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Tag: Rusty Chinnis

Reel Time: Harbingers of spring

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

The signs of spring are in the air, even though the official start of the season is a month away. I heard the first whippoorwill this past week and bait is starting to school in Sarasota Bay, welcome signs to winter weary anglers.

This doesn’t mean that there won’t be another cold snap, and if the calendar says spring isn’t here yet, we know it’s just around the corner. Experience tells the savvy angler that fish have their own special calendar, one that consists of the angle of the sun, temperature of the water and the length of the days. When water temperatures rise into the 70s, fish come out of their winter haunts, even if it’s winter one day and spring the next.

It’s a time to keep an eye on the Gulf, looking for the first snook in the surf and for wheeling, diving seabirds as they forage on schools of baitfish that will begin to gather off the beaches in a seasonal primal ritual.

Anglers know from experience that schools of little tunny, Spanish mackerel, cobia and kingfish won’t be far behind. It could be just a matter of days before they will be swarming the bait schools, wrecks, reefs and hard bottom just off the beaches.

In the bay, trout, redfish and snook will also be roaming the flats in search of pilchards, shrimp and glass min­nows to replenish themselves from their winter fast. Spring is the time when local anglers have a host of pis­catorial choices and some of the best conditions to pursue them. Of course, it can all seem like just an illusion as another front riles the Gulf, sending chill winds and muddy water into the bay, and forcing anglers to put on a sweatshirt. It’s the kind of weather that plays with the emotions of fishers. But hope springs eternal, and we know from experience that it won’t be long before the run is on. That’s why it’s time to be prepared, flies tied and tackle ready for that day when it’s no longer a question of when it will happen, but what species we’ll fish for!

I like this time of year even if it can be exasperating. One day the flats and Gulf can be barren and the next the action red hot. That’s why it is so important to be ready for just about anything. Having rigs on board that can handle a big cobia and wire leaders in case kings make an appear­ance can make the difference between frustration and success. Anglers who are vigilant, prepared and persistent will be rewarded. Whatever your fish­ing style or whether you like fishing the Gulf of Mexico or local bays, take advantage of this swing time and you’ll be rewarded.

 

 

Rusty Chinnis gallery

Written by Rusty Chinnis on . Posted in Photo Galleries.

The spectacular jumps of tarpon have held anglers spellbound since the 1800s. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The spectacular jumps of tarpon have held anglers spellbound since the 1800s. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The view of San Sebastian from Mount Urgull. The Old Town is on the left. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The view of San Sebastian from Mount Urgull. The Old Town is on the left. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

- Rusty Chinnis | Sun

- Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The newly created sea grass lagoon and bird nesting island is the centerpiece of the Perico Preserve. - Rusty Chinnis

The newly created sea grass lagoon and bird nesting island is the centerpiece of the Perico Preserve. - Rusty Chinnis

A full moon low tide exposes a seagrass meadow. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

A full moon low tide exposes a seagrass meadow. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

This redfish fell for a stealthy, Zen-like approach on a flat in Tampa Bay. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

This redfish fell for a stealthy, Zen-like approach on a flat in Tampa Bay. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

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

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

The water may be clear but the recovery from red tide is still slow. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The water may be clear but the recovery from red tide is still slow. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

An aerial view of the Sister Keys shows the north island and the created wetlands. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

An aerial view of the Sister Keys shows the north island and the created wetlands. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The waters around Pine Island Sound are a magical place to visit. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The waters around Pine Island Sound are a magical place to visit. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The ancient city of Toledo, home to many cultures over the centuries. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The ancient city of Toledo, home to many cultures over the centuries. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Gerry Tipper and Bahamian guide Lox celebrate with his 9-pound bonefish. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Gerry Tipper and Bahamian guide Lox celebrate with his 9-pound bonefish. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

On low tide, birds can provide intel on where to find fish on the rising tide. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

On low tide, birds can provide intel on where to find fish on the rising tide. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The roseate spoonbill, one of the many birds festival participants will have access to.

The roseate spoonbill, one of the many birds festival participants will have access to.

