Skip to main content

Tag: Reel Time

Reel Time: Choosing line and leader

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reel Time: What happened to catch and release?

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

Catch and release used to be a topic that came up often in fishing circles. The idea was to educate anglers that fish populations are finite and not the bottomless resource that they were once thought to be. For a time it seemed the idea was relatively commonplace. Now a look at Instagram and Facebook posts might have you wonder what happened.

Lately, a lot of posts of dead fish are appearing that seem to be taken more to impress others and get likes than to provide a meal. With increased angling pressure, burgeoning populations and serious water quality issues, proper catch and release methods are more important now than ever. Fish that aren’t headed to the dinner table should be given the best chance of living, reproducing and sustaining threatened populations.

Releasing a tarpon
Keeping big fish like tarpon in the water is critical. Andy Mill measures a tarpon while Captain Doug Kilpatrick assists. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

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

Fishermen have been criticized because catch and release fishing is seen by some as playing with fish. Anglers, unlike hunters, can pursue their passion and release their prey.
Most anglers I know who practice catch and release have no problem with killing fish occasionally to take home for dinner. Responsible anglers and hunters are often on the front lines protecting the habitat and welfare of fish and animals. It’s more about enjoying the sport and trying to be proactive in helping it to remain healthy and viable.

There are many species, notable among them, tarpon, that anglers seldom, if ever, kill. Catch and release is not just about releasing fish that you don’t want, it’s also about properly releasing undersized fish or species that aren’t valued at the table. Catch and release in any form is a wise use of the resource, but unfortunately, many anglers don’t know how to properly handle fish.

Here are a few tips. First, make sure you match the tackle to the species you’re fishing for. Trying to land a big tarpon on 20-pound tackle might be OK if you’re experienced, but to the uninitiated, it’s like announcing a free meal to sharks. Enjoy the action, but land the fish as quickly as possible. Once you have the fish subdued, if possible, never take them out of the water.  If you’ve been fighting them for a long time (think tarpon) make sure you revive them sufficiently. If you can reach the water over the gunwale, slowly move the boat forward while holding the fish. This forces water and oxygen through their gills. They’ll let you know when they’re ready to go.

The hook is probably the next most important consideration. A barbless hook is best for fish and anglers alike. The key to keeping fish on a barbless hook is to keep the line tight. The other important factor you should consider is hooking yourself. A barbless hook is far easier to remove from a finger or an ear. Another option is a circle hook that helps prevent “gut” hooking fish.

A de-hooker is a tool anglers should always have at hand. It keeps your hands clean and prevents you from inadvertently harming the fish. Fish have a viscous coating that covers their scales and skin and acts as a defense against the invasion of bacterial, parasitic and fungal pathogens. De-hookers come in various shapes depending on how they’re used. The simplest is J-shaped and removes hooks in or near the jaw. A circular-shaped longer version allows anglers to remove hooks that are deep in the throat of a fish.

Anglers who fish for reef fish like snapper and grouper need to learn how to “vent” fish. Reeling fish from deep water inflates their swim bladders. Unless this bladder is punctured the fish is unable to swim back to the bottom. Search YouTube for the Florida Sea Grant video that explains the venting procedure.

Taking the time and having the tools and knowledge to release fish mindfully is one way to help ensure we have a healthy population of fish now and into the future. Let’s bring catch and release back as a topic of conversation.

Reel Time: Shifting seasons 

Reel Time: Shifting seasons 

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

I admit, it’s been a subtle shift from summer into fall, but even if the weather doesn’t reflect it, the shorter days and cooling Gulf waters are sending local anglers a message. One sure harbinger of fall is the arrival of king mackerel to inshore Gulf waters. The appearance of king mackerel, little tunny (a/k/a bonito) and Spanish mackerel are a sure sign that shoals of baitfish are congregating off area beaches.

Anglers wanting to target these species should look for diving birds in the inshore Gulf waters. This is a sure sign of feeding fish. Always approach a school of feeding fish cautiously, getting only as close as your longest cast. If trolling, just run lines and not motors around the edges of action. You’ll be respecting other anglers and have the best chance at catching fish.

There’s been a pickup in action in the inshore waters as well, with schools of redfish prowling the edges from Sarasota Bay to Miguel Bay. Snook action has also been consistent, especially on the last (strong phase) of an outgoing and the early incoming tide.

Stone crab traps are in the water and will be producing some mouthwatering claws starting Oct. 15. This should also signal the arrival of tripletail. These peculiar fish can be found impersonating seaweed on traps, pilings, buoys and any floating objects in bay and Gulf waters. A well-placed shrimp fly, DOA shrimp, or the real thing will most often elicit a response. Remember, tripletail are one of the few fish you can work a bait directly to because they’re ambush feeders.

The fall season through the first strong front in late November is one of my favorite times of the year. The oppressive heat lifts and Gulf and bay waters clear as temperatures trend down from the low 80s. Sight fishing for cruising fish of any kind is my idea of a perfect day on the water. Poling or wading a clear grass flat with fly or spin tackle is the most challenging and rewarding way to pursue gamefish in my world. Whatever your passion, pursue it, keep your ear to the “ground” and the shifting seasons won’t disappoint.

