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Tag: Reel Time

Reel Time: Finding the silver lining?

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

There are a couple of old adages about finding a silver lining under a crisis. Right now, that might seem to be a bit Pollyannaish given the severity of the problem and the uncertain nature of the future. Still, I think it’s fair to say that most people are making the best of a bad situation, however that might be framed.

It was obvious on the curbs of my neighborhood on Monday, the day we have our trash and recyclables picked up. Piles of trash and overflowing recycling bins made it obvious that I wasn’t the only one taking the opportunity of cleaning, reorganizing and rethinking a number of personal options that being at home occasioned. Here are a couple of “epiphanies’” I had over the past two weeks.

I spend a lot of time at my desk both productively as in writing and editing images and video, and unproductively, i.e. scrolling through news stories, blogs and often questionable posts. Before the pandemic changed life as we had known it, I had planned an office remodel to free up space and make my working area more comfortable and functional. When COVID-19 changed everything, I was forced to rethink my space and my plans. The result was amazing; after cleaning, reorganizing and spending some time rethinking my options I found I had created a more functional and comfortable space with a lot less work and money. I started by replacing the handles on all the drawers and cabinets in my office, moving my mouse from the right side to the left side of my keyboard and purchasing a portable standing/sitting desk unit. The “desk” sits on my existing countertop, increased my effective space and allowed me to easily work standing up or sitting down. Another purchase was intended to keep my feet comfortable and warm. When I went online looking for a rug I found an ergonomic footrest that accomplished the intended task but also corrected my posture and made sitting for long periods of time less stressful. The bottom line was that my knee-jerk reaction to remove and replace had been replaced with a rethink and reuse paradigm.

That solution proved workable while social distancing at home but being an avid angler, I was also presented with the opportunity to rethink my need to get on the water. That led to outfitting my bike with a rod holder and exploring easily accessible options that only required a short bike ride. Suddenly I was bypassing closed boat ramps and finding action on local piers, bridges and beaches that didn’t require launching a boat, buying gas and all the other minutia a fishing trip often entails. Instead of committing most of a day to fishing I was getting out when the tide was right for fishing the pass and making short forays to local docks and piers. The new “lifestyle” also presented me with opportunities to organize and maintain my tackle, tie flies and practice my fly casting.

This new paradigm also made me rethink how to approach fly casting instruction in a time when one on one interaction is not advisable. It led me to the realization that I could encourage neophyte fly casters and experienced fly anglers who want to improve their craft to practice regularly while I provide teaching tips through www.rustychinnis.com/fly online videos.

As anglers we’re blessed that social distancing, a vital component of addressing this pandemic, doesn’t preclude us from getting out in the outdoors and pursuing our passion. I choose to fish alone. You’ll have to make that choice but I would encourage others to do the same except in the case of family members who we spend time with anyway. We certainly can’t frame this experience as positive and should consider helping others who aren’t as fortunate as us, but that doesn’t mean we can’t look to find some “silver linings” among the chaos.

It’s only common sense

Reel Time: It’s only common sense 

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

I’ve resisted writing about the Covid-19 threat and how it affects fishing and our lives here in Florida. Until now. Why the change? I think it’s incumbent on everyone to have a frank discussion of the potential threat this disease poses and to attempt to disseminate some information and ideas about the possible effects of the pandemic on those who love the outdoors.

It’s only common sense
Boaters trespassed on Passage Key this weekend. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

If you’re like me – and I assume you are since you’re reading this column – you try to get out and enjoy the Suncoast at every opportunity. The unusually long stretch of beautiful weather and clear blue waters increases the volume on that siren song. Herein lies the problem and the need for exercising what seems to be in short supply, personal responsibility and common sense.

Consider the issue of boating and the closing of local boat ramps. While this move by local officials was deemed (correctly in my opinion) necessary to help stem the potential for the spread of the disease, it’s far from a perfect or complete solution. For one, it isn’t and probably never could be equitable to all parties. While some commercial interests are allowed to use a couple of local launch locations, working guides can’t. Add to that equation the fact that many boaters have vessels on lifts and access to private ramps and the tip of an ominous “iceberg” looms large over the boating community.

I’ve personally observed some troubling scenes this past week. On Saturday and Sunday hordes of boaters descended on popular spots like Passage Key, a restricted National Wildlife Sanctuary in Tampa Bay, and the Longboat Pass sandbar near Jewfish Key. While many boaters did respect the call to social distance, a distressing number of boaters did not, potentially endangering not only themselves but anyone they might come in contact with. This behavior threatens those who do follow the rules, not only with infection but their ability to responsibly enjoy the outdoors.

Here are a couple of suggestions of ways to safely and responsibly appreciate the weather and outdoors we’ve been blessed with. If you own a boat and have access to the water, go out by yourself or with no more than one or two other anglers if you have a large boat. If you do fish with someone else remember how easily this disease spreads and follow CDC guidelines and take the proper precautions.

If you’re an Island resident, try walking the beach. Besides snook in the surf you might encounter pompano, flounder and redfish, especially around structure. The same goes for access points in the bay where you can wade the flats for redfish, trout, snook (catch and release only) and a host of other species. There are also the local bridges that provide access to some excellent fishing opportunities for all local species including Spanish mackerel, which are excellent eating when prepared fresh.

