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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reel Time on the road: Dillon, Montana

Reel Time on the road: Dillon, Montana

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

This past week I fished the Big Hole, Madison and Beaverhead Rivers in Montana with a group of anglers hosted by Captain Rick Grassett at Montana’s Medicine Lodge, a working ranch near Dillon, Montana.

Over five days we fished the three rivers from drift boats, casting dry flies and nymphs. This is Grassett’s 20th year hosting the trip and the second time I’ve joined the group in what is evolving into an annual event. We fished with Dave King Outfitters, based in Dillon. Grassett fished with King as a guide for many years at another lodge that eventually closed. After the closure of that lodge, King decided to become an outfitter and hooked up with Grassett and Montana’s Medicine Lodge, which provides a unique western working ranch atmosphere.

The group of seven anglers fished with King’s guides, changing partners and guides each day. On the first day, I fished with Dennis Kinley, who I first met 15 years ago in the Bahamas on a bonefishing trip. Dennis is a regular with the group. Our guide was Jake Heinecke, a fishing and hunting guide who teaches school in Dillon when he isn’t guiding. Over the day we landed a number of brown trout, including some quality fish from 16-19 inches. During our float we watched thunderstorms build over the mountains, eventually overtaking us in a downpour about a half-hour before our float ended at 4 p.m.

Reel Time on the road: Dillon, Montana
Anglers pause for lunch along the Madison River. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Because we had an odd number of anglers, each angler fished solo one day. On the second day float on the Madison, I volunteered and fished again with Heinecke. I took the opportunity to learn from Jake and was fascinated with his mastery of the fly rod. In particular, I asked him to help me with my mend and reach casts that feed fly line up current to assure a drag-free float of the fly. He actually combined the two into a cast he calls the reach-mend. The fishing was a bit slow that day but the weather and scenery were spectacular and I managed to hook and land a 20” brown trout on a dry hopper imitation.

On my third and fourth day, I fished with Nick Delledonne, from Pennsylvania, and Grassett on one of my favorite rivers in Montana, the Big Hole. We launched both days at about 7,000 feet, where the temperature hovered in the high 40s and floated two of the river’s most scenic stretches. Our guide both days was Mark Moreni, who guides for King during the summer season and teaches high school history in the winter. Although the fishing was a bit slow both days, we did get a chance to fish the Trico hatch, where millions of these small-winged insects emerge from the river in a buffet of food for the local trout. During this brief (about an hour) time, fish go on a feeding frenzy allowing anglers a chance to target rising fish with small dry fly imitations.

After fishing each day, anglers returned to the ranch where chef Annie Walz Kubiac had hors d’oeuvres ready to accompany cold beverages and cocktails on the outside deck. It was a perfect place for anglers to unwind and recount “tails” of the day. Dinners each evening featured chef Kubiac’s scrumptious special side dishes that accompanied the entrees like prime rib, elk meatloaf, baby back ribs and shrimp.

On the last day of the trip, I fished with Grassett on a different stretch of the Beaverhead with Heinecke. The morning started with cloud cover and the promise of much-needed rain. We dodged all but brief showers and spent the day fishing streamers along the fast-moving river. Action was a bit slow but we managed a few nice brown and a couple of rainbow trout to 16 inches. The float took us through some beautiful scenery and ended near the landmark “Pipe Organ.” We were lucky that we missed much of the hot weather that had plagued the region earlier in the summer and only got a haze from fires burning to the west. As we parted company on Saturday morning, everyone was already talking about a return trip in 2022. For information on joining one of Grassett’s yearly trips (Montana and the Bahamas), contact him at 941-350-0318. Next week, Big Sky and  Red Lodge.

Reel Time: Anatomy of a fishing rod

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

Every fishing rod, be it a spinning rod, a fly rod or a casting rod, is constructed in a similar way and has the same basic parts. Have you ever wondered why one rod is more expensive than another and why? Here is a breakdown of the basic components of a fishing rod that should help you understand their construction, and why one rod costs more than another. This should also help you determine which rod is best for you.

– Rusty Chinnis | Sun

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

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

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

The parts of a rod consist of a blank with a butt section, a fixed hood, a reel seat, a sliding hood, a locking ring, handle, guides, ferrules and a tip. The butt section is the cork part of the rod behind the reel seat that fits into a fighting harness or into the stomach when playing a fish. On a spinning and casting rod, it’s where the non-dominant hand holds the rod. The reel seat is where the reel foot is placed either on or near the blank, while the hoods secure the reel to the rod. The fixed hood is the metal receiver where one end of the reel foot is placed. The sliding hood is the rear receiver that holds the other end of the reel foot. The locking ring is a nut that puts pressure on the sliding hood and holds the reel securely in place. The handle is the cork where the dominant hand is placed. The guides hold the line along the length of the blank. The ferrules connect sections of a rod. The tip as the name implies is the section at the top of the rod.