An aerial view of Quake lake created by the slide, still very much in evidence in the distance. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

An aerial view of Quake lake created by the slide, still very much in evidence in the distance. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

An aerial view of Quake lake created by the slide, still very much in evidence in the distance. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

An aerial view of Quake lake created by the slide, still very much in evidence in the distance. - 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

- Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Algae clogs an inlet to Robinson Preserve. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Algae clogs an inlet to Robinson Preserve. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The best place to practice is on grass but real world experience is as close as the beach on a calm summer day. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The best place to practice is on grass but real world experience is as close as the beach on a calm summer day. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

A late summer weather system over the Intracoastal Waterway as seen from the Longboat Pass bridge. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

A late summer weather system over the Intracoastal Waterway as seen from the Longboat Pass bridge. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The Sister Keys are the largest group of undeveloped islands in Sarasota Bay, deemed an estuary of national significance in 1989. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The Sister Keys are the largest group of undeveloped islands in Sarasota Bay, deemed an estuary of national significance in 1989. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The three Anna Maria Island cities could be consolidated into one new city, or absorbed by Bradenton or Manatee County. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The three Anna Maria Island cities could be consolidated into one new city, or absorbed by Bradenton or Manatee County. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The Robinson Preserve Expansion turned legacy agricultural land into a mosaic of uplands and wetlands to benefit birds and fish populations like snook and tarpon. All work was done with volunteers. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

The Robinson Preserve Expansion turned legacy agricultural land into a mosaic of uplands and wetlands to benefit birds and fish populations like snook and tarpon. All work was done with volunteers. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Wakulla Springs run perfectly reflects the Spanish moss draped cypress that line its banks. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Wakulla Springs run perfectly reflects the Spanish moss draped cypress that line its banks. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

A threatened least tern stands over its egg. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

A threatened least tern stands over its egg. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

A fishing guide approaches the Longboat Key town dock in Longboat Village at dawn to pick up his charter client for the day. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

A fishing guide approaches the Longboat Key town dock in Longboat Village at dawn to pick up his charter client for the day. - Rusty Chinnis | Sun

Successful trip planning

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

Planning any fishing trip can be a challenge given the peculiarities of weather and the idiosyncrasies of fish. Add a few thousand miles, a different language and an exotic species or two and some serious planning is advis­able.

Chances are you’ve been looking forward to this trip for a long time and finally you’ll have the opportunity to do nothing but eat, fish, sleep, and repeat for a week or more. More than likely it’s taken a tremendous amount of time and money to get this opportu­nity, so it makes good sense to develop a plan to assure that you have the best possible chance of success.

Deciding where to go and when are the first decisions you’ll make. While it’s not impossible to book your own trip, knowing the best time, tides and lodging can be daunting. In addition, juggling the details of plane reserva­tions, transfers, accommodations and guides can increase the challenge of putting together a self-guided trip.

A knowledgeable outfitter or travel host can provide you with the experi­ence and insider information that will allow you to immerse yourself in the experience instead of the details. Even when using an outfitter, you’ll need to do some research to ensure you’ve matched your angling needs and ex­pectations to your chosen destination. There are a lot of resources online, including some great groups on Facebook, but you’ll need to vet those sources.

When choosing an outfitter or destination host, be aware that know­ing what you want from your trip and asking the right questions is important to fulfill your expectations. Some of the best fishing is available at sites that have the least amenities. If you require a certain level of service or are traveling with non-fishers, you’ll want to research locations that offer specific conveniences as well as good fishing.

While you won’t want to plan your trip based on second-hand information, you’ll find it can be helpful to talk to others who have made the trip you’re planning. Ask the outfitter or host for several references and question them carefully. Make sure they have been to the location recently and at the time of the year you plan to visit.

In foreign countries, you’ll be hard-pressed to replace items you forgot to pack, particularly fishing tackle. This is one case when it’s probably better to pack more than you think you’ll need, at least within reason. Making a packing list and checking it before your departure will pay dividends.

Most destinations provide lists that you can use to make sure you don’t forget anything important. While their recommendations are a good place to start, customizing your travel list can help ensure that you have what you need while streamlining the amount of baggage you take.

Many tropical fishing destinations are very near the equator, so anglers need to pay special attention to the sun. Long-sleeved pants and shirts with sun protection are advisable, along with a high SPF waterproof sunscreen.

Polarized glasses with glare guards and a fishing hat with a dark underbrim are mandatory and a second pair of each should accom­pany you. For many of my fishing adventures, I’ve used a full-face mask and gloves for sun protec­tion.

Recently I started wearing a fishing hoodie with thumb holes that protect my face, hands and wrists. I find hoodies much more comfortable and invested in several that have bamboo fibers woven into them. Invest in a good pair of flats wading boots and a sling or fanny pack with a water bottle holder and you’ll be good to go.