Fred and the fish-eating squirrel

Reel Time: Fred and the fish-eating squirrel

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

Most of Bradenton was asleep and dreaming when I pulled up to the locked gate that barred access to Jiggs Landing on the shore of Ward Lake (a/k/a Bill Evers Reservoir). Beeping my horn and flashing my lights, I knew I was signaling my presence to a small white Boston Whaler somewhere in the inky darkness. The lake is located south of State Road 70, approximately 6.5 miles from downtown Bradenton. It was created as a water source for the City of Bradenton in 1939 when a dam was constructed across the Braden River. The reservoir was expanded to almost 400 acres in 1986 and stores over 1.4 billion gallons of water.

Moments later, Andy “Doc” Lee appeared out of the darkness in his 13-foot Whaler, “Slow Poke.” Lee has been fishing the lake for 45 years and it would be safe to say that no one knows it better. I first met Lee in the late 80s when we formed the Manatee Chapter of the Florida Conservation Association (now CCA). Lee, who hails from upstate New York, started fly fishing at age 7 when his aunt gave him his first fly rod and a fly-tying kit. When he moved to the area in 1977, he called Bradenton Herald fishing editor Jerry Hill to learn about fly fishing locally. A friendship developed and Lee became a featured speaker and fly-tier at Hill’s Bradenton Herald Fishing College.

I did my first story on Lee for Florida Sportsman in 1996. That day we fished the Manatee River and caught an assortment of different species including a 15-pound snook, flounder, channel catfish, panfish and bass. The thing that attracted me to Lee in the first place, besides the fact he catches a lot of fish, was his innovative methods and handmade flies.

We fished for bluegills and redear sunfish (shellcrackers) on three-weight fly outfits. Lee rigged me up at the ramp with an 8-foot, 4-pound leader, strike indicator and a “flutter” fly he developed. After motoring to a nearby shoreline where the river enters the lake, he showed me how to fish the rig and soon we were catching hand-sized panfish. Over the four hours, Lee moved several times to areas of grass where the panfish congregate. He triangulates the spots from landmarks on shore and then verifies the location on a fish finder. While the fishing wasn’t “hot,” according to Lee, we did manage to land over a dozen fish that he would clean for dinner.

As we were headed in, Lee said I had a good chance of meeting Fred and the fish-eating squirrel back at the ramp. Noticing the puzzled look on my face, he explained. For the last few years, Lee has been greeted at the ramp by a red-shouldered hawk he named Fred who loves fish carcasses. Another frequent “greeter” was a squirrel that also loves the remains of the fish he cleaned. On cue, Fred was sitting on a nearby fence when we returned and waited patiently as Lee cleaned fish. When he was done, he flipped the remains on the ground and Fred swooped in for breakfast. The only thing missing that day was the fish-eating squirrel, but Lee invited me back for another chance. I accepted right away; after all, how often do you get to meet a fish-eating squirrel?

New horizons in trolling motor technology

New horizons in trolling motor technology

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

If there’s one thing I learned over the years it’s that the more “stuff” you put on a boat the more you have to deal with. Having said that, there are a few things I have found worth the effort. Chief among those is a trolling motor. Recent advances in technology have made the problems I encountered in the past less of a problem.

I’m an inshore angler most of the time, only venturing into the Gulf seasonally in pursuit of tarpon, little tunny, cobia, tripletail and Spanish mackerel. While l prefer to use my push pole most of the time, there are times the trolling motor is “indispensable.” Chief among them are the times I fish alone and use the trolling motor to set myself up for drifts or to work a shoreline. Then there are the times when the trolling motor gives me a distinct advantage over anchoring or drifting when targeting tripletail on crab buoys or fishing lights in the pre-dawn hours.

My first trolling motors were analog and operated with air switches. I remember them as being more trouble than they were worth. Fortunately, advances in technology brought us digital motors that were far more reliable and coatings that make them far more saltwater resistant.

Today, technology continues to advance at a dizzying pace and trolling motors and anglers are reaping the rewards. The advances are particularly notable for big boat owners. While there are two major brands available to anglers, this article centers on Minn Kota, the motor I use and I think has made the biggest strides for saltwater anglers.

All Minn Kota saltwater models have coated lower units. The lower unit is grit-blasted, aluminum coated, then powder coated for protection against oxidization and rust. The other parts of the motor that are most susceptible to the corrosive effects of saltwater are the motor’s control board and electronics, which are completely encapsulated to keep saltwater out. All motors are also equipped with a technology they call a “digital maximizer” that extends the life of the batteries that power the motors.

The technology really benefits offshore anglers and guides who depend on a trolling motor every day. The new Riptide Terrova has an 87″ shaft and a GPS system with a feature called Spot-Lock that automatically holds a boat over a chosen location like a favorite reef, eliminating the need to anchor in deep water. The GPS also allows an angler to follow a particular track or heading automatically keeping hands free for fishing.

Other features include a bow-mount stabilizer to lock the motor in place when you hit heavy chop and wake, and a quick-release bracket for easy motor removal. The innovations get even more hands-free with the introduction of an i-Pilot Link which connects Riptide trolling motors to a Humminbird fish finder unit, enabling the angler to control their motor from a Humminbird fishfinder.