Whatever your passion, please be cognizant of the threat this disease poses if we are not vigilant. So far, we’ve been spared from the full effects of the global pandemic but I fear the worst is yet to come. How we conduct ourselves now can have far-reaching effects in the future. Of course, there’s the possibility that we might be spared the worst of the outbreak. I hope I’m wrong about the threat, but I’d rather be wrong and safe than dismissive of the risk and reap the potential grim results. A quote by the fly fishing savant Lefty Kreh keeps coming to mind – “It’s only common sense, only common sense ain’t so common.”  Please do your part, it could mean your life or the life of one you love.

Reel Time: Any given kind

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

Some of my fondest memories over the years have been spending time with and experiencing the wit and wisdom of some of fishing’s most talented and engaging personalities.

One of those people was Vic Dunaway, longtime fishing editor of the Miami Herald and a co-founding editor of Florida Sportsman Magazine. I’ll always remember his quip when someone ask him what his favorite rod was. The author and humorist with a twinkle in his eye would answer, “Any given kind.”  Unfortunately, outdoor writers have been branded over the years as a group of individuals (sometimes warranted) that write favorable articles for products given to them by tackle companies hoping for a good review in the outdoor press. Dunaway could get away with that joke because he didn’t fit that mold. To Dunaway, his readers were far more important than any tackle, however it was obtained.

Any given kind
The Bull Bay Sniper rod did an admirable job of subduing this snook (released after the picture) while telegraphing the excitement of the catch. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

That memory resurfaced recently when I decided that I needed to upgrade my spinning tackle. I’d been following the advances in rod materials and design with regards to my fly tackle but I hadn’t gotten a new spinning outfit in over a decade. During a conversation about fly fishing with my good friend and tackle representative Rick Hess, I brought up my need to upgrade my spinning tackle and he mentioned a rod company whose line he was representing. I had forgotten that conversation until about a month ago when I attended the Manatee Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association banquet in Palmetto. I thought that would be a perfect opportunity to buy a new outfit while supporting the iconic conservation organization. I purchased a new Shimano spinning reel there but never found an outfit that matched my needs.

I had heard of Bull Bay Rods but had never seen or used one when Hess told me not to buy a rod until I had a chance to try one. I instantly loved the fit and feel of the Sniper Series rod he picked and it matched my reel perfectly. On my first time out, a quick bike ride to the Longboat Pass Bridge, I caught three mackerel and was sold. The rod is beautifully made, light and responsive for all fish, has fast action and the backbone to fight bigger fish.

Bull Bay Rods was founded as a custom rod company by father and son team Kelly and Dustin Phillips in 2012. The Phillips had been disappointed in the service they had received after the breakage of some off the shelf tackle they had purchased. A few years later they partnered with Mike Anderson, host of the Reel Animals Fishing TV and Radio show, and in 2015 they launched their first custom line. Since then they have expanded into multiple lines servicing inshore, offshore and freshwater anglers. The rod Hess suggested for me was their Sniper Series that, as its name implies, was built for long, accurate casts. Although I didn’t have to pay for the rod, I made sure that there were no strings attached. I made him aware that I would never represent a product to my readers that I wouldn’t use myself. I had no problem like that with this rod. On my second outing, I sight fished a nice snook and really got to test the rod. As advertised, the rod allowed me to make an accurate cast, and when the snook hit my jig I was impressed with the way it handled the runs and jumps while telegraphing the best of the experience. I can in good faith offer a positive endorsement to my readers. Since we all have individual tastes and needs, I would advise readers to try one and make their own decisions. If you want more information on Bull Bay Rods, visit their website. You can experience the feel and purchase a rod locally at Discount Tackle in Bradenton.

Protecting paradise

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

I don’t think it’s a stretch to call where we live paradise. I hear first-time visitors say that all the time. Many, including me, never leave and that’s part of the problem that can and needs to be part of the solution.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author to speak

When I read Jack Davis’ book “Gulf, The Making of an American Sea,” I was amazed to learn what a paradise this was at one time. After reading Davis’ book, one might at first change their opinion of the area to “paradise lost” if not for the message of hope that it portrays. Consider the fact that some areas of the Gulf coast including Tampa Bay at one time had lost over 80% of their vital seagrass habitat. That was due mostly to wastewater discharges from sewage plants and dredging for ports and residential waterfronts. Today the seagrasses have recovered to almost historical levels. That’s the good news; the bad news is that the trend is starting to reverse. That’s concerning, especially when you consider that some 2.3 million people live in the counties bordering Tampa Bay (including Anna Maria), nearly six times the 1950 population of around 400,000 people. The current population has increased by 13% in just 10 years and is projected to increase at a faster rate.

Protecting paradise
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jack Davis addresses “Brunch For The Bay” supporters. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

That’s why I was attending Suncoast Waterkeeper’s yearly fundraiser, “Brunch for The Bay,” on Sunday, March 8 at the Bradenton Yacht Club. Suncoast Waterkeeper (suncoastwaterkeeper.com) is a Sarasota-based organization that is leading the way in helping to hold polluters of our coastal waters accountable. Davis was the event’s guest speaker and his talk echoed the message of the book. If I had to sum it up in a few words it was there’s hope, but only if the people who call this paradise home get involved. That’s just what Suncoast Waterkeeper’s “Sick of Sewage” campaign is doing. In the last three years the organization, founded by environmental attorney Justin Bloom, has successfully filed lawsuits holding municipalities including Sarasota, St. Petersburg and Safety Harbor accountable under the statutes of the Clean Water Act.