You can be a consummate planner and still fail to properly plan if you aren’t comfortable with your cast. Pay special attention to casting into the wind and being able to place an accurate 40-foot cast. Practicing these skills well in advance on grass will greatly increase the pleasure of your adventure.

The success or failure of any fishing adventure will vary due to conditions beyond your control but being mindful of the things you do have control over can make or break your trip. Be prepared, practice casting, do your homework up front, ask good questions from knowl­edgeable sources, and be flexible. The time and effort you expend in planning the trip will pay dividends of tight lines and lasting memories.

FISH board sees aerial video of preserve

FISH board sees aerial video of preserve

Written by Leslie Lake on . Posted in Outdoors, Parks.

CORTEZ – As the improvements to the FISH (Florida Institute for Saltwater Heritage) Preserve are progressing, a discussion about the environment was fitting at the monthly FISH board meeting.

The 98-acre preserve on Cortez Road is familiar from a ground-level perspective to board members. At their Sept. 11 meeting, however, they saw it from a new perspective – a bird’s eye view.

Rusty Chinnis, board member of the environmental advocacy organization Suncoast Waterkeeper and The Sun’s outdoors columnist treated the FISH board to his Aug. 13 drone video of the preserve, which showcased multiple wetland areas and mangroves. The preserve is one of the only undeveloped waterfront properties on Sarasota Bay.

“What a wonderful job you’ve done with the FISH Preserve,” he said. “It’s fantastic.”

Chinnis was invited to speak to the board about the Manatee County comprehensive plan and land development code changes on mangrove and wetland protections.

“I don’t have to tell you what kinds of problems we’re having with our water these days,” he said. “Right now when we should be doing more and more to protect the water quality, unfortunately Manatee County is doing just the opposite.”

Chinnis referenced the Aug. 17 meeting in which Manatee County commissioners voted to approve a comprehensive plan amendment that would reduce wetland buffers.

“Not one person (at that meeting) got up and spoke in favor of it,” he said. “As soon as public comment was done they voted 6-1 to approve it.”

He noted the FISH board was comprised of fishermen and others familiar with the local waters.

“You see what most people don’t appreciate. You can see that slow, steady decline in the health of the water, with algae and the loss of the fish,” Chinnis said. “We need to get the water quality right.”

He urged the board members to vote for candidates who have a record of protecting the environment.

“Either we get involved or we suffer the consequences,” Chinnis said.

Chinnis’ FISH Preserve Progress video is posted on YouTube at https://youtu.be/qryw1tZ3nwc

In other FISH board business, the theme was announced for the Feb. 18 and 19, 2024 Cortez Commercial Fishing Festival.

“The theme will be ‘Cortez Commercial Fishing – It’s a Way of Life,’ ” FISH Treasurer Jane von Hahmann said.

Karen Bell, owner of A.P. Bell Fish Co., gave a monthly fishing report.

“It’s been a pretty rough summer,” she said. “The guys aren’t seeing what they normally see. They’re seeing a little more activity following the storm. Shallow water opened up fine Sept. 1.”

Reel Time: Memories of Matlacha

Reel Time: Memories of Matlacha

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

No one who lives on the coast of Florida has escaped the fury of a hurricane in one form or another. Here on the Suncoast, we’ve managed to dodge the worst of the damage that these increasingly frequent and powerful storms bring, both to those of us who live here and the unique habitat we treasure.

Now, for the second time in the last two decades, a hurricane (Charley, then Ian) that was predicted to impact us directly devastated an area less than two hours to our south. As we were spared, one of Florida’s most prized angling destinations has been forever altered by what is being called one of the most powerful and damaging storms ever. 

As I ponder the unimaginable tragedy that the inhabitants of this region are living through, my thoughts keep returning to memories of better times, as a boat rises to a plane, Smokehouse Bay’s labyrinth of mangrove-lined channels stretching out in the distance to Matlacha Pass. The feel of the soft southwest Florida breeze in my hair causing me to remove my cap and lift my gaze to the promise of the day ahead. This is how I will forever remember Pine Island, Matlacha, Cayo Costa and the myriad islands that dot Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor. I first visited this area in the early 90s and it instantly became my favorite “travel” destination. Just an hour and a half south of our home waters of Sarasota Bay and Anna Maria Sound, these communities and the waters that surround them were among the finest examples of an “Old Florida” that is quickly disappearing. Located seven miles south of fabled Boca Grande Pass, Matlacha and Pine Island are bookmarked by the aquatic preserves that bear their name and Little Pine Island, an uninhabited, 4,700-acre island. These unique communities still hadn’t been spoiled by development and Matlacha’s streets were lined with quaint, brightly-colored homes, businesses and art galleries. On Pine Island, the communities of St. James City, Bokeelia and Pineland featured only one traffic signal. Conspicuously absent were the shopping malls and high rises that blight much of Florida’s coastal landscape. With a little imagination, anglers could visualize a seascape reminiscent of what the first settlers might have found then. 