The Riptide Ulterra® increases the ease of use with a button that automatically deploys and stows the motor and adjusts it up and down. All this can be controlled with a hand-held controller, from a smartphone app or on the fishfinder unit.

With these advances in technology, the only work you’ll be doing on your trolling motor is maintenance. In truth, finding someone to work on my trolling motors has always been a problem. That issue was resolved when I met the Trolling Motor Guy. Robert Schroeder operates a factory-authorized Minn Kota service center right here in Bradenton. Local Island anglers can even drop their motors off to be serviced in Cortez!

Trolling motors have come a long way since I hung the first one on my boat and have become an integral part of a lot of the fishing I do. This article just touches on many of the possibilities. The Trolling Motor Guy can be reached by calling 941-518-9940.

Hone your hot weather strategy 

Hone your hot weather strategy 

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

Summer may be on the wane but you would never know it unless you’re up early or get out later in the day. Savvy anglers know to change their strategies, tailoring their efforts to maximize comfort and opportunities.

One of the prime times to fish during the “dog days” is before the sun crests the horizon. The myriad dock and bridge lights that illuminate the waterways from Bradenton to Venice are prime targets. Basins with deep holes are also a great place to target rolling tarpon. These areas hold schools of snook as well as trout and a host of other species.

Docks with a water depth in excess of 6 feet are best. Tidal flow is another indication of action. Lights on the up-tide side of a structure are best, allowing you more latitude when making a presentation, preventing hang ups and allowing flies, lures and bait to swing to the fish naturally. With a little attention to detail, it’s possible to target some docks on the incoming tide, and others on the outgoing tide.

The presence of hard bottom near a bridge or dock is another indicator of good fish habitat. The presence of bait is directly related to structures like ledges, oyster bars and seawalls. These areas attract the bait that lures the fish. The type of light on the dock can also influence the action. Lights that sit low to the water seem to have a more distinctive shadow line, an area where feeding fish concentrate. In any case, the fish seem to hang on the dark edges of the shadow lines.

When the rising sun lightens the horizon, anglers can move to the flats to target redfish, snook and trout. Concentrate your fishing around flats with good grass cover. In addition, look for flats that feature channel edges, potholes, sandbars and oyster bars. The addition of a strong tide will increase your odds.

In the hottest months, most of the early morning tides are from 1 to 1 1/2 feet, so anglers will seldom see pushes or tails. Instead, concentrate on scattering bait, working birds and schools of mullet. One of the most productive strategies is to fish “seams,” demarcation lines that separate grass, sand, and other structure.

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

Fishing the “doldrums” can be productive no matter where you fish as long as you follow a few rules. First and foremost, you must find conditions that are acceptable to the species you seek. Snook and redfish are much more tolerant of high water temperatures than trout. In general, water temperatures must not be excessive, and you can count on early mornings and deeper water to moderate conditions. The exception to the rule will be those areas and times where the presence of food overrides the fish’s desire to locate comfortable conditions. Fishing the “Summer Doldrums,” can be challenging, but master the rules and you’ll have a lot of productive fishing to yourself.

Fishing at o-dark-thirty

Fishing at o-dark-thirty

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

The clear, pale green halo of light stood out in stark relief, surrounded by inky dark water at the end of the boat basin. The properties and docks that encircled the water, normally bustling with activity, were eerily quiet in the pre-dawn darkness.

Captain Rick Grassett cut his outboard 100 yards away and used the electric trolling motor to ease us into position so we could peer into the netherworld below. Turning off the electric motor, we drifted into casting distance and quietly lowered the anchor. As we stripped line from our fly reels and prepared to cast, an ethereal world appeared. Schools of small baitfish and mullet darted into and out of the shadows and the dark shapes of snook and tarpon prowled the edges of the light.

On his first cast, a 30-pound tarpon tracked Grassett’s fly from the edges of the light, turning off only a few feet from the boat’s transom. On the next cast, a snook pounced on the fly just as it landed near the circle of light. The snook put on a characteristic aerial display with multiple jumps and a few spirited runs before it was landed, revived and released. The action put the other fish down and when we would have normally backed off and let them return, we decided to head to a local pass for the change of tide before dawn.

Grassett was one of the first anglers to popularize night snook fishing in the Sarasota/Venice area, and for more than three decades, he has divined the secrets of nocturnal gamefish.

These highly-sought-after species congregate around lights on the Intracoastal Waterway and in the local passes. The lights are a magnet to small baitfish, shrimp and crabs, and snook, tarpon, redfish and other predators target them there. Grassett has learned the best time to target fish at night is during a moving tide. Through trial and error, he has found that these predators prefer certain dock and bridge lights during a falling tide and others during a rising tide. He has also learned the important relationship between lights and nearby structure, ledges and grass flats.

After a short run to a nearby pass, we pulled close to a lighted dock and once again got into position to cast. The tide was just starting to come in and I wondered if the move might have been a mistake. There were a few fish in the lights and one occasionally came to the surface to chase a shrimp, but the action was slow and the fish deep in the water column. In the next few minutes, the whole scene morphed completely as the tide picked up steam and snook piled into the lights, crashing prey at the surface. In the next 45 minutes, we landed and released more than a dozen snook before the action started to slow.

