The most successful anglers find the edge of a sandbar or other underwater feature that tarpon track, anchor in casting range and wait. Sometimes tarpon come at a steady rate, but just as often there are long periods of time when the only thing to look at is the water and the bottom. This really separates the great anglers from the good anglers. There are times when you need to move, but knowing when and where is a skill that is developed if never mastered.

Sister Keys cleanup celebrates 15 years

Sister Keys cleanup celebrates 15 years

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

Suncoast Waterkeeper teamed up with Sarasota Bay Watch this past weekend for the Annual Sister Keys Cleanup.

The event, held yearly since 2010, was a collaboration of the two non-profit organizations, the Town of Longboat Key Police and Public Works, Reef Innovations and the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant.

 

Close to 50 volunteers worked for four hours on Sister Keys and around the mangrove fringes collecting a massive amount of trash and recyclable items, much of it from Hurricane Helene, which swept over the island with an estimated 4-foot storm surge.

This year’s harvest was the largest ever with over 400 pounds of insulation, numerous trash and recycling bins, lumber and a large picnic table. The total weight of debris came to over 2 tons.

The Sister Keys were originally slated for development in the early 60s as the Shangri Isle Club and were once again threatened in 1989 when they went on sale for $1 million. That spurred a group of citizens to form the Sister Keys Conservancy in an attempt to buy and preserve the islands as a nature preserve. The Town purchased the islands in 1994 with a stipulation that the keys would never be developed.

The islands underwent a million-dollar mitigation in 2007 that removed all invasive species, planted native flora and created a 2-acre wetland. Today, mature mangroves dominate the waterways and are rich with crustaceans, minnows, juvenile finfish and wading birds. Native species planted on uplands, first created from the dredging of the Intracoastal Waterway, have matured, making the islands one of the best examples of a thriving native marine environment in coastal Florida.

The cleanup is part of a con­tinuing effort to clean the islands of trash and the resurgence of invasive species.

Kayakers and those without a boat were ferried to the island by the Suncoast Waterkeeper patrol boat and volunteer boaters David and Lori Price and Jim Costa.

Back at the Mar Vista, volunteers loaded the debris into a dump truck provided by the Town of Longboat Keys Public Works Department, which clears and marks the trails on Sister Keys in advance of the cleanup as part of their annual invasive plant sweep. The event was hosted by the Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and volunteers were treated to a hosted box lunch. The restaurant, now under the owner­ship of Beachside Hospitality, agreed to keep hosting the event, continuing a multiyear tradition started by the Chiles Group.

The efforts of Sarasota Bay Watch and Suncoast Water­keeper have been responsible for major initiatives that educate the public on the importance of a healthy bay and hold munici­palities responsible to mandates established in the landmark 1982 Clean Water Act. SCWK also conducts bi-monthly water testing of inland coastal waters.

For more information on the groups’ missions and to become a member, visit their websites, www.sarasotabaywatch.org and www.suncoastwaterkeeper.org.

Choose lines, leaders wisely

Choose lines, leaders wisely

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

It might not be the sexiest part of fishing, but lines and leaders are an integral part of a successful equa­tion. The choices of line are varied, including variations of monofilament, braid and fluorocarbon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most choices are common sense. If you’re fishing shallow water or light floating flies and lures you may want to opt for monofilament, which sinks slowly. If you’re interested in get­ting your offering down quickly, fluorocarbon would be a better choice. Fluorocarbon would also be a better choice for wary species like permit and bonefish. Choose your lines and leaders carefully and regularly check all knots and connections, they’re a key component to your fishing success.

Practice always key to fly casting mastery

Practice always key to fly casting mastery

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

I’ve mentioned in articles recently the importance of practice for anglers who want to learn and/or improve their fly casting.

There are many sources of instruction on fly casting, and good technique learned early will hold you in good stead. By far the best advice is to get instruction by a certified casting instructor. You can find instructors in your area by going to the Fly Fishers International website. This organization gives a comprehensive test both in writing and in the field so you can be sure these instructors are vetted. The site also has lots of instructional videos.