The problem now is the aging infrastructure that has resulted, in Sarasota County’s case, in the release during the last decade of over a billion gallons of partially-treated, nitrogen-rich wastewater into Philippi Creek and Sarasota Bay. When confronted with the issue, the county did the right thing settling with the stipulation that they would convert to an advanced wastewater system and contribute to organizations like the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program that work to enhance and protect the bay.

One of the big takeaways I got from listening to Davis speak was that we should all refrain from using the term red tide and instead refer to it as what it is, a harmful algae bloom. The term red tide has been used to dismiss these devastating events as natural and therefore attempting to absolve those responsible for the increased nutrients that have led to over a 500% increase in the number of blooms, their intensity and duration since 1950. That’s a number directly proportional to the population growth, according to marine researchers.

The take-home message was that we all need to get involved in protecting paradise. The solution begins at home by limiting the use of fertilizers and pesticides and eliminating grass on our lawns. At the same time, we should all support groups like Suncoast Waterkeeper, which are holding polluters accountable, initiating water testing in public waterways used by the public and committing to environmental education. The same goes for Sarasota Bay Watch, an organization with plans to release 1 million clams in the bay in 2020 that work to clean our waterways and bay islands. Their motto, “A Healthy Bay is Everybody’s Business,” rings true. Paradise lost should never be an option.

Manatee CCA banquet a huge success

Manatee CCA banquet a huge success

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

I attended the 2020 Manatee County Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) banquet at the Manatee County Convention Center in Palmetto on Feb. 27. That night, close to 1,000 anglers and conservationists were in attendance to show their support for one of the CCA’s largest and most active chapters.

It was great to see the commitment local sportsmen have for not only the fish that swim Florida’s salt waters but the habitat that supports them. The fact that this organization had its beginnings right here on Anna Maria Island made the experience all the more satisfying.

The CCA is a non-profit organization with 17 coastal state chapters spanning the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic seaboard and the Pacific Northwest. CCA had its beginnings in 1977 after commercial overfishing along the Texas coast decimated redfish and speckled trout populations.

In response, 14 concerned recreational anglers created the Gulf Coast Conservation Association (GCCA) to combat overfishing. The stewardship started with a Save the Redfish campaign, and by 1985, chapters had formed along the Gulf Coast. That year I joined Captain Scott Moore, Cindy McCartney, Captain Jim O’Neill, Pete Turner, Mac Smith and other concerned anglers to form the Manatee Chapter of the then Florida Conservation Association (FCA), which became the state’s fifth chapter. The timing was auspicious as GCCA organizer Bruce Cartwright was in Florida organizing state chapters and helped guide us in absorbing and disseminating the group’s message.

In 1986, FCA successfully intervened in lawsuits filed by commercial interests opposing Spanish mackerel recovery plans establishing the FCA as a force for positive change that would make huge strides toward protecting and enhancing coastal fisheries.

In 1987, the CCA was also successful in stopping purse-seining of spawning redfish in the Gulf of Mexico in response to the “blackened redfish” craze. That year the FCA merged with the Everglades Protection Association and joined with CCA in efforts to bring about a management plan to protect billfish from longline fishing vessels.

In 1988, the FCA won a four-year battle to achieve gamefish status for Florida’s depleted redfish stocks. Redfish became the first species since 1957 to be removed from Florida’s market. That same year, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce signed an FCA-supported management plan for billfish, marking the first time federal authorities have declared a gamefish in federal water.

By the early 90s, the mid-Atlantic region and New England all had active chapters. Washington and Oregon chapters were formed in 2007. The CCA has participated in virtually every national marine fishery debate since 1984. In the federal court system, CCA’s legal defense fund has been used to defend net bans, fight for the implementation of bycatch reduction devices, support pro-fisheries legislation and battle arbitrary no-fishing zones.

Now in the 21st century, the CCA network is engaged in hundreds of local, state and national projects supporting conservation efforts. The CCA has been a strong supporter of Sarasota Bay Watch’s clam restoration project and donated at the recent Scallopalooza Fundraiser to increase the impact of their “A Million Clams in 2020” initiative. CCA funding has initiated scientific studies, funded marine-science scholarships, built artificial reefs, created finfish hatcheries, supported hydrologic and contaminant studies, monitored freshwater inflows, supported local marine law enforcement and much more.

Through broad-based recreational angler support, a strong legal and legislative presence, decades of experience and an unwavering vision for the future of U.S. and global marine resources, the CCA battles for the sustainable health of our coastal fisheries and for recreational anglers’ interests. You can support the Coastal Conservation Association’s mission; join the Manatee Chapter.