We left the fish biting as the horizon started to lighten because we wanted to check a couple of other areas for tarpon before the summer sun chased us off the water. The air was cool as we headed towards Longboat Key and as a bonus, we were treated to a fiery sunrise over the Sarasota skyline. When we arrived at our first stop, we immediately saw a large tarpon roll in the basin we intended to fish. Moments later other small fish rose to the surface. I was fishing a sink tip line with a small white baitfish fly while Grasset used a DOA Terrorize on 8-pound spinning tackle. A few minutes later Grassett was hooked up to a tarpon we estimated at 25 pounds. The fish put on a hard 15-minute fight with several jumps before we landed and released it. Once again, we left fish to scout one more spot across the bay. The tarpon were thick in a basin there too but weren’t in a feeding mood so we headed back to the ramp before the sun rose above clouds on the horizon. The only time we broke a sweat was as we loaded the boat on the trailer, but the promise of air conditioning and the action we experienced that morning made it all worthwhile.

If you can forgo a few hours of sleep in the pre-dawn hours during our “Dog Days” of summer, you can experience some epic action. The combination of cool temperatures, with peace, quiet and action makes it one of my favorite times to fish. Grassett can show you the ropes, a good way to be introduced to this nocturnal world. He can be reached at 941-350-9790. Check out his web site at www.snookfin-addict.com.

Reel Time on the Road: Yellowstone and the Madison River Valley

Reel Time on the Road: Yellowstone and the Madison River Valley, Part Two

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

When I planned my trip to Montana, visiting and photographing Yellowstone was one of my main objectives besides fishing. The day after fishing Lake Ennis and the Madison River, I returned to the park, this time exploring the diverse and magical landscapes of the geyser basins, Yellowstone Lake and the majestic “Grand Canyon of The Yellowstone,” where the Yellowstone River plunges 1,000 feet into a 20-mile multi-colored canyon. Once again, an early start was rewarded with relatively uncrowded roads and attractions where one could more fully appreciate the natural wonders of our first National Park. I was blessed throughout my trip with clear sunny skies and temperatures that ranged from the mid-30s to the low 80s.

The following day, I returned to the Lamar Valley with Ed Chiles and Bradenton attorney Jim Knowles to fish Soda Butte Creek near the eastern entrance to the park. This time I was afforded the luxury of being able to really absorb the wonders of the park as a passenger. The creek was accessed by hiking across an open sage prairie framed by towering mountains draped in verdant green forests. The amazing scenery there, arguably some of the most picturesque in the park, made it hard to concentrate on our dry flies but we all managed to land a number of cutthroat trout and brown trout. Chiles and Knowles each landed cutthroat trout to 18 inches.

On my last day, I elected to fish again on Lake Ennis with Captain Harrison King and this time we spent the day there. A mirror-smooth lake greeted us that morning as we targeted rainbow and brown trout that were taking insects from the surface. This was exciting and demanding fly fishing, requiring quick, long and accurate casts. The highlight of the day was filming King as he got out of the boat and stalked rising “gulpers” along a channel of the Madison that fed into the lake.  He deftly placed his dry fly just up current of a group of feeding fish, landing a beautiful rainbow trout we estimate at 20 inches. It was a fitting end to a memorable Montana vacation.

If you haven’t experienced the wilds of Montana, I highly suggest you do. I’ll always remember the days floating rivers and exploring soaring landscapes, of rounding a corner on a rushing river to see moose, wild turkeys and antlered mule deer drinking from the river and watching antelope, wolves, bison and elk roaming the vast western landscapes.

- Rusty Chinnis | Sun

- Rusty Chinnis | Sun

- Rusty Chinnis | Sun

- Rusty Chinnis | Sun

- Rusty Chinnis | Sun

- Rusty Chinnis | Sun

- Rusty Chinnis | Sun

- Rusty Chinnis | Sun

- Rusty Chinnis | Sun

- Rusty Chinnis | Sun

 

Reel Time on the Road: Montana’s Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers

Reel Time on the Road: Montana’s Big Hole and Beaverhead Rivers

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

When Robert Redford introduced fly fishing to popular American culture in the 1992 movie, “A River Runs Through It,” he also introduced them to the storied trout streams and rivers of Montana. Although I had been a fly fisher for some time this, like so many other anglers, was my introduction to this beautiful part of the world. Since then, over the years I have had the pleasure to fish many of the iconic trout rivers and streams in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.

While I was always enthralled with the scenery that a float trip opened up to anglers, it was a trip to Oregon last year that expanded my horizons. My wife Chris and I were on the Deschutes River when we found out that you couldn’t fish from the boat there. The fishing consisted of stops to wade for trout and steelhead. What that trip taught me was to take breaks from fishing during a float to sit back and really appreciate the scenery.

When I had the opportunity to take a trip to Montana and experience some famous rivers I had never fished, I signed on. My friend, Captain Rick Grassett, has been leading trips to Montana every year for the past two decades and this year I joined him on the trip. This was an opportunity to fish the Beaverhead and the Big Hole Rivers near Dillon, Montana. The group was hosted by Dave King of King Outfitters and stayed at the Hansen Ranch, a working cattle ranch, an hour southwest of Dillon. Over five days we fished various sections of both rivers as well as a day on a private section of the Beaverhead that included a spring creek. Not only did we have wonderful fishing, but we were also treated to some spectacular scenery and wildlife only available during a float. I did my share of catching wild rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout but also took breaks to just sit back and take in the scenery and the moose, wild turkeys and mule deer that were visiting the river to drink.