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

When you’re shopping for a new outfit knowing the parts and construction of a rod will help you make an informed decision. The most important part of the rod and the one that most affects its price and your buying decision is the blank. The materials and the method of construction of the blank determine its price. The least expensive rods are made from fiberglass while the expensive ones are constructed with graphite, boron and Kevlar. While fiberglass may be good for a beginner, the more expensive rods are a better choice for the seasoned angler. Armed with this information you’ll have the knowledge you need to determine how much you spend on a rod. This decision can positively affect your angling efficiency and enjoyment.

Reel Time: Waterkeepers hold HAB forum

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

Island residents might not be familiar with the term harmful algae blooms (HAB), but the bouts of lyngbya and red tide that have plagued the area are all too common. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines the blooms as “simple photosynthetic organisms that live in the sea and freshwater that grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals and birds.”

On Friday, July 23, Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper held a public forum at the Bradenton Yacht Club to inform area residents of the threat these blooms pose and help them understand what causes them and what we need to do to address the problem.

Dead baitfish and a Goliath grouper killed by red tide collect at a barrier erected at an entrance to Robinson Preserve from Tampa Bay. – Submitted

The program began with an introduction by Suncoast Waterkeeper Chair Joe McClash and Founder Justin Bloom. The forum included presentations by Ed Sherwood, the executive director of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, and Dave Tomasko, the executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. Both Sherwood and Tomasko pointed to the intentional release of over 200 million gallons of waste “process” water from the Piney Point facility in Manatee County this spring as the likely cause of the devastating bloom that has killed millions of fish in upper Tampa Bay in the last month. This event was the first of its kind since 1971, when millions of gallons of partially treated sewage and wastewater were routinely being discharged into the bay.

Both Sherwood and Tomasko are seasoned scientists and also have intimate firsthand experience on local waters. Sherwood came up through the ranks at the TBEP to become its executive director in 2018 after serving as the program scientist since 2008. Sherwood is responsible for maintaining TBEP’s partnerships and continuing the bay’s science-based restoration and recovery strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology from the University of West Florida and a Master of Science degree in marine fisheries and ecology from the University of Florida. Tomasko has more than 30 years of experience on local waters. He holds a doctorate in biology from the University of South Florida, a Master of Science degree in marine biology from the Florida Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Old Dominion University. Tomasko was also the first-ever SBEP program scientist.

A sold-out audience of more than 100 participants crowded the Yacht Club’s dining room, where they enjoyed coffee, tea and a continental breakfast during the event. Hundreds more joined via Google Meets and a Facebook Live broadcast. The presentation was also filmed by Carl Shelton of Manatee Educational Television and will be available to the public soon. Interested parties can view the Facebook Live broadcast at Suncoast Waterkeepers Facebook page.

Dr. Dave Tomasko is interviewed by news media after his presentation. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Each presentation included supporting graphics and data that emphasized the concerns of both scientists. While there are obviously nuances and the science is constantly unfolding, a few facts really drove home the seriousness of our water quality issues. The main takeaway for this reporter was the fact that between 1980 and 2017, water quality and seagrass coverage improved significantly in Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. Since 2017, all those almost 40 years of gains have been lost and there are concerns that both bays could soon go the way of the Indian River Lagoon, once described as “one of the most biodiverse estuaries in the Northern Hemisphere.”  That ecological treasure has collapsed and “since 2009, 58% of the seagrass in the lagoon system has disappeared, choked off from sunlight as a result of an over-saturation of nutrients in the water,” according to the St. Johns River Water Management District.

This catastrophic collapse has led to the unprecedented death of more than 841 manatees between Jan. 1 and July 2, breaking the previous record of 830 that died in 2013 because of an outbreak of toxic red tide. Dr. Tomasko explained that most of the deaths have been by drowning due to malnutrition from the lack of the seagrasses they depend on. Both scientists fear that we are perilously close to the same thing happening here if we don’t act fast. Despite the alarming statistics, Dr. Tomasko was optimistic that we could still turn this around. That will take the involvement of all stakeholders in the region from plumbers and electricians to developers, builders and – most importantly – our elected officials. While it’s easy to blame our leaders for our water quality ills, it’s important to remember that this is a shared responsibility. We the voters elected the politicians that are responsible for protecting these valuable resources. It’s critical that we do a better job vetting the leaders we choose. The future we leave for our children, grandchildren and all future generations depend on it.