While the history of Matlacha spans less than a hundred years, Pine Island’s first documented settlers, the Calusa, are thought to have inhabited the island from approximately 30 AD until just after 1513 when the Spanish conquistador, Ponce de Leon, arrived. Anglers who have fished these rich waters could visualize the clear waters and their vast seagrass beds as the Calusa might have. Even these first settlers experienced devastating storms, as is evidenced by artifacts found on their mounds in Pineland, which is the site of a museum and interpretive center. While there is a history of destructive storms constantly altering the resilient marine landscape, recovery is now impeded by “civilization” that taxes these waters with sewage, agricultural runoff and the thousand other cuts that development has brought in its wake.

This is a cautionary tale reminding us to take care of our habitat and waters so that when they are impacted by a hurricane, they have a better chance at recovery. That’s also why it’s urgent that Island residents and anglers be part of the solution by working with advocacy groups like Suncoast Waterkeeper. You have an opportunity to hear about the work they are doing and support their efforts by attending their annual fundraiser, Brunch For The Bay, at the Bradenton Yacht Club this Saturday, Oct. 15. The continued health of the area we love depends on our commitment to action.

Reel Time: Catch and release redux

Reel Time: Catch and release redux

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

Catch and release is a term I haven’t heard much recently. I’ve actually seen postings on social media that make me wonder if maybe this important conservation tool needs to be revisited. Catch and release wasn’t commonly discussed in saltwater sport-fishing circles when I was growing up. It became prevalent when fish populations became stressed in the late 1980s and organizations like the Florida Conservation Association (now the Coastal Conservation Association) were being formed. Slowly, it caught on as an important tool to help flagging fisheries rebound.

Most anglers I know who practice catch and release have no problem with taking an occasional fish home for dinner. It’s more about enjoying the sport and trying to be proactive in helping it to remain healthy and viable. There are many species that have little or no food value that anglers seldom intentionally kill. But catch and release is not just about releasing fish that you don’t want, it’s also about releasing undersized and unwanted species. Catch and release is a wise use of the resource and that’s why it’s important that anglers know how to handle fish properly from hook set to release.

When we get cut or bruised, we can head for the local drug store, or in more extreme cases the emergency room. Not so for fish. In their world, it’s the sick and wounded that fall prey to predators. Releasing fish with a minimum of damage is important with a 6-pound trout, a 150-pound tarpon and everything in between.

Start by making sure you’re using the right tackle for the species being pursued. Trying to land a 100-plus pound tarpon on 20-pound tackle might be okay if you’re experienced, but to the uninitiated, it’s like announcing a free meal to sharks that ply local waters looking for weak or injured prey. You want to enjoy the action but land the fish as quickly as possible. Once you have the fish under control, it’s best to never take them out of the water.

It might be necessary to revive big fish. That’s best accomplished by slowly motoring forward while holding the fish underwater. They’ll let you know when they’re ready to be released.

The hook is another important consideration. Some anglers don’t like to bend their barbs down because they’re afraid of losing the fish. The key to keeping fish on a barbless hook is keeping a tight line. When you’re ready to remove the hook, use a de-hooker.

De-hookers will prevent you from having to handle your catch, keep your hands clean, prevent you from inadvertently harming the fish’s protective mucus membrane and come in various shapes depending on use. 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. A set of pliers can also be used if the hook is easily accessible.

Anglers who fish for reef fish like snapper and grouper need to learn how to “vent” fish with inflated swim bladders. Bringing the fish up from deep depths quickly bloats their bladder, which has to be punctured to allow the fish to return to the bottom. For bigger, hard-to-vent fish like Goliath grouper, new technology uses a descender device to get them back down in good shape. Visit the Return ‘Em Right project web page to learn how to use the device and get one for free.