Reel Time Scallopalooza It's Clamtastic

Reel Time: Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic

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

Sarasota Bay Watch (SBW) held its 10th Annual “Scallopalooza, It’s Clamtastic” fund-raising event at their new venue, Sarasota’s Hyatt Regency Hotel. on Saturday, Feb. 15. The yearly event sold out and exceeded all expectations as close to 450 people showed up to demonstrate their support for the group’s efforts to protect and enhance the health of Sarasota Bay. Attendees from Sarasota and Manatee counties were represented as well as officials from both counties and environmental groups including the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, Mote Scientific Foundation, START, Suncoast Waterkeeper, Longboat Key Turtle Watch, Save Our Seabirds, Coastal Conservation Association, The Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Mote Marine Laboratory, The Gulf Shellfish Institute, Science and Environmental Council of Southwest Florida, New College and Saint Stephen’s just to name a few.

A number of annual attendees commented that they were “blown away” by the outpouring of support for an organization that was formed in 2007 in the aftermath of one of the area’s massive red tide events. SBW’s event coordinator, Ronda Ryan, worked with event planner Laura Detwiler, the SBW board and Scallopalooza Committee Chairs Brian Jung, Al Jeffery, John Ryan and Ernesto Lasso De La Vega to organize an event that had a seasoned activist overheard commenting that SBW was “more than a little found!”

The evening began with live music, an open bar and a huge silent auction including artwork, event tickets and merchandise of every description as participants mingled to share their passion for Sarasota Bay. Event Chair Brian Jung welcomed the crowd and thanked them for their support while keeping everyone apprised of the auction items and encouraging them to visit the tables. John Ryan, a founding member of Sarasota Bay Watch, was next and explained the purpose of the event as well as SBW’s many projects including island cleanups, student educational activities, plans for the future as well as updating participants on the group’s program in progress to introduce 1 million clams into Sarasota Bay in 2020. This effort got a huge boost in 2019 with a $106,000 donation from the Marjory and Charles Barancik Foundation. Jung related the impact of clams on the health of the bay and how funds raised at the event will support those efforts.

In an emotional speech, Sarasota’s Barbara Sucoff, an SBW supporter who learned about the group’s efforts at a “Friend Raiser” event at the VUE condominium with her late husband Jim Ninivaggi, spoke of the legacy he wanted to and did leave supporting SBW’s efforts. WWSB TV’s Channel 7 weatherman Bob Harrigan, one of the area’s most popular and respected broadcasters and the emcee for the live auction gave a rousing speech lauding the group’s efforts and encouraging them to bid on a trip with award-winning local celebrity Captain Scott Moore and a package of premier tickets to the Tampa Bay Bucs football games. Harrigan has been promoting the group’s efforts since the beginning and recounted the segment he did with Sarasota’s Captain Jonnie Walker during SBW’s first-ever Scallop Search in 2008. Moore then took the stage and recounted his life-long love affair with Sarasota Bay and his commitment to protecting it, beginning with the formation of the Manatee County Chapter of the Florida Conservation Association in the 1980s until today. He then proceeded to up his offering from one day to two, offering trips from Sarasota Bay to Charlotte Harbor.

Both auction items were heavily bid on and raised thousands of dollars for the group’s efforts. At press time the totals of the evening’s proceeds that will be put to work in Sarasota Bay were not available but early estimates are that they will far exceed those of previous events.

To get involved with the work SBW is doing to protect Sarasota Bay and support its mission, visit their website. As they say, “A Healthy Bay is Everybody’s Business,” literally and figuratively!

Reel Time: “Fish farm” proposal troubling

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

On Tuesday, Jan. 28, I attended an EPA public comment session at Mote Marine Laboratory. The hearing gave the public an opportunity to speak to a proposed draft permit to test the raising of almaco jacks in a pen anchored in 140 feet of water off the coast of Sarasota.

Kampachi Farm LLC’s project, known as Velella Epsilon, would be the first of its kind in the nearshore Gulf waters. I stayed late to listen to the comments that included close to 70 speakers, each having three minutes to express their opinion. The vast majority spoke against the project, most passionately. Of those that spoke in favor, the majority had an interest in the project, most financially. I too spoke, not against aquaculture in general (although I have some problems here as well) but specifically to locating this project in an area that experiences major harmful algae blooms.

Reel Time
Citizens prepare to address EPA officials presiding over the public comment session at Mote’s WAVE Center. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Most of the speakers had similar issues, expressing their skepticism that an operation that concentrates fish (up to 20,000) and the associated waste generated would even be considered in such an area. Then there is the use of antibiotics and other potential issues that might develop with the interaction of farm and native species as well as hurricanes. The operations that feature the technology being considered are generally deployed in ocean waters hundreds of feet deep with better circulation patterns and even those have a spotty environmental record. This one would be in only 140 feet.

By far most objections centered around the possibility that red tide blooms might be exacerbated by the operation. Many also pointed to the fact that, if approved, the technique could be deployed at scale creating even more and larger operations. Most who spoke seemed incredulous that this kind of operation would even be considered given the insults the Gulf has already experienced and experiences on a regular basis such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the Dead Zone at the mouth of the Mississippi River.

Given that it’s possible to do this kind of farming in land-based, closed systems where water is filtered and reused, it seems that this is not a good option. Then there’s the issue of how this is being handled and the review process itself. Justin Bloom of Suncoast Waterkeeper gave a compelling presentation about the legal as well as environmental ramifications surrounding the EPA process and how it’s not being given the review it deserves.