We fished dry flies with nymph droppers which gave us a chance at explosive surface strikes from aggressive trout but also allowed us to explore the deeper sections of the river where trout feed on various stages of insects that develop there. My largest trout, a 22” brown, was taken on the private section of the Beaverhead and attacked my hopper imitation with a vengeance. We were alternately guided by King and Dan Allen on our drifts and they provided excellent instruction in reading the river and working the fly line to deal with the various seams and back eddies, to create a natural drift for our flies.

The days of fishing were the highlight of the trip followed closely by the appetizers and meals we enjoyed back at the lodge courtesy of Annie Waltz Kubicka. Kubicka prepared food that combined eye and palate appeal, a consistent topic of conversation and praise from the group.

If you haven’t experienced the fishing and scenery along one of America’s wild rivers, I highly recommend it. Grassett runs yearly trips to Montana. For more information and to experience this fantastic fishery, contact him at 941-350-9790. Contact King Outfitters at 406-596-0209 or visit his Facebook page at King Outfitters. Next week Yellowstone and the Madison River Valley.

Reel Time: Engage and defend

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

This week as I watched the tribute to John Lewis, the American politician and civil rights leader, being eulogized by past presidents of both parties, I was inspired anew by the message of this great American. Lewis encouraged people to speak up and more importantly do something when they see wrongs that need to be righted. While Lewis will be remembered for his bravery in the face of incredible hostility and hatred centered on human rights, I take his message to heart in the threat to our local waters and the habitat that supports it.

Reel Time
Water quality is a continuing problem in local waters. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The love of coastal habitats has played a defining role in my life. Memories and friendships forged while fishing have led to my determination to speak to others (like you). We need to marshal our resources to protect these irreplaceable treasures so that future generations might have the same opportunities we’ve had.

I’ve written often about the pressures on our fisheries and more recently about the insults that water quality and habitat destruction pose. Recently I’ve become even more alarmed at what I’m seeing on the waters that surround our homes. I fear that there’s actually a possibility of a collapse of the natural systems that support the fish we seek. If you live near the water you’ve experienced the massive blooms of lyngbya (a dangerous cyanobacteria) that have choked canals and boat basins in our island communities as well as the unprecedented bloom that recently blanketed the shore from Perico Bayou to Palma Sola Bay and beyond.

I’m no scientist but it doesn’t take a degree in biology to recognize that we are surrounded by troubled waters. Sarasota Bay Watch (SBW) was formed after the devastating harmful (red tide) algae bloom of 2005 that lasted for 13 months. SBW is involving citizens in the region in the health of our Gulf, bays and estuaries. The organization has done an excellent job through initiatives that seek to bring water-filtering shellfish back to healthy populations, remove fishing line from bird rookeries, remove trash and invasive plants from coastal islands and educate future stakeholders.

Other organizations like the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), long champions of protecting fisheries stocks, have begun partnering with groups like SBW and supporting their efforts to stock clams in Sarasota Bay. They also have a robust program of raising and releasing redfish in an attempt to counter the effects of the even more destructive red tide bloom of 2018.

I have supported both organizations since their founding but recently had an epiphany. While I will continue to support groups that work to restore fish and bivalves, it dawned on me that if we don’t address the root problem, i.e. water quality, all other efforts will ultimately lead to failure. This realization led to my involvement with Suncoast Waterkeeper, an organization that addresses these issues. Through outreach, education and advocacy, Waterkeeper groups around the world defend communities against anyone who threatens their right to clean water, from polluters to unresponsive government agencies. The local group founded by Sarasota environmental attorney Justin Bloom has been effective in forcing municipalities from St. Petersburg to Sarasota to adhere to the laws set down in the landmark Clean Water Act. The legislation signed into law in 1972 establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters. Locally the law has allowed Suncoast Waterkeeper to force municipalities to address and redress the release of wastewater that has raised nutrient levels in local waters to dangerous levels. Recently, some high-profile sewage spills in Manatee County and Longboat Key, exacerbated by antiquated infrastructure and exploding population growth have been front page news. Unfortunately, these releases are just contributions to a much larger problem. While the root of the problem is too many people, that is an issue that we must accept and find a way to ameliorate.

Recently both Sarasota and Manatee County have contributed millions of dollars to build a world class aquarium near I-75. While I understand the educational principle behind such a project, it seems to me that the money would be better spent fixing the infrastructure that is threatening our “natural aquarium.” Hopefully, we won’t be using aquariums to show our children and future generations what our natural waters “were” like.

Fortunately, it’s not too late to save these precious resources. Sarasota County, in a settlement with Suncoast Waterkeeper, is transitioning to an advanced wastewater system and committed to supporting clean water. To their credit, Manatee County commissioners recently approved a Conservation Referendum that will appear on the November ballot. Voting yes on the referendum would mean approving a property tax increase to create a conservation fund. This will cost the average homeowner about $29 a year, equivalent to 12 McDonalds hamburgers. The “Water Quality, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Preservation and Parks” funding will allow the county to issue bonds of up to $50 million.