Reel Time

Reel Time: Back to basics

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

Anglers today have a dizzying array of options when it comes to all things fishing. Super realistic lures, line that “disappears” in the water, “spot lock” trolling motors that hold boats in place, and fish finders that spot fish under, as well as 360 degrees around, a boat. There is a plethora of gear lining the shelves of tackle shops meant to dazzle and lure anglers. Even the basics like line and hooks come in many forms and colors, each promising the angler an advantage over the fish.

In truth, experience has taught me there’s no special magic to finding the right gear for angling success. Instead, I’m convinced that concentrating on a few basic, time-tested techniques will improve the luck of even the greenest angler. Whatever fishing means to you, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Actually, I would go as far as saying, the less complicated it is the better your chance of success.

Fishing means different things to different people. To some it’s the simple pleasure of being on the water with friends and family and “catching” is optional. To others, it’s serious business and the outcome can make or break a day. Whatever your reason for being on the water and pursuing fish, a strong foundation will support your growing interests. Start by knowing the best tackle for the type of fishing you do. Pick the best quality tackle you can afford, but not the most expensive available. I’m talking about gear that is properly sized, solidly made, and therefore able to survive the rigors of saltwater. Whether you’re using spinning tackle, fly tackle or bait casting gear, get an outfit that’s balanced. A balanced outfit means that the weight is evenly distributed when held just forward of the reel on the cork of the rod. This isn’t an exact science, but you’ll be able to feel if one component is too large.

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

When it comes to deciding whether to use live bait or artificial lures I think artificial lures are a better choice, especially for beginning anglers. First and foremost, they are a lot easier to deal with than live bait. Live bait takes time to acquire, must be kept healthy and usually stays close to where it’s cast. Artificial lures, by contrast, don’t have to be changed often and can’t be killed or crippled by pests like pinfish. You can cover more water, testing different areas, water depths and retrieval speeds. My personal favorite is a jig, and while I now use mostly lead-headed jigs with plastic bodies, the original lead head jigs with bucktail skirts are still a great choice. My second choice would be a topwater plug. These lures require a bit of practice to master but are recommended because they cover a lot of water, and they attract fish with their sound and surface disturbance. Best of all there’s nothing more exciting than seeing a snook or big trout smash a lure on the surface. While admittedly, live bait can outperform artificial lures at times, on balance I think lures are a better choice overall. Whatever you use I highly recommend bending down the barbs on all hooks. Better for the fish, safer for the angler! Start with the basics and build a foundation in angling that will serve you for a lifetime.

Reel Time: Sea trout

Reel Time: How to catch sea trout

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reel Time: The smoking gun

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

Local anglers feared from the beginning that the release of over 215 million gallons of wastewater from the Piney Point debacle could have catastrophic effects on Tampa and Sarasota bays. The fact that each gallon of water held 10 times the nitrogen of raw sewage and that the total release was the equivalent of dumping 200 tons of nitrogen (80,000 bags of fertilizer) in the bay was ominous.

Compounding the worrying scenario was the fact that for the second time in as many years, huge swaths of grass meadows from Robinson Preserve to Anna Maria Sound and Sarasota Bay were covered in an algae called lyngbya, a toxic cyanobacteria. That bloom wasn’t caused by the release at Piney Point, but the potential that the release could exacerbate the existing bloom loomed large and would eventually prove likely, as the extent of the bloom was much larger than the year before.

Then on May 24, marine researchers from the University of South Florida, in what now appears to be an ill-timed news release, stated:

  • Early results indicate that the effects of the wastewater discharge were localized in nature, not widespread.
  • Concentrations of nutrients have declined over time and are now more typical of those in the historical record for this part of Tampa Bay. Model results show that the concentrations of nutrients within the discharged water have been diluted at least 1000-fold since the initial release.
  • A diatom bloom of about 25 square kilometers in size around Port Manatee that formed in response to the discharge has dissipated over time. Diatoms are single-celled microalgae called phytoplankton. Chlorophyll concentrations (a proxy for phytoplankton biomass) are within the range generally observed in Tampa Bay during April and May.

Just this past week a severe red tide outbreak in upper Tampa Bay has called all those predictions into question. In the same news release, to their credit, they did state, “The nutrient chemistry of Tampa Bay is complex. Questions remain about nutrient cycling in response to a rapid influx of wastewater.”  Now the current bloom is proving what amounts to, in minds of longtime users of the bay like Captain Scott Moore, a “smoking gun.” Moore, who has fished from Sarasota Bay to Port Manatee and beyond since 1970, states categorically, “In all the years I’ve been fishing I’ve never seen a red tide event in that part of the bay that didn’t affect Anna Maria Sound and Sarasota Bay first. Traditionally I fished north of the Skyway because those were rarely affected by all but the most severe blooms.”