By being prepared, anglers can use proper catch and release methods to increase a fish’s chance of survival. Taking the time and having the tools and knowledge to release fish properly is a great way to help ensure healthy fish populations both now and in the future. Catch and release is an important concept that needs to be practiced and discussed among anglers.

Reel Time: Beware the rays

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

The harmful effects of sun exposure are one of the most important things for anglers to understand when they’re fishing Florida waters, especially in the late summer. The sunlight that drives the cycle of life in the Gulf and makes it possible to sight fish can be dangerous, and even life-threatening.

Sunlight is primarily composed of infrared, visible and ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light (UV) is potentially harmful and is the wavelength that causes sunburn. What we refer to as sunburn is a form of radiation burn that results from exposure to this property of light, one that penetrates the clouds you might incorrectly assume protect you. 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, leading to heat stroke and even cancer.

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’re looking for fish, it assures you’ll have a better chance of finding 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 exploring Florida’s fertile waters.

A full array of sun protection options is available to today’s anglers. – Submitted

Modern sunscreens are rated according to their SPF, or sun protection factor. Our skin has natural SPF depending on the amount of melanin (pigment) it contains. As a rule, the darker your complexion the more melanin you have. However, no matter what your skin color, the best solution is to avoid sun damage 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 whether the sunscreen is reef safe, meaning it doesn’t contain chemicals that harm marine life.

Fortunately, there is also high-tech clothing available to anglers that is cool, breathable and contains a UPF rating. Popular brands from Patagonia and Simms offer clothing with UPF ranging from 30-50. 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. Hoodies are now very popular and models for fishermen even have thumb holes that can protect the hands.

There are constantly new innovations coming out that make these moisture-wicking fabrics 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 anti-odor properties, a UPF of 50+, 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. Protect your skin – it’s the only one you’ll ever have, and now you can do it in style. It’s even fashionable, the cool thing to do!

Reel Time: Guiding principals

Reel Time: Guiding principles

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

I have always been a great fan of fishing guides. They can provide a terrific initiation to the local waters and are indispensable when angling new destinations. Not only do you get the benefit of their extensive knowledge of where to find fish, but you’ll get a lesson in the natural world as a bonus.

Most guides not only take you to the action, but they will show you some of the area’s most beautiful natural areas. I know many experienced anglers who regularly fish with guides. They know that there is no substitute for the local knowledge gained from being on the water on a regular basis. They also appreciate the convenience of stepping on a boat, being taken to the fish, having the guide fillet fish if they decide to keep any, and not having to clean the boat.

While many people have the mistaken impression that guiding is an easy job, few people really appreciate the rigors of long days on the water. For anglers, an eight-hour day on the water translates into 10 or more hours for the guide. Not only do guides provide experiences that last a lifetime, many work tirelessly to protect the resources that we all too often take for granted.

My first introduction to guiding came in the 1980s when I was new to area waters. A friend invited me to fish with Holmes Beach guide Capt. Scott Moore. That first trip was a revelation to an angler new to the Gulf coast waters. Moore amazed us with his uncanny ability to find fish. He would literally say, “We’ll start over here and catch a trout, then move to that point and find snook and finally fish that mangrove edge for redfish.” And that’s just what we did. He introduced me to snook fishing, taught me lessons that have made me a better angler, and, most importantly, helped me appreciate the need to protect our marine resources.

I learned a lot of what I know fishing with guides, and they have saved me countless hours of frustration with their “tricks of the trade.” I learned how to remove a backlash from a spinning reel, how to find fish by looking for subtle signs, how to remove a hook from my hand, how to throw a cast net and so much more. Guides are not just anglers, but trained specialists that can help you find and catch fish on your own, if you listen and learn.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of a day on the water with one of the many professional guides in our area, I would encourage you to give it a try. When you do the math, it’s one of the wisest investments you can make for your fishing future. It’s also a great way to spend a day with friends and family and introduce kids to “catching.”  You’ll find information on local guides in the pages of The Sun every week, and I’ll share my experiences with the guides I still fish with regularly.

Reel Time: Learning to fish – back to basics

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

Anglers of all stripes like to keep up with state-of-the-art innovations in the angling world. While that new jig or special fly can perhaps improve their odds at catching fish, it’s important for new anglers to learn and apply the basics, the foundation that successful angling is built on.

Fishing means different things to different people. To some, it’s the simple pleasure of being on the water, where catching is optional. To others, it’s serious business and the outcome can make or break a day on the water. For still others, it’s the search for a meal or just an opportunity to share time with friends or family.