Do your part by voting for proposals and leaders both locally and federally that support clean water and clean air. Check their voting record at the League of Conservation Voters  www.lcv.org. Join with Suncoast Waterkeeper to help with local clean water initiatives at www.suncoast waterkeeper.org. Learn about Sarasota Bay Watch and its shellfish restoration program at www.sarasotabaywatch.org.

Next week, let’s go fishing when Reel Time on the Road goes to Dillon, Montana.

Sun protection: do the cool thing

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

Sun protection is a topic worth repeating, especially this time of the year! If you’ve been on the water over the last few years, you’ve noticed anglers covered head to toe even on the hottest and sunniest days. They’re wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, gloves, face protection and hats. Years ago, anglers were limited to hats, long heavy cotton clothing and greasy lotions that reflected the sun’s harmful rays.

The damaging effects of sun exposure are one of the most important things for an angler to understand. Sunlight is primarily composed of infrared, visible and ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light (UV) is potentially harmful and is the wavelength that causes sunburn. Sunburn is a form of radiation burn that results from exposure to this property of light. Symptoms of overexposure in humans consist of red or reddish skin that is hot to the touch and can include general fatigue and mild dizziness. An excess of UV radiation can be life-threatening in extreme cases.

Maximizing your protection from UV light rays is important because the harmful effects of the sun are cumulative over your lifetime. While potentially harmful, the sun is primarily an angler’s friend. If the sun is shining there’s a good chance the weather will allow you to be on the water. If you sight fish, it assures you’ll have a better chance of seeing your quarry and increases your odds of hooking up.

Many part-time fishermen and visitors from the north don’t fully appreciate the potentially harmful effects of the sun, especially in Florida and the southern regions of the northern hemisphere. The most intense exposure to the sun occurs from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. – prime time for fishing Florida’s fertile waters.

Modern sunscreens are rated according to their SPF or sun protection factor. The theory is that if you can stay out in the sun for 15 minutes without getting burned a sunscreen with SPF 10 will help you resist sunburn for 10 times that amount of time, which calculates to about 150 minutes. Our skin has natural SPF depending on the amount of melanin (pigment) it contains. Generally, the darker your complexion the more melanin you have. No matter what your skin color, the best solution is to avoid the sun as much as possible by applying a high SPF sunscreen and covering the skin, vital protection from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. Another important factor to consider especially in Florida is if the sunscreen is reef safe, and if not waterproof, make sure you reapply after a swim or shower.

Fortunately, there is also a plethora of high-tech clothing available to anglers that is cool, breathes and contains a UPF (the rating for clothing is expressed as Ultraviolet Protection Factor) factor as well. Companies like Patagonia and Simms offer clothing with UPF ranging from 30-50, with 50 being the highest rating. A rating of 50 translates to approximately 97% protection. These same companies also offer gloves to protect the hands and headgear that protects the head, ears, face and neck. There are constantly new innovations coming out that make these moisture-wicking fabrics even more functional for anglers. Early face protection devices functioned to protect the skin but caused moisture from the breath to fog sunglasses. Now they are designed with breathing openings that virtually eliminate that problem.

One innovative company, TASC, has even harnessed the natural properties of bamboo to create a clothing line with an impressive list of natural properties. They blend the soft inner fibers of the bamboo with organic cotton to create a fabric that has a UPF of 50+ and is moisture-wicking, breathable, lightweight and chemical-free.

There really is no reason not to protect your skin from the sun with the array of sunscreens and clothing available today. It’s a far cry from what was available to anglers a short two decades ago. Locally, AMI Outfitters has the same (branded) clothing at a substantial savings. They also carry hats, gloves and masks. Protect that skin – it’s the only one you’ll ever have, and now you can do it in style. It’s the cool thing to do!

The Ocean Conservancy: Working to protect Florida’s future

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

Since the Ocean Conservancy was founded in 1972, it has changed names several times. With the support of conservation-minded individuals, they’ve accomplished many incredible things, starting with protecting whales and progressing to other wildlife and marine communities that create the web of our oceans.

One of their first initiatives was the Whale Protection Fund, which focused on saving whales and protesting commercial whaling by Russia and Japan. The Ocean Conservancy raised support from concerned citizens to invest in scientific research, launched petitions and ran ads in papers across the nation to raise awareness about the whaling industry. That commitment paid off when the International Whaling Commission finally banned commercial whaling in 1982.

In the early years, their work focused on species like whales, seals and sea turtles. While the Ocean Conservancy has been a part of many success stories, they realized they couldn’t protect species without protecting their habitat. Thinking bigger, the organization shifted to a more ecosystem-based approach. They were also one of the first environmental organizations to engage industries in conservation – a key part of their mission to this day.

In the 1980s, the Conservancy fought for key habitats to be protected under the Marine Sanctuary Program, and their staff started the very first International Coastal Cleanup in 1986.

Over the years, their mission grew and solidified to make them who they are today, a science-based organization that stands on the absolute conviction that each individual can make a positive difference for our oceans.

By working together with concerned citizens, the Ocean Conservancy seeks solutions for a healthy ocean and the wild communities that depend on it.