This snook was just one of a multitude of fish including tripletail, cobia, redfish, mullet and a plethora of baitfish and other species that succumbed to Tampa’s red tide outbreak. – Captain Dustin Pack | Submitted

My experience over the last three-plus decades bears that out. Jacki Lopez, Florida Director of The Center for Biological Diversity agrees. Lopez reviewed the records of red tide occurrences over the last 20 years and says, “The red tide data collected over the years by FWC appears to indicate that it is rare to have red tide in Tampa Bay, and rarer yet to have red tide persisting in Tampa Bay without a massive red tide bloom throughout the region. The timing of the Piney Point discharge and the presence of red tide in Tampa Bay, especially so close to Piney Point seems to suggest that the discharge influenced this ongoing red tide event.”

The uncertainty and confusion demonstrate our lack of understanding and failure to act. While red tide events are tracked by satellite, other blooms like lyngbya don’t show up in satellite imagery, which is how scientists model for the predictions they make. This means many harmful algae blooms are not picked up by monitoring programs.

The need for a swift and quantum shift in tracking and addressing these nutrients has never been greater. Are we willing to risk reaching a point of no return or will we address these dire warnings before it’s too late?

Reel Time: Angler’s action guide

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

I’ve written a lot lately about the critical issues facing our local waters and the need for anglers (everyone really) to get involved in efforts to protect them. What does it mean to get involved? How can you best accomplish your goals? Good questions. I realized late in life the power and necessity to make my voice heard and exercise my power at the polls. That’s why I wanted to share the information I’ve gleaned by asking those very questions.

Complaining about something we have some control over and doing nothing about it works against your interests. Unfortunately, inaction often becomes glaringly apparent when it’s too late. Learning how to exercise your rights effectively and efficiently is more critical than ever.  Here are a few ways I’ve found to be efficient and links you can use to get your voice heard.

Reel Time
A lyngyba algae bloom stretches from the Manatee River to Perico Island on Monday, May 3. Capt. Justin Moore | Submitted

Write letters. I’ve found writing letters to the editor of the local newspapers is a terrific way for the average citizen to be heard. Chances are the people who need to hear what you’re saying are paying attention. Locally I submit letters to the Anna Maria Island Sun, The Observer Group, The Bradenton Herald and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Each of these same papers may allow you to submit a guest editorial. Also consider writing letters and perhaps asking for a meeting with a legislator.

Attend meetings and speak out. The slogan, “Think globally, act locally” is powerful and locally perhaps the most effective way to make a real difference. Attend local commission meetings and either speak in person or have your comments read to commissioners. Check on how to do this by using search terms like address the Anna Maria  (substitute your city) City Commission. The same goes for Manatee County or whatever county you may reside in. If you’re concerned about an issue that affects you and your children’s future and you don’t act, there’s one thing you can count on – others will be making the decisions based on interests that might support them financially but have a negative effect on you.

Nothing makes that point as dramatically as the recent debacle at Piney Point where inaction over decades led to the dumping of 215 million gallons of phosphate process water containing 10 times the nitrogen of raw sewage.

I think you’ll find taking action is empowering. By taking action you’ll soon realize that you have a voice and that voice has power. But only if you use it.

Reel Time: Get ready and get involved

Reel Time: Get ready and get involved

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

Tarpon were the sirens that lured the first tourists to Florida, and their mystique is still in full sway today.

While fly fishing for tarpon holds a mystique of its own, the vast majority of anglers pursue them with conventional tackle. The go-to bait for spin anglers is a live crab. Small blue crabs can be purchased at most bait shops during tarpon season 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 top water plugs 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 sand bar 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.

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. A tarpon’s prey species wouldn’t survive long if it moved toward its aggressor, and tarpon know it. Besides moving away from the fish, the fly must move at the proper pace, be at the proper depth and never slow down when a tarpon is tracking it. Conversely, you can’t move the fly too fast, taking it out of a tarpon’s range.

Conventional anglers usually look for rolling fish in the near-shore Gulf and motor well ahead of them to intercept their path. Trolling motors can be effective for following a school in deep water but will spook them in the shallows. Knowledgeable guides that have “mastered” multiple presentations to a school of moving fish provide their clients some spectacular results. One thing that all tarpon anglers should practice is courtesy. Often a boat has been working long and hard to get properly set up for a shot and a boat running up on the fish will spoil the day for everyone.

Fortunately, once a tarpon decides to eat, there’s no need to make a lightning-fast hook set. The right set is called a “strip strike” in fly fishing, which involves letting the line come tight and immediately setting the hook with a combination of the line hand and the rod. Conventional anglers should also have the patience to let the line come tight before attempting to hook the fish. Then 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. Tarpon are not trout, and attempting to raise the rod to set the hook is a cardinal mistake.