Whatever fishing means to you, it doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, I’m convinced that the less complicated it is, the better your chance of success. That might not be apparent when browsing the tackle department at your nearest sporting goods store or tackle shop. There is a plethora of gear lining the shelves meant to lure anglers. Even the basics like line and hooks come in many shapes and colors, each promising the angler an advantage over the fish. Lures dazzle the eye with a rainbow of colors in mind-bending holographic patterns. In truth, experience has taught me that there’s no special magic to finding the right gear for angling success. Instead, concentrating on a few basic time-tested techniques will improve the luck of even the greenest angler.

Most important is the essential outfit – rod, reel and line. Pick the best quality tackle you can afford, but not the most expensive available. I’m talking about gear that is solidly made, and able to survive the rigors of saltwater. Whether you’re using spinning tackle, fly tackle or bait casting gear, get an outfit that’s balanced and appropriate for the kind of fishing you’ll be doing. A balanced outfit means that the weight is evenly distributed when held just forward of the reel on the cork of the rod. This isn’t an exact science, but you’ll be able to feel if one component is oversized.

Reel Time: Learning to fish – back to basics
The best place to shop for fishing tackle is at your local fishing outfitter. There you have the advantage of local knowledge. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

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

When it comes to deciding whether to use live bait or artificial lures, I think artificial lures are a better choice, especially for beginning anglers. First and foremost, lures are less of a hassle. Live bait takes time to acquire, must be kept healthy and usually stays close to where it’s cast. Artificial lures by contrast don’t have to be changed often and aren’t affected by pests like pinfish. At worst it only involves changing the body of a jig occasionally. Using lures will allow you to cover more water, testing various water depths and retrieval speeds.

My personal favorite is a jig, and while I now use mostly lead-headed jigs with plastic bodies, the original lead-head jigs with bucktail skirts are still a great choice. My second choice would be a topwater plug. These lures require a bit of practice to master “walking the dog,” but allow the angler to cover a lot of water and attract fish with their sound and surface disturbance.

Consult your local tackle shop when choosing an outfit. They know the area, have a wealth of experience, and can be trusted to get you off to a good start. While big box stores might seem a good place to shop, you’re not as likely to get the professional advice of a local shop. Do some homework before shopping so you can pick the best rig for the fishing you intend to do.

There is no doubt that innovations appear that you want to be aware of, but your overall experience will be enhanced if you master the basics first.

Reel Time: Never Stop Learning

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

Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines learning as “knowledge or skill acquired by instruction or study.”

As most anglers will attest, that’s how we’ve gained the ability to successfully target (occasionally) different species of fish. That learning probably came from a plethora of sources. I count fishing guides, experienced anglers, the internet, television, books and magazines for a lot of what I’ve learned. If you’ve been around the water for any length of time, you’ve probably experienced that one of the best teachers of all is the mistakes we’ve made along the way.

I often vocalize the fact that “The more I know, the more I know how much I don’t know,” but recently that phrase came into sharper focus when I was fly fishing with an accomplished angler who is younger than I am. During several days on the water, he commented on several things I was doing that he thought, if changed, could improve my fishing. During that same time, I had a few critiques for him as well. At the time, both of us assumed we were right and the other was wrong. As it turned out he was right and so was I. I think in the end we both became better anglers as a result.

He criticized the fact that I trailed a few feet of fly line in the water when I was on the bow. I developed that habit as a way of getting a cast off quickly by being able to load the rod sooner, avoiding extra false casts. When I argued that the line being right beside the boat couldn’t possibly spook fish, in my mind I was right. As it turned out he was right and I was wrong, but for a different reason. As it turned out, not having that line in the water avoided getting it fouled with floating algae and grass and potentially blowing a shot at a fish. As it turned out, now that I have a few years of casting under my belt, I can get a cast off in plenty of time with less line. The trailing line wasn’t needed most of the time.

Stretching fly line before casting might not be necessary, but it’s a good idea to check for memory. – Rusty Chinnis | Sun

When he stepped up to the bow that same morning and didn’t stretch his fly line it was my turn for a critique. I make a habit of stripping off the line I think I’ll need and then cast it out and stretch it to be ready for a presentation. Most fly lines have what is called “memory” from sitting on the reel and form coils that can foul a cast in the guides if not stretched. The stretching relaxes the line. The day after that trip he texted me to say I would have laughed because he had chased a school of jacks on the beach and when he went to cast, the unstretched line fouled in the guides.