It will be interesting to see how this develops as I’ve heard people state that the project is a “done deal” and the state and the EPA are just going through the motions with the hearings. I can tell you from my experience that the people who cared enough to be there and comment were overwhelmingly against the project. Those of us who live, work and play in and on Suncoast waters should be aware of this and other potential threats to the Gulf and Bay. The outcome will affect the waters that provide us recreational opportunities and enrich our lives, but also our livelihoods, whether we are waterfront restaurant owners or carpenters driving nails in Lakewood Ranch.

Then there’s the biggest question of all, what are we leaving our children and future generations?

Reel Time: Get in on the hot winter action

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

Until recently, Gulf water temperatures have been surprisingly warm. It’s always been typical for a cold front to send water temperatures plummeting, after which a warming trend will send them back into as warm as the mid-70s on the flats. For most anglers, the first cold front of the season means getting out of the water and away from some of the hottest action of the year.

If you think of wade fishing as a summertime activity, you’re missing the boat. Winter wading can be extremely productive and will give you a definitive advantage over your boat-bound comrades. When you get out of the boat and in the fish’s domain in the winter, you gain the same advantages you do in the spring, summer or fall and then some. When the water is cold it is often very clear, and the fish can be very wary. Proper winter wading allows you to keep a low profile and make a stealthy approach while staying warm and dry.

Get in on the hot winter action
Captain Bryon Chamberlin prepares to release a winter red in upper Tampa Bay. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

When the fish are particularly spooky, I employ another tried and true winter wading technique – standing still! If you find that the fish you’re stalking see you, just before you see them, try this method. Start by locating an area that is holding your quarry. Anchor well away from the action, get out of the boat, and stake out a pothole or sand area. By staying a long cast away, you can easily see the fish when they enter a hole or pass across the white sand bottom. Position yourself off to the side in the grass where you’re less visible, keep a low profile and be still. By just waiting them out, you can target reds, trout and snook as they wander the flat. Don’t make any quick moves, and make your casts low and slow. It takes patience but can be very productive.

If the visibility isn’t great, or you’re fishing early or late, target the edges where grass and sand meet. These sandy areas (the seams) and potholes are perfect ambush spots. Start with presentations about 2 feet outside the sandy area. Make sure you target the deep grassy ends of the potholes. These areas can be very productive and always warrant a couple of casts.

After working the ledges of the holes and the seams, begin casting into the sandy areas. When fly fishing, try a clear sink tip line with a relatively (6-8 foot) short leader. The clear tip allows you to fish the far side of a hole without spooking the fish. If you’re fishing live bait plugs or jigs, work up to the leading edge and then cast well past the hole or seam and skip your bait back into the hole or the edge of the seam.

Over the last two winters, we have been having some excellent success with big trout on cold, low tide mornings. The fish will come into some extremely shallow water to feed, so start shallow and work your way towards the deeper edges. As with other times of the year, stay vigilant for surface action, wakes or feeding birds.

The key to productive and comfortable winter wading is, of course, staying warm. A good pair of waders, wading boots, sweatpants and insulating socks will do the trick. Add a pair of polarized glasses, a hat with a dark under-brim, a wade vest or pack, and you’re in business. Give winter wade fishing a try. It gets you out of the boat, provides some exercise, and some excellent angling opportunities.

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Reel Time: Scallopalooza: It’s Clamtastic!

The solution to climate change

Reel Time: The solution to climate change

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

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, I attended an advance screening of the documentary, “Kiss The Ground,” based on the novel of the same name by Josh Tickell. The screening previewed at the newly remodeled Bishop Museum of Nature and Science, formerly the Bishop Planetarium in downtown Bradenton.

I‘ve anticipated the release of the documentary since I read the novel in 2018 and heard Tickell speak at New College, his alma mater, last year. The movie’s executive producers are Woody Harrelson and Jason Mraz. Kiss The Ground is directed by Tickell and his wife Rebecca. The screening was made possible with the generous support of local philanthropist Elizabeth Moore and her daughter, Grace. The showing began with an introduction by Grace Moore, a millennial, and perfectly set the tone. Moore voiced the challenges her’s and future generations are facing and how the message of the documentary gives them hope.

The biopic makes the compelling and hopeful case (in their words) “how the food we eat can reverse climate change, heal our bodies & ultimately save our world,” examines regenerative agriculture and clarifies the relationship of our current agricultural practices to excess carbon in the atmosphere. I left with a better appreciation of the connection of the health of soil, the plants we eat, our health and ultimately the health of the planet.

While this message has resonated with me since I first read the book, it wasn’t until a few days after the screening that I fully appreciated the connection between what we’re doing locally to protect and enhance local waters and the message of the movie. The excess carbon released by the use of fossil fuels in less than two hundred years that is fueling global warming is also impacting the waters that surround us. It’s estimated that if the oceans hadn’t absorbed much of this excess carbon, temperatures might already have risen much more.

Unfortunately, this comes with some significant downsides to the health of the oceans and their ability to sustain life. This makes a compelling case for protecting and restoring mangroves (which sequester more carbon that an equal area of rain forest), and restoring clams to bay waters (which sequester carbon in their shells). Initiatives like the Sister Keys and Sarasota Bay Watch and their clam restoration project provide ways people can make a difference in their own “backyard.” Since the mitigation effort on the Sister Keys was completed in 2007 there are acres of new mangroves in the created wetlands. Sarasota Bay Watch, thanks to the support of local volunteers, businesses and a generous grant from the Charles and Marjory Barancik Foundation are on track to release 1 million clams into the bay in 2020.