After a fly angler sets the hook, 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. Disciplined anglers (successful ones) take their attention from the fish to the line at your feet. They know to hold the rod away from their body and let the excess line pass through their stripping hand with a circle made with the thumb and the forefinger. Once the line is “on the reel,” the hook is set again with several more strip strikes. Conventional anglers often use circle hooks, which don’t require a hook set. Conventional hook sets also require letting the line come tight with the addition of several quick jabs to set the hook. In all cases, the tarpon cannot be aware of the angler before the hook set.

While it’s important to exert maximum pressure on the tarpon during the fight, anglers must yield on jumps. On the jump, the standard maneuver is to thrust 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 a hundred yards from the boat, the stretch of the line makes it impossible to apply any real pressure. Keep the pressure on throughout the fight, but don’t clamp down and try to force the fish to the boat.

The thought that these next few months, the highlight of mine and many other angler’s year, might be sacrificed to the onslaught of a harmful algae bloom is a painful reminder. While there are many bad actors to blame for this misfortune, if we don’t speak up and act, nothing will change until after a disaster. Piney Point is the perfect example. Call your elected officials, attend commission meetings, write letters to the editor, and more importantly, become an active advocate.

Perhaps the best strategy of all is to get excited about, look forward to and get ready for a magical time of the year. While we’re at it, we’ll let the passion fuel our determination to protect it.

Reel Time: Tarpon time

Reel Time: Tarpon time

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

Tarpon season is one of the most anticipated times of the year on local waters. While I’ve encountered tarpon occasionally most every month of the year, April through July is the time eager anglers turn their sights to these silver-armored adversaries. Their arrival in numbers worth pursuing is generally water temperature-dependent. The magic number is debatable, but when water temperatures reach into the 70s, ardent anglers take notice. When that number reaches the high 70s to 80s they take action. Hopefully, there will be a season.

I thought long and hard about the subject of this week’s article. The condition of local waters has worried me the past few years as regular readers of this article will no doubt be aware. The resilient marine ecosystem that has amazed me in the past has not recovered after the 2017-18 red tide. On top of this, the disaster at Piney Point puts massive amounts of nutrients into Tampa Bay just as waters start to warm and red tide reports creep up the coast. But let’s be optimistic.

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. For most anglers this isn’t a numbers game, it’s the hunt and the action that keep them pinned to the bow in the sizzling summer sun.

Tackle should match the size of the quarry with most anglers opting for a 20- to 30-pound spin outfit and/or 11- to 12-weight fly outfit. 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 70- 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 her gear can actually land a tarpon in a surprisingly short period of 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 and 12 feet and is tapered to accurately deliver the fly. The leader includes a class tippet (weakest link) from 16 to 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 won’t fail you.

Flies vary from the classic splayed feather “Key’s” style to more complex designs like the “Toad,” various baitfish imitations and worm flies. Some fly anglers are not concerned with 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 allows 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, assuming that the condition of local waters doesn’t repel them first.

It’s happened before and while some would have you believe it’s natural and there’s nothing to be done, if there’s any silver lining in all this, it’s that it wakes us up to what we can and must do to protect our passion. But more on both fronts next week. To learn more and lend support visit Suncoast Waterkeeper.

Reel Time: An unfolding tragedy

Reel Time: An unfolding tragedy

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

Rounding a mangrove corner into Clam Bar Bay on the edges of Tampa Bay, I had the sensation of a place remembered.

I had first visited Moses Hole on a kayak outing in 2013. But this time, something seemed oddly different, and a disquieting feeling enveloped me. It was only later that I fully appreciated that emotion.

Reel Time: An unfolding tragedy
Steve Traves paddles into Moses Hole in 2013. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

I was surveying and documenting the conditions in an area south of Port Manatee that represents the most pristine region of Florida’s largest – and now most threatened – estuary. Days before, a legacy phosphate stack at nearby Piney Point had ruptured and a catastrophic collapse was deemed imminent. Over the past week, millions of gallons of water containing 10 times the nutrients of raw sewage had been released into Tampa Bay at the port in an attempt to avert the sudden release of 480 million gallons.

That day I saw a Tampa Bay in crisis, even before the effects of this latest failure are being felt. The shallow waters from Cockroach Bay to Robinson Preserve were covered in algae and large areas were devoid of seagrass.

In addition, and totally unexpectedly, I was stunned at acres of mangroves I observed in Miguel Bay, near Terra Ceia. A large swath of the mangrove shoreline, once over 12 feet high, had been trimmed to barely three feet high, with large dead stumps bleached by the sun from previous cuttings.

Reel Time: An unfolding tragedy
An extensively-trimmed section of mangroves in Miguel Bay. Large dead mangroves from prior cuttings line the bay. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Returning home, I looked through my photographs and found an image I had taken that day in 2013. I was consumed by a feeling of sadness. What I experienced that day was disheartening, but only reinforced my resolve to expose the inaction of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in doing their mandated work to protect the public good.