Today, The Conservancy is dedicated to finding solutions to the biggest threats facing our oceans. And they know that they can’t solve these problems without our support. The Conservancy realizes we all depend on a healthy ocean for the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat.

The Ocean Conservancy tackles the greatest global challenges facing our ocean today.

Even more, they focus on long-term solutions that promote a healthy ocean, abundant wildlife and thriving coastal communities.

The Ocean Conservancy realizes that what happens to the ocean impacts all of us. The ocean is everyone’s responsibility and the Ocean Conservancy can’t do it alone—they need to join forces with people around the world to keep our ocean and our coastal communities healthy and prosperous.

On Monday, July 20, I took part in a Zoom meeting (also presented as a Facebook live event) hosted by J.P. Brooker, director of Florida Conservation for the Ocean Conservancy, with Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Noah Valenstein. During the presentation, Brooker interviewed the secretary about the next steps for Senate Bill 712, which was signed into law by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Titled the Clean Waterways Act, SB 712 passed the 2020 Florida Legislature with bipartisan support and carries a wide range of water quality protection provisions aimed at minimizing the impact of known sources of nutrient pollution, realigning the state’s resources to enhance the protection of Florida’s environment and strengthening regulatory requirements.

Also discussed were outcomes from this year’s legislative session and other marine and coastal environmental issues that currently face the state. To access the meeting, visit the Ocean Conservancy or YouTube.

Reel Time: Courtesy

Reel Time: Courtesy

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

Some things bear repeating. I’m guessing that you, like me, have a passion for fishing and besides the excitement of catching, a lot of the experience centers around just “being there.” It’s an opportunity to decompress and get away from the everyday challenges we face.

Or it should be. These days, if you’re not careful, it’s easy to let inconsiderate anglers, boaters and Jet Skiers ruin your peace of mind. Over the years I’ve adopted a policy that I call, “Show them the courtesy they don’t show you.” My intention is to carry this in the back of my mind at all times. I found it necessary to do this because for so many years it was a knee jerk reaction to unload on anyone who got in my “space” while I was fishing. I’ve mellowed over the years after coming to the realization that I was the one who suffered the consequences of my actions. Most of the time after an outburst, I’d move on anyway, carrying with me a bit less serenity. At some point in time it dawned on me to keep my composure. After all, there’s a lot of water to fish.

When we’re fishing we have no idea what’s going on with the others 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 or 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 fishing areas where they’ve caught fish before, and these days it’s not uncommon to find someone there or nearby. There are lots of places to fish, so if you find someone else nearby, move on to another location. It could be a blessing in disguise.

Jet Skiers can be the bane of fishermen, especially those who stake out on the beach looking for tarpon. A successful angler knows the value of patience and can wait hours for fish to move down the beach. When fish finally show up, there’s nothing more frustrating than to have a Jet Skier running up and around the lane that fish are coming down. After years of yelling, I started calling them over and saying hello before explaining what I’m doing. In the vast majority of cases, they apologize and give me a wide berth.

Fishing schooling species like tarpon, Spanish mackerel, little tunny and kingfish is another time when anglers need to be considerate of each other. Savvy anglers make a stealthy approach, working 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, say hello and educate them. If that doesn’t work, move on. Show them the courtesy they don’t show you.

Reel Time

Reel Time: Line, leaders and hooks

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

While rods, reels, lures and accessories are most often discussed when it comes to an angler’s resources, lines, leaders and hooks are an integral part of the equation.

Line connects the angler to the action and three choices are available – braid, monofilament, and fluorocarbon. While fluorocarbon, monofilament and braided lines were created to spool reels, fluorocarbon is most often used as a leader material. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and anglers should choose them based on their fishing style and use.

Monofilament has been around for decades and is probably the most commonly used line. It has many advantages and a few disadvantages that will affect the angler’s choice. Chief among its advantages are affordability and the fact that it sinks slowly and is more forgiving (stretches), making it less likely to break when shocked. Its disadvantages include the fact that it is less durable, has a larger diameter and can’t be cast as far.

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

Braided lines are much stronger than mono lines, so pound for pound they have a much smaller diameter. In order to get the line to spool on the reel like mono it is necessary to choose a matching diameter, which will be much stronger than the equivalent an angler is used to. Most anglers choose to go with a matching line test (i.e. smaller diameter line) and add a base of mono on the spool. That way you don’t have to use extra braid that will never see the light of day.

The major advantage of braided lines is that they don’t stretch and are more sensitive, telegraphing subtle strikes. This makes it easier to feel a bite and to set the hook on a fish. This is a big advantage when bottom fishing and targeting fish like sheepshead and mangrove snapper.

Fluorocarbon lines are expensive, and while it was intended as a filler line, most anglers use it primarily for leaders. It has a number of advantages over monofilament line, the most important being that it is less visible in the water. In addition, it is denser, sinks faster and is more abrasion-resistant. It’s important to carefully seat all knots and this is especially true with fluorocarbon. Wet knots and draw them up tight with pliers. Knots break when they slip and a carefully tied knot won’t slip.

There are so many lines and variations on the market that it would take a book to cover them all.