There is no doubt that the challenges that we face are daunting but change is possible and time-critical. “Kiss The Ground” illuminates the stark nature of the problem but provides a hopeful scenario for those that care about and work for future generations. We owe it to those that follow to protect these resources so that they might have some of the same opportunities that we have. I don’t think it’s an overstatement that this rises to the level of a “Moral Obligation.” Change is possible and this book and documentary paint a hopeful solution. All we need to do is make our voices heard and act!

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Reel Time: Scallopalooza, it’s clamtastic

Reel Time: The ups and downs of tides

Reel Time: The ups and downs of tides

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

The only thing I know for sure after almost four decades of fishing area waters is that I’ll never figure it out.

That’s in the context of finding fish and divining the conditions that make them want to eat my flies. That’s a good thing because contrary to what we might think, that would diminish the allure of the sport.

Actually, there are at least two things I know for sure. The other one? Having at least a good working knowledge of the incomprehensible conditions that affect the feeding patterns of fish will definitely up your game.

Paying attention to tides and the movement of water where you fish and wherever you travel will greatly increase your angling odds. Locally you can do that by experience and paying attention. When you travel that’s the advantage of having a professional guide
who’s been there done that. Actually, depending on how much time you have on the water, the same applies locally.

While I always like to follow the axiom, “The best time to go fishing is whenever you can,” understanding and being able to track tidal fluctuations is invaluable. Let’s start with a quick primer.

While there are myriad factors that influence the tides, basically it’s the gravitational pull of the moon on the earth and its oceans that’s the prime driver. This means that the oceans on opposite sides of the earth experience high tides as the water is pulled away from the earth. The other object in the solar system that influences the tide is the sun, which has approximately one half the influence of the moon.

When the sun and the moon line up at the full and new moon, their combined influence
create the greatest pull, creating what is known as spring tides. When the sun and moon are at right angles to each other, during the moon’s first and last quarter, they interfere with each other and we experience weak or neap tides. In addition, the tidal ranges are greater when the moon and sun are at perigee, or closest to the earth.

Wind is another factor that affects tides. In our area a strong east wind can push tides
lower and later, holding up a rising tide. A hard-west wind can do the opposite, pushing
in a rising tide and holding up a falling one.

Experience will teach the angler how to benefit from the myriad tidal dynamics that affect fish and their feeding patterns.

I learned a valuable lesson about tides on trips to the Bahamas in search of bonefish.
My first several trips were planned to coincide with a full or new moon in order to take advantage of the increased feeding activity that generally takes place during these times. Instead, I found that the bonefish I was stalking would disappear into the mangroves as the tide rose, giving me a shorter window to pursue them along the mangrove fringes. Based on that information I planned subsequent trips when neap tides slowed the progress and size of the tide providing many more opportunities for sight fishing.

Just the opposite is often true when I explore local waters. While I still fish whenever I have the opportunity, I target days of extreme high and low tides because I know they stimulate feeding and concentrate fish. Depending on the time of year and the temperature, you can use the tide to take advantage of the season. In the winter when the
waters chill down, I like to seek out locations where a late afternoon falling tide brings warm water off the flats. The holes, slues and channels the water drains into attract gamefish and can provide some excellent action.

When fishing the flats, working from the deep water to shallow on the falling tide and in reverse on the rising tide is a very effective way to target fish. Very low tides (during spring tides) provide an excellent opportunity to scan the flats for channels, slues and holes on the flats where fish congregate. Armed with this knowledge anglers can return when the flats are covered with water and benefit from that awareness.

Tide charts and apps are valuable because the tide can be varying heights depending on whether you’re fishing in the Gulf or far up a bay. Planning your day to take advantage of
these variations can make a real difference in action. No matter what species you target,
you’ll have a better chance at success if you understand and track the tides. They can tell
you where to concentrate your effort and help you avoid other less productive areas.

Pick up a tide chart at your local tackle shop or download one of a number of excellent apps on your smartphone. That way hopefully you’ll have more ups than downs.

Reel Time: We’ll See

Reel Time: We’ll See

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Awards, Awards 2020, Outdoors, Reel Time, Special Sections, Third Place.

Recently I was intent on fishing an area that has become one of my favorite haunts.

Unfortunately, when I got there another boat was anchored nearby. As I started working my way towards my intended target yet another boat pulled up behind me intent on heading in the same direction.

Third Place
Light Features
2020

My first reaction? Disappointment crept over me and I was thinking my carefully planned strategy had failed me. Then suddenly I remembered a fable I had read in a book by Zen master Thich Nhat Hahn. In a parable from his book, “The Art of Living,” the poet, global spiritual leader and international peace activist tells the story of a farmer’s son that fell off his horse and broke his leg. His neighbors tell him how unfortunate that is. His response? “We’ll see, we’ll see.”  Two weeks later the military comes to conscript new recruits for war and his son was not taken because of his broken leg. Once again, the neighbors chime in, this time saying how lucky he and his son are. His response, once again is, “We’ll see… we’ll see.”