The failure at Piney Point, a facility owned by HRK Inc. and overseen by the FDEP, was preventable. The state agency knew of the problems at the facility long ago but failed to address it adequately. Although this has been a disaster in the making for decades, the agency mandated to protect Tampa Bay allowed water levels to increase from a near-empty stack in 2007 to an accumulation of over 700 million gallons of water and dredged material.

FDEP failed to provide the resources needed to remove the water from the stacks at the site and knew as early as 2013 about the need to remove the water. The discharge required by the inaction far exceeds water quality standards for the Tampa Bay Estuary and is delivering excess nitrogen and phosphorus to Bay waters. Both nutrients are known to fuel harmful algae blooms such as red tides. At the current rate of wastewater discharge, nearly 500 tons of nitrogen are on track to be released in the course of about a week. This is equivalent to approximately 50,000 bags of fertilizer or 28 years of population growth in the region. This far exceeds the goals established by the FDEP to protect the public resources used for recreational and commercial activities.

In a joint press release, Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper expressed dismay that the rights of the people of Florida have been jeopardized by the failure of our state. They demand that the governor and Legislature act, holding all responsible parties accountable and establishing a statewide commission for phosphogypsum stack operations and closure. They stipulate that the commission should be composed of Waterkeepers, environmental advocates, state, federal and other stakeholders.

Additionally, they specify that the state fund the closure of all Piney Point stacks, including removing the existing water and capping the site to prevent any water containment onsite, and process the seepage water after closure to prevent degradation to Bishop Harbor and Cockroach Bay, Outstanding Florida Waters that bracket the site.

The final outcome of this latest insult to the waters that surround us and provide us our solace as well as supporting our economy won’t be felt for several weeks or months. I hope we’re not too late.

Get involved by joining and supporting the efforts of Suncoast Waterkeeper and make sure your elected officials get the message that we will hold them responsible.

Reel Time: Focus on the fun of fishing

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

To many anglers, fishing is simple. It’s no more complicated than dangling a shrimp or fishing a jig in any likely spot. Like other human activities, the level of involvement ranges from the simple to the insane. Most fishermen fall somewhere in between. Some live and breathe life on the water. They dream of rigging rods and reels, sharpening hooks, consulting charts and exploring tackle shops. They regularly consult YouTube videos and online forums for intel on the next great lure or fly. What we should all strive for is keeping our fishing fun.

Reel Time: Focus on the fun of fishing
Stu Apt works with a young cancer survivor, teaching that fishing is fun and rewarding. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Some anglers steadily graduate from cane poles to graphite spinning rods and fly tackle. Some never consider killing a fish, epitomizing the catch and release ethic. Others sport stickers on the back of their trucks with epitaphs like: “I Kill Fish.” Once again, most of us fall somewhere in between, content with our fishing method, respecting our catch and enjoying an occasional fresh fish dinner. Fishing develops into an individual passion, one that’s much more than catching. Some of us can have a great day on the water and never catch a fish, others may be disappointed if they don’t fill the cooler, but we all benefit from our time on the water.

Whether we’re just relaxing on the boat or are in a constant state of alert, the oceans and bays sharpen our senses and take us away from our day-to-day lives. Whatever kind of fisherperson we might be, everyone profits from being immersed in the natural world. The important thing is to enjoy the experience and come back to shore in a better mood than we left.

Of course, not every day on the water is as relaxing and enjoyable as we’d like it to be. Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, the fish don’t bite and engine and tackle problems intrude on our reverie. A fishing trip, after all, isn’t immune to the unpredictable. The best advice is to expect the best and be prepared for the worst. Be flexible. I know anglers who wouldn’t think of picking up anything other than a fly rod, and while I might have been one of them, these days there’s usually a spinning rod in my rod rack. After more than my share of frustrating days, I learned a valuable lesson and flexed. Now I seldom venture onto the water without a spinning rod or two, outfitted with a jig and/or a topwater plug. When the wind makes it just too much work to fly fish, I switch to my spinning tackle, a move that has paid dividends more than once.

If you are a live bait fisherman, try artificial lures, particularly topwater plugs. Sometimes when the pinfish are stealing your hard-won bait faster than you can get them on the hook, artificial lures can save the day. The important part is to make the best of your day on the water. Be okay if the catch is less than you hoped for, because if you keep your eyes open, you’ll learn lessons that will pay dividends on future trips.

Taking a kid fishing is a great way to break out of a narrow focus on catching. They’ll be thrilled to land fish but will also notice the rays, dolphins, manatees, birds and other creatures that inhabit our watery world. Whatever your experience, make sure that you’re able to focus on fun.