There is a lot of information on the internet, but probably the best advice would be to seek out local knowledge from anglers and tackle shops and try the different lines to see which suits your fishing style. That may end up being a particular type of braid, monofilament or fluorocarbon.  Hooks are, as they say, where the “rubber meets the road,” and choosing the proper size for the fish you pursue is important. Having said that, the relationship between hook size and fish size isn’t necessarily linear. Fly anglers catch some very big tarpon on hooks as small as number 1 or 2. What is critical is the strength of the wire used to construct the hook. The most important consideration when considering hooks is that they are sharp. Most hooks today are chemically sharpened, are extremely sharp out of the package but can become dull with use or contact with boats or bottom. Test the hook regularly to make sure it hasn’t dulled and keep a hook hone handy at all times. This is particularly important when pursuing fish like tarpon with boney mouths. When you fill spools properly, tie proper leaders with tight knots and regularly sharpen hooks, you’ll maximize your time on the water and up your hookup odds!

Reel Time: Passing on the passion

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

Thinking back at the significance fishing and the outdoors has had on my life, I’m constantly reminded of the importance of protecting the resource so future generations have access to the same opportunities we’ve had. That’s why you read so much in this column of the need to get involved in issues revolving around water quality. What’s equally important is how we introduce children to the natural world and fishing.

I was reminded of this last week when I was contacted by Chris Marsh. who is visiting the Island from Atlanta with his wife, Laura, and their two girls, Ruth and Rachel. The girls leave home for college this year and the parents had planned to take them to Montana on a “trip of a lifetime” fishing adventure. When the pandemic changed their plans, they decided to drive to Anna Maria, where they found Heron’s Landing, an accommodation they fell in love with. As so often happens in life, what appeared to be a setback turned into a fantastic adventure for parents and the girls. It began with a memorable afternoon fishing with Captain Logan Bystrom. In Chris’s words, “They now know the real thrill of sportfishing,” after jumping several tarpon and landing two.

Reel Time
Captain Logan Bystrom prepares to release a tarpon as Ruth Marsh looks on. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Chris originally called me thinking I was a guide but I was happy to introduce them to Jenny Moore and the Anna Maria Boat Company. The new company is run by Moore and her husband, Captain Justin Moore, who are longtime friends that I knew I could depend on to find a competent guide for the day. Not an easy task during the height of tarpon season. They didn’t disappoint and on Sunday Captain Kyle McWorther, who works with the Moores, introduced them to Anna Maria Sound and our fantastic inshore fishing.

Those first experiences on the water leave indelible memories and it was apparent that Chris and Laura had learned that lesson. His description of introducing the girls to fishing dovetailed with what I consider fundamental to transmitting the love of fishing.

First and foremost, we should strive to make fishing uncomplicated and as much fun as possible. Creating unrealistic expectations can discourage young anglers and be the difference between the kindling of a passion or an aversion to the activity.

The basics of fishing are not complicated to learn, are easy to teach children and don’t require expensive equipment. If there’s a cardinal rule to getting kids interested in fishing, it’s to make sure and keep them engaged. Children are naturally curious; they love to play in and on the water and are fascinated by the creatures they find there. Catching fish isn’t their main objective and you shouldn’t make it the focus of an outing. It’s important to plan a trip that includes other activities like swimming, wildlife identification and snorkeling as well as fishing.

Being on the water provides an excellent opportunity to teach kids about their environment and boating safety skills. It’s important to let kids be a part of the adventure, and getting them involved is a great way to interject a stealth lesson in responsibility in children. Give them things to be in charge of, such as making sure everyone knows where the safety equipment is.

Don’t start children out with cheap fishing rods and reels. Provide them with decent equipment that’s light and manageable. An ultra-light rig with 6-pound test line is a great way to start. Try and think like a kid when fishing. Children would rather catch a dozen pinfish in a half-hour than wait a half-hour for a chance at a bigger or better fish. Action is paramount; kids are easily bored and distracted.
Consider starting kids fishing with a small popping cork that they can watch for signs of action. If you can start teaching kids that the enjoyment of the adventure isn’t measured by the number or size of fish you catch, you’ll teach them an important lesson that many fishermen never learn. If you can make the experience interesting for them, even if they don’t catch anything, they are more likely to want to do it again. Kids might be more interested in collecting shells, counting crabs or looking for manatees or dolphin than fishing, so be sensitive to what’s bringing them pleasure.

It’s also important to emphasize safety, bending down the barbs on fishing hooks and making them aware of fish with sharp teeth and stingers like catfish and stingrays. These first experiences on the water are very important and you should consider a plan of action in advance in case the fishing isn’t great. The last thing you want to do is bore kids by sitting on a spot too long. Keep your eyes and ears open and you might learn a lesson or two from them!

The Marshes started their girls in stocked ponds initially hooking and landing the fish for them. According to Chris Marsh they quickly grew out of that and were fascinated by creatures large and small, including tadpoles, and even seaweed.

Those formative years were apparent when they told him, “Dad, you threw that cast net for hours at a time for us, that must have been so exhausting!”

Take your kids fishing, make it uncomplicated and fun and they’ll learn lessons and have memories that last a lifetime. Captain Logan Bystrom can be reached at 941-713-1265 and at his website. Contact McWorther and the Anna Maria Boat Company at 941-228-8973 and check out their website. Reservations are available at Heron’s Landing by contacting Maureen Kraker at 713-498-3549.