Once you’ve had a lesson on the basics you’ll need to practice to benefit from the instruction. Between lessons it can be helpful to get refresher tips from online videos. A word of caution is in order when searching for videos. Make sure you’re sourcing videos by tested professionals, of which there are many. There are also many others that might give instructions that are confusing or possibly incorrect.

And while videos are good for reviewing the fundamentals, you’ll never become a good caster if you don’t physically practice. Science has proven that it’s the repetitive “correct” motion of a cast that builds the pathways in the brain that eventually make casting skills “second nature” just like golf, tennis, biking, soccer and those times you fell repeatedly before mastering walking upright!

World renowned casters like Lefty Kreh and Doug Swisher (now deceased) and Joan Wolfe have created excellent videos that will stand the test of time. Some excellent current casting instruction videos by trusted sources like Orvis and Rio can also be found online.

For those on the go who might not be able to carry a fly rod around or who have limited space to practice, consider purchasing a Redington Form Rod. The rod offers beginners and veteran fly casters the opportunity to tighten and tune their casting and improve form. The rod is perfect for the angler on the go, as it can easily be broken down and thrown into your tote or luggage.

Practice always key to fly casting mastery
The Redington Form Game Rod is an excellent choice for fly anglers on the go. – Submitted

The practice rod comes with its own custom tapered RIO® fly line, appropriately weighted to the rod for a more accurate experience. See a certified instructor, review the basic cast occasionally online and practice, practice, practice. Doing this with purpose will greatly enrich your fishing experience, whether it’s in fresh or salt water.

Saltwater fly fishing basics: Tackle

Saltwater fly fishing basics: Tackle

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

It’s one of the fastest growing segments of the angling industry, a test of the mettle of angler and tackle. Fly fishing dates back to very early times, but its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years.

Fly fishing in the salt dates back to the early 1940s when anglers like Joe Brooks, John Alden Knight, Ted Williams and Jimmie Albright began perfecting techniques to take bonefish, tarpon and permit in the Florida Keys. It’s a short history, but one rich in tradition.

Anglers have discovered that flies can take the gamut of saltwater spe­cies. When I first started fly fishing, I remember local guides telling me, “Bring your fly rod along in case the fish are in a feeding frenzy.” Now, many local guides prefer to fish fly anglers and realize that they are happy to get opportunities to pres­ent flies to fish and it’s not always about the number of fish caught.

Choosing tackle

Before buying tackle, it’s useful to understand the nomenclature of the sport. While spinning and bait-casting tackle are rated according to the breaking strength of the line, fly fishing outfits are rated according to the weight of the line used.

With conventional tackle, the weight of a lure or live bait propels the line and offering to their target, while in fly fishing, it’s the weight of the line propelled by the flex of the rod that carries the line, leader and fly to the target.

The weight system (rod, line and reel) generally starts with a #2, suit­able for panfish and trout in small freshwater streams, to a #14, which is used for giant bluefin tuna and marlin. The most versatile outfit for fly fishing in Florida saltwater is a 7,8 or 9 weight. The line and rod are generally matched although a reel can be rated for multiple weights, for example 7-9. If you’re pursu­ing larger fish like cobia or king mackerel, a 10 weight would be the best choice. You’ll want to step up to an 11 weight or 12 weight if you’re pursuing the tarpon that frequent our area from May through July and often run over 100 pounds.

A reputable tackle dealer like AMI Outfitters on Anna Maria is a must when purchasing fly tackle. You need the kind of salt resistant tackle that will survive the rigors of the ocean and bays, and while you don’t have to buy the most expensive tackle on the market, good quality gear is a must.

Try different outfits and buy the one that feels “good in hand” and is the best quality you can afford. Next week, we’ll discuss the basic cast and the importance of practice.