Reel Time: Get wet

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

The author caught this pompano while wading a windswept flat last week.

For the first time in a few years, we’re having an “actual” winter. When anglers consider their options this time of year many never consider getting out of the boat and wading. That’s unfortunate because cold water can produce some fantastic results. Like any time of the year, wading provides some distinct advantages overfishing from a boat. Wading puts you in the fish’s realm, gives you the advantage of a low profile and a silent approach. This can be particularly important during the winter when the water can be gin-clear making gamefish extremely wary.

The key to comfortable winter wading is staying warm and dry. A good pair of waders, wading boots, sweat pants and insulating socks will do the trick on the coldest day. Add a pair of polarized glasses, a hat with a dark under-brim, a wade vest or pack, and you’re in business. You won’t need heavy tackle unless you’re fishing docks or other structures. Under most conditions, an eight-pound test tackle will be sufficient. You can go even lighter if conditions permit. Fly anglers generally opt for six/ eight weight outfits unless wind or other conditions warrant upsizing.  Make sure reels have plenty of line for long smooth casts and make sure the drag is properly set. I generally opt for a 30-pound bite tippet but downsize to 20 and even 18-pound test when fishing clear water, high sun and spooky fish. You’ll risk being cut off should you encounter a big snook but I always err to getting the bite, risking a cut-off for the increased action. A longer bite tippet allows anglers to change lures and flies more often without having to re-leader. When constructing leaders and tippets I use 100% fluorocarbon material.

If the visibility isn’t great, or you’re fishing early or late, blind cast the edges where grass and sand meet. These sandy areas (the seams) and potholes are perfect ambush spots for the predators you’re targeting. Start with presentations about two feet short of the area your working towards, then in and past your target. Make sure you cover deep grass often found at the ends of the potholes.

During the winters you’ll often find big trout on the flats on cold mornings. The fish will come into some extremely shallow potholes to feed on an incoming tide. Work your way through potholes, always staying vigilant for surface action, tails, wakes or feeding birds.

If fish are particularly spooky or hard to see try standing still and waiting for them to come to you. Try this approach if fish see you just before you see them. Anchor well away from the area you intend to fish, get out of the boat and stake out a pothole or sandy area where you have visibility. By staying a long cast away, you can easily see the fish when they enter a hole or pass across a patch of sand. Position yourself off to the side in the grass where you’re less visible, keep a low profile and be still. Just waiting them out gives you a big advantage when targeting reds, trout, snook and other game fish as they wander the flat. When you make a presentation, don’t make any quick moves, and make your casts low and slow. It takes patience but can be productive when all else fails.

Give winter wade fishing a try. Look for likely spots on charts or go online to programs like Google Earth. When you “get wet” you’ll discover some excellent angling opportunities, and as a bonus, get some exercise. Get wet.

More Reel Time:

Reel Time: Fishing with Captain Nick Angelo

Reel Time: Push pole pointers

Reel Time: Make your New Year’s resolutions

Reel Time: Cold weather angling strategies

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

Once again, late December’s cold winds have blown in, dropping water temperatures and requiring anglers to adjust their strategies. Winter fishing can be challenging, but there are opportunities for some excellent action for anglers who adjust their tactics and “think” like a fish.

While there are no magic bullets, awareness of conditions and perseverance can pay dividends when the thermometer plunges.

Reel Time: Winter strategies
Ken Watkins landed this sheepshead on a DOA Shrimp on a sun-warmed winter day. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Popular species including snook, redfish and trout will often concentrate in areas where the surrounding waters are more moderate. Snook, the most sensitive, will migrate to rivers, canals and protected bays where the sun heats seawalls, dark bottom and the surrounding water. Areas where shallow bays and bayous funnel temperate water on afternoon outgoing tides can be particularly productive.

When fishing, pay attention to water that receives the most sun during the day. Sun-warmed areas that are protected from cold winter winds produce conditions that are more desirable to cold-stressed species. The wind moves the water, keeping it from absorbing the sun’s rays. A combination of sun exposure, depth, and the color of the bottom all figure into the warm water equation.

When the weather prevents the sun from moderating water temperatures, look for deeper pockets to harbor fish. The deeper areas warm more slowly, but they also cool more slowly. Channels, holes under big boats in canals, deep potholes on the flats and boat basins are all potential refuges for fish during cold weather. Rivers and creeks are also good sanctuaries, depending on the conditions.