Suddenly my mindset changed and I saw this as an opportunity to maybe actually benefit from what had initially been my frustration. Although there wasn’t any catching involved, I fished a place close by and discovered some promising areas I had never explored. I’ll definitely return there again as I’ve learned over the years one certain fact about fishing (thank you Captain Scott Moore), “fish move around!” How many times over the years have we as fishermen developed a plan that was altered by factors out of our control? Wind, rain, cold, heat, tides, competition for territory and a hundred other things conspire to alter and sometimes completely destroy a well thought out plan. While it always doesn’t turn out to be advantageous, who hasn’t in hindsight looked and found perceived disruptions to be “blessings in disguise.” Over-optimistic you say? Maybe, but I’d rather look for the proverbial “pony under there somewhere” than let disruption ruin my day.

Don’t get me wrong, I am totally a fan of having a plan for my fishing. I’ll check tides, wind and the myriad of other factors to try and develop a strategy to improve my odds of catching fish. Having said that, it’s good to have a backup plan that includes addressing the actual conditions you find on any given day. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m not really good at finding fish. I jokingly and fully in earnest comment on the fact that fish and I don’t see things alike. The places I find that should hold fish don’t seem to appeal to them.

Then there’s the strategy of being persistent, definitely an advantage as fish get more spread out, pressured and spooky. Another seasoned fishing guide has a saying that resonates with me. Captain Steve Huff, arguably one of the best guides the Florida Keys ever produced, likes to tell anglers who seek his advice, “Pole far enough and the fish will find you.” My advice? Go out with a plan but be willing to make a change. Will that strategy pay off? We’ll see, we’ll see.

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Reel Time: A home away from home

Reel Time: A home away from home

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

It never crossed my mind that I might eventually find a place that would start to feel like a home away from home. For most of my adult life, I have been living and working (the dream) on a barrier island, a destination that many of my clients and friends worked their lives to spend the winter months or a week’s vacation. This has been nirvana for a lifelong angler.

For those of us who are lucky enough to live on the coast of southwest Florida, the seasons and the ability to “get away” were sort of reversed. We lived here and longed to escape the hot summers.

Over the years, trips to the west coast and the mountains of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana provided a reprieve from the heat and some excellent fishing opportunities but always seemed a bit far away. Closer to home the mountains of north Georgia became a regular destination, in part because of the ease of access. We could load suitcases, bikes and fishing rods and be there the same day. After a few years of thinking of buying a second home, we found a place to rent in a unique area that’s becoming a sort of home away from home.

A big part of that “home away from home” feeling was occasioned by the friends we’ve made. Recently I had the pleasure of fishing with a longtime friend, Jimmy Harris, owner of Unicoi Outfitters and connecting and fishing with Captain Rex Gudgel. Gudgel, who hails from Athens, Ga., guided for years at Unicoi Outfitters before moving to Englewood, Fla. where he is an FFI Master Fly Casting Instructor and guide. I had met Gudgel years ago but this was the first time we had a chance to spend time on the water together.

We enjoyed a beautiful morning on the Chattahoochee River at Nacoochee Bend, a private section of river that Unicoi Outfitters manages near their shop in Helen. Everyone caught fish that morning and, like me, enjoyed the camaraderie as much as the fishing. We worked the lower section of the river fishing nymphs under indicators on five-weight fly rods. Harris brought a seven-weight outfit and a large streamer for stripers that have invaded the river in the last few years. As luck would have it, the day started off with Gudgel hooking a striper on the trout rig and Harris catching two rainbow trout on the streamer. We ended the morning’s fishing four hours later, everyone having caught fish and reveling in a cool and relaxing streamside experience.

The waters of North Georgia yield a surprising variety of fishing options for fly and conventional anglers as well. From trout streams to beautiful mountain lakes with striped and largemouth bass, opportunities abound. Now, after years of thinking we wanted to buy a “home away from home,” we’ve decided we can have it both ways. As an old friend said, “You don’t have to own it, you just need to have access.” North Georgia has that feel of a “home away from home” but it’s not an either/or decision. All those other wonderful fishing destinations around the world remain in play.

Today, I’m fishing with Unicoi Outfitter’s managers Wes McElroy and Jake Darling. They’re taking me on a float trip on a lower section of the Chattahoochee for shoal bass. This coming week I hope to fish for stripers on Lake Lanier with Harris. But that’s another story.

If you’re interested in fishing North Georgia, contact Unicoi Outfitters at 706-878-3083 or check out their website. Captain Rex Gudgel guides anglers in Charlotte Harbor as well as helping them to improve their casting. He can be reached at 706-254-3504 or check out his website.

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Reel Time: Spain - Seville and Andalusia

Reel Time: Spain – Seville and Andalusia

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

Our travels in Spain concluded with a trip to Seville located in the southwestern Iberian peninsula on the Guadalquivir River.

Seville is the capital of the autonomous community of Andalusia and is approximately 2,200 years old. The many civilizations that ruled the area over its history left the region with a distinct character, and its large and well-preserved historical center, where we stayed, is rich in reminders of that past.