There are times when having a trailing line is useful, for example, when there’s poor visibility, and then only if you watch for floating debris. The same can be said for not stretching line when using a line with little or no stretch.

The lesson I learned in all of this is not to get fixed in doing something a certain way and becoming inflexible. Now I’ll attempt to listen first, reason, and argue later. The bottom line: Keep an open mind and never stop learning.

Committee to focus on prevention

Clean water group poses solutions to algae blooms

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Algae, Featured, Outdoors.

HOLMES BEACH – As members of the city’s Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee seek solutions to water quality issues already plaguing the area, Mayor Judy Titsworth wants them to shift focus to their overall goal – prevention.

Committee members met recently to get water testing results, review feedback from city commissioners and hear from Suncoast Waterkeeper Chair Rusty Chinnis, The Sun’s outdoors columnist.

During the meeting, Titsworth stepped up to the podium to talk about different devices that could be used to remediate algae problems around Anna Maria Island. She said that none of the devices she’s seen so far are really impressive in their capabilities. She also added that while using a device to churn the water and push lyngbya algae mats out of canals and into the bay would help improve the quality of life for residents, it doesn’t solve the problem, which is preventing the algae blooms in the first place.

“It’s a Band-Aid,” she said of the devices. “The big goal is prevention.”

Members of the committee agreed, but some said they’d like to look into the possibility of using skimmers to remove the algae mats from the top of the water. The problem with those, Titsworth said, is that once captured, the algae needs to be disposed of. She said that some of the skimmers would break up algae, which would also cause it to sink, decomposing on the bottom of waterways and creating excess nitrogen, which causes waterways to deteriorate.

“We have to fix the water,” committee member Scott Ricci said. “If we fix the water, the algae goes away.”

Committee to focus on prevention
Environmental advocate Rusty Chinnis spoke to members of the Holmes Beach Clean Water Ad-Hoc Committee during a June 8 meeting. – Kristin Swain | Sun

Chinnis told the committee that local waterways have lost approximately 15 years’ worth of seagrass in just three years, illustrating the issue of deteriorating water quality. He encouraged committee members to do everything possible to get in front of politicians to demand change and work to prevent problems rather than focus on dealing with the aftermath.

Chinnis said that he doesn’t think using equipment to push algae blooms around or to skim them off the top of the water will help. With such large algae mats forming, along with fish kills and red tide algae, he said that even with skimming some off the top, too much material will still sink and decompose, leading to higher nitrogen levels that encourage more lyngbya and red tide blooms.

Steve Swan gave committee members the results of a water quality test conducted in the 59th Street canal in Holmes Beach. He said that not only is the nitrogen level in the sample very high at over 12 milliliters per liter, but the algae level also is extremely high. The test to see how much oxygen is in the water showed that the area’s waterways are very stressed, with oxygen levels depleted, Swan said.

Committee members agreed to put more of their $30,000 budget toward water sampling, testing drinking water and algae remediation efforts. They also plan to provide freelance employee support to the city, if needed, to manage a website giving tips and advice to the public on how to change actions to prevent excess nutrients and algae in area waterways.

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

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

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

Rounding a corner outside of Virginia City, Montana, I pulled to the side of the road to marvel at the vista. From horizon to horizon the Madison River Valley stretched out below, an invitation to one of the most geologically and ecologically diverse regions on earth. For the next week I would be fishing and exploring an area anchored to the south by Hebgen Lake, Earthquake Lake and the Madison River flowing from Yellowstone National Park.

The world’s first national park and the largest in North America, Yellowstone sits atop North America’s largest volcanic field. The caldera (a large cauldron-like hollow) was formed when land collapsed following the last of three super-eruptions that took place over the past 2.1 million years. It’s a land of steaming springs, geysers, bubbling mud pots and soaring landscapes that almost defy imagination.

I began my adventure the next morning entering the park at West Yellowstone in the pre-dawn hours. I explored an area I had not ventured into in my past trips to the area, heading towards the Lamar Valley to the north. Usually crowded with tour buses and visitors in August, I was treated to large stretches of road and scenery devoid of cars and people, a rare and unexpected benefit of the pandemic. That morning felt like the first day of creation and I marveled at the vast volcanic-sculpted landscape, the fields of grazing bison, antelope, mule deer and soaring eagles. Over the next week I would visit the park two more times, but as I left the park that day, I was looking forward to exploring the fishing opportunities afforded by the Madison River and Lake Ennis.

This past summer I had spoken with Captain Harrison King, a friend based in Cortez who splits his time guiding locally and in Montana. When I told him I would be fishing near Dillon, he suggested I let him introduce me to fishing opportunities in the area near Ennis, Montana. Situated on the banks of the Madison River, and flanked on three sides by the Gravelly Range, the Madison Mountains, and the Tobacco Root Mountains, it’s one of the west’s most iconic fly-fishing destinations. I took him up on his offer on Monday and was joined by friend and local restaurateur Ed Chiles, who has a summer home in the area.

We began the day on Lake Ennis, a large impounded section of the Madison River where King specializes in targeting large brown and rainbow trout that cruise the lake, rising to the clouds of mayflies and other insects there. Known as “gulpers” for the sound they make as they feed, this is one of my favorite ways to catch trout. The wind was down as we started and we all were able to feed brown and rainbow trout as they picked from the surface. When the wind came up, King returned to the ramp and we trailered his drift boat to the Madison, where we fished a long segment of the river.

Once again, I spent quality time just sitting back and absorbing the amazing scenery. Although the fishing was a bit slow that day, Chiles managed to entice several quality rainbow and brown trout to his dry flies. At the end of the day we both agreed that the combination of experiences that day was one of the most unique adventures we had ever had.

During my visit I stayed at the Driftwaters Resort, just downstream from Earthquake Lake and facing the magnificent Gallatin Mountains. This RV park features six cabins and the Drift Wood Restaurant where I spent my evenings enjoying the scenery and the culinary creations of chef Tim Sylvester and the service and hospitality offered by his wife, Trudy.

The amazing scenery and fishing opportunities afforded by Montana’s vast wilderness should be on any angler’s bucket list.

For accommodations, contact Driftwaters Resort at 406-682-3088 and visit their website at www.driftwatersresort.com. For an expert introduction to the fishing opportunities in Montana or locally, contact Captain Harrison King at 941-525-8495. Check out King and his wife Laura’s Facebook Page at 941 Outfitters.

Next week: More fishing adventures in Montana

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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Fly fishing the Deschutes

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

The sky was just beginning to lighten as my wife Christine and I crossed the high desert from Bend, Oregon on our way to the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and a rendezvous with our guide Elke Kirk (Littleleaf) and his wife Alysia. The stark buttes and mountains in the distance were silhouetted against a pink horizon, massive and featureless except for the relief of their jagged contours. To the west ,the snow-capped volcano Mount Jefferson framed the surreal landscape. 

I had been investigating the fishing opportunities in advance of our trip to Oregon when I first learned about Elke (pronounced Elk), a Native American guide on the Deschutes, a famous steelhead river that’s a major tributary of the Columbia River. Elke and other Native guides on the reservation have access to 39 miles of the river that’s off limits to other anglers. While the river is best known for its steelhead runs it’s also home to rainbow trout, including a native species known as redsides. These trout are famed for their fighting ability born of the swift currents they spend their lives in.

We met Elke and Alysia in Warm Springs and after transferring equipment to their drift boat we donned our waders and jumped in their truck for the drive to the launch area on the Deschutes. On the way we stopped at a spring that Elke claimed was tested as the second cleanest drinking source in the country. A quick taste confirmed the purity of the clear cold liquid. A few miles down a rough dirt road and we were at the launch spot, hardly more than a clearing in the stream side vegetation. While they were getting the boat launched and prepared I waded the edges of the river with a dry fly and and got several takes that I wasn’t able to connect with.

In conversations prior to the trip I had learned that anglers are not able to fish out of the boat on the Deschutes. When I queried Elke he related that they had almost lost the native population of trout due to anglers dragging them in the swift current while drifting.

Not fishing from the boat meant we passed by many promising shorelines and pockets, instead stopping and wading some of the river’s most productive stretches. The unanticipated advantage was that we were better able to enjoy the awesome scenery on what turned out to be a spectacular day. Instead of hitting one bank and then another, constantly eyeing the river, I was able to sit back and appreciate the buttes, canyons and incredible geological formations that line the river.

On the first stop, Elke set up my seven weight Hardy fly rod with a steelhead fly and positioned me on a gravel bar at the confluence of the Warm Springs and Deschutes River. On my fourth cast, I hooked up to