While many local species are negatively affected by the cold water, many, like trout and redfish, have a high tolerance. Others actually thrive on it. The best examples are sheepshead and black drum. These fish, while shunned by some anglers, are hard fighting, challenging to hook, and excellent to eat. Target sheepshead and drum around structure where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans like crabs and shrimp. One way to attract these species is to scrape barnacles from pilings on an outgoing or incoming tide. A small live shrimp or shrimp-tipped jig fished among the “chum” are good options. A small, stout and sharp hook is advised for a sheepshead’s tough mouth. A quick hookset is required for these bait stealers. It’s often said that you need to set the hook a split second before they bite! Tackle sensitive enough to detect their stealth bite is recommended.

Once you find the ideal conditions, remember to slow your presentation. Lures and bait fished slowly, and close to the bottom, will generally draw more strikes than a quick retrieve. If you’re in a promising area make sure you try varying your retrieve before moving on.

Another option for inshore anglers is to slow troll large swimming plugs along inshore ledges in the bay for grouper. Prime spots include areas along the Intracoastal Waterway as well as limestone outcroppings and structure in the Tampa Bay ship’s channel. Use your senses, experiment, be persistent, and you can experience some very good fishing during our cooler winter months.

Reel Time: Threatened seagrass has trickle-down effect

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

The seagrass beds that carpet Sarasota Bay harbor a tremendous array of living creatures. This critical and diverse ecosystem is generally out of sight except at extreme low tides.

Seagrasses are actually underwater flowering plants that serve a number of important functions. They produce oxygen, bind sediments and baffle wave action while cleansing the water column. Seagrass roots, their leaves, and the epiphytes and microalgae that cling to them clean water by converting dissolved nutrients into plant matter. Besides giving us clean and clear water, seagrasses are home to the organisms that provide food and shelter for fish, crustaceans, shellfish and wading birds. They also are food sources for manatees, sea turtles and various fish and crustaceans. Because they flower, seagrasses require sunlight and are limited to clear, shallow waters.

Harmful algae blooms like this occurrence of lyngbya on the east side of Anna Maria Sound are indicative of poor water quality and smother seagrasses. – Submitted

Of the 52 species of seagrasses worldwide, only seven are found in Florida. Three main species are found on Florida’s southwest coast. They include turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum), shoal grass (Halodule wrightii) and manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme). The historical loss of these species has been extensive throughout Florida. Tampa Bay has lost 81% of its historical seagrasses, Sarasota Bay 35% and Charlotte Harbor 29%.  Poor watershed management (stormwater runoff and sewage disposal) dredge and fill operations and scarring from boat propellers have taken a heavy toll on Florida’s seagrasses.

Through the elimination of small, poorly-maintained regional sewage systems and the work of organizations like the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Tampa Bay Estuary Program, and Tampa Bay Watch, programs were instituted that began to turn the tide on water quality.

Anglers, from experience, are aware of the importance of these prolific, shallow beds. They experience firsthand the myriad interactions that produce fertile fisheries. They may not understand the intricate web of existence that proceeds from the microscopic level to the fish on the end of their line, but they reap the benefits nonetheless. Government scientists (NOAA) consider seagrasses to be of such importance that they have adopted a “no net loss” policy to manage them. Despite this pronouncement, seagrasses remain under assault.

Preventing the loss of valuable seagrasses must be a high priority. Watershed management, replanting, avoidance of direct impacts to existing grasses, and mitigation are avenues to reach those goals. Mitigation involves the replacement of seagrasses impacted by residential and commercial development. Unfortunately, the literature reveals that the effectiveness of mitigating seagrass damage is considered, even among the leading wetland scientists, as marginal at best.

In recent years, seagrass rebounded in Sarasota Bay. Unfortunately, that trend reversed after the red tide of 2018, and now there have been reports by local fishing guides including Captain Justin Moore and Captain Todd Romine that acres of once-lush seagrasses have been reduced to sand flats. It is a foregone conclusion that development will continue to impact coastal areas and their seagrass resources. It is vital that decisions are made that will accommodate unavoidable development while protecting the quality of our most valuable local resources. Enlightened citizens, anglers and their interest groups must take part in this decision-making process.

Cost considerations often eclipse concerns for seagrasses, but research reveals the true value of these resources. A study (Virnstein and Morris 1996) conducted in the Indian River Lagoon estimated the value of seagrass to be $12,500 per acre, per year, based solely on economic values derived from recreational and commercial fisheries. In the last few years, the effects of rampant development, antiquated and failing infrastructure, and associated stormwater runoff are feeding red tide events and algae blooms, and threatening the very existence of the bay’s seagrass system.

Groups like Suncoast Waterkeeper and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, alarmed at the prospect of a potential collapse of the bay (like the one that has plagued the Indian River Lagoon) have sprung into action to alert the public through education, effective policy and in the case of the Waterkeeper Groups, hold governments accountable under the rules of the Clean Water Act of 1972.  It is imperative that citizens let leaders know they will hold them responsible to protect the resources that form the basis of our quality of life as well as the local economy.