Over five days we were able to explore the city on foot and visit some of the iconic remnants of the cultures that shaped the city. Over two millennia, the Visigoths, Romans, Moors and Christians shaped and reshaped the region. That diversity created the Seville of today and is reflected in its distinct cuisine as well as iconic structures like the Seville Cathedral and the adjacent Royal Alcazar, which were registered in 1987 by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

Reel Time: Spain - Seville and Andalusia
An ornate ceiling in the Alcazar. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

During our visit to Seville we took the advice of locals to “get lost” in the maze of narrow streets as well as visiting the community of Triana with its heritage of tile making and the Museum of Fine Arts with its wonderful collection of important Spanish artists. While we enjoyed all of Seville’s charms, it was the cuisine and a guided trip to the Royal Alcazar that were the highlights of the visit.

Over several nights we explored local restaurants that featured a wonderful combination of dishes that, combined with their on-signature flavor and ambiance, left a memorable impression.

We visited the Alcazar with a local guide, Andres, who provided us with a delightful introduction to the amazing history and architecture of the Palace. It’s one of the best places to experience the remarkable craftsmanship of the Moors, most of which was replaced by the Christians that captured the city in the 13th century. The Alcazar suffered some of the same fate but fortunately, much of the ornate architecture and art of the Moors was preserved thanks to Peter of Castile, a Spanish king who valued its remarkable design elements. During the tour, Andres provided an engaging, informational and lighthearted look at the Alcazar and its large ornate gardens.

Adjacent to the Alcazar is the Seville Cathedral with its Giralda tower where the hearty explorer can get the best views of the city. The cathedral is the third-largest church and largest Gothic structure in the world. The bell tower was built as the minaret for the Great Mosque of Seville and a renaissance style top was added by the Catholics after the Muslims were expelled from the city.

Our trip to Spain was one of the rare excursions where our expectations were exceeded. The combination of culture, resplendent landscapes, cuisine and the warmth of the people created the kind of memorable experience one is eager to share. Spain is a vibrant modern culture that is moving into the future while protecting its remarkable history.

Reel Time: Spain – Madrid and Toledo

Reel Time: Spain – Madrid and Toledo

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

Spain was never on my list of places to travel. When looking for a new destination to explore, Chris and I settled on Portugal and somehow those plans morphed into an adventure in this small country that at one time dominated the known world.

As I write this, the bells of the Basilica of Santa Maria Del Coro Catholic Church (circa 1774) in San Sebastian are ringing. Many times a day they announce the time and call the faithful to Mass and prayer.

We began our trip in Madrid, the capital of Spain, where we stayed for four days. While we originally only considered Madrid as a central point to begin our stay, it turned out to be a memorable experience. In four days we explored the central city by bike, enjoyed tapas in the Mercado de San Miguel, made an excursion to the nearby city of Toledo and spent a day viewing some of the world’s finest art in the Prado Museum.

Mercado Reel Time
The Mercado San Miguel in Madrid provides an excellent cast of Spanish Tapas. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

I found out before the trip that my old friend Rallis Papas would be in Madrid on business. Rallis introduced me to some of the city’s highlights, including its world-famous tapas, an appetizer or snack in Spanish cuisine. Spain is famous for its tapas bars, and Madrid has some of the best. That first night I got a terrific introduction to this unique and delicious tradition.

On our first full day in Madrid, we took a guided tour of the city on Ebikes and experienced a side of the city that we would probably have never seen. The excursion started in the Plaza de San Miguel with a ride in the Parque Madrid Rio, a 6-kilometer park along the Manzanares river that was once a busy motorway. That road was relocated underground and resulted in a delightful park with playgrounds, gardens and public walkways. After touring the riverside park, we headed high over the city to the Casa De Campo public park.

“The history of Casa de Campo began with the decision by Philip II to move the Capital (Court) to Madrid. It was declared a Bosque Real (Royal Forest) under Fernando VI. Carlos III gave it a new twist when he introduced livestock and agriculture as one of its purposes, which would be continued by Queen María Cristina. After the proclamation of the Second Republic, the State donated the Casa de Campo to the people of Madrid (May 1, 1931), and it has been open to the public ever since.”

We enjoyed spectacular views of the city from on high and reveled in the cool and dry weather that greeted us in Madrid. The park is accessible by cable car from the city but was closed on the day we visited due to high (and refreshing) winds.

On our second day in Spain, we took a tour from Madrid to Toledo, an ancient hilltop town an hour south of Madrid. Toledo was declared a World Heritage site in 1986 for its extensive monumental and cultural heritage.

Toledo is known as the Imperial City for having been the main venue of the court of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and as the “City of the Three Cultures” for the cultural influences of Christians, Muslims and Jews that are reflected in its history.

After touring the Old Town and the magnificent Cathedral De Toledo, we headed south to an authentic farmstead and estate where we were treated to lunch and a ride through the farm in an open-top 4WD truck. The farm is owned by a Spanish Count and encompasses over 16,000 hectares.

On our last day in Madrid, we took a tour of the world-famous Prado Museum with Jamie, an art historian, who presented a fascinating look at the paintings, the artists, culture and the history of Spain through its art. The tour included an introduction to the paintings of  Francisco de Goya, Spain’s most famous artist.

The Prado houses the world’s largest collection of Goya’s work as well as of Flemish artists including Hieronymus Bosch and his “Garden of Earthly Delights.”  Next week – Basque country and south to Sevilla.

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Reel Time: Get ready for fall

Reel Time: Get ready for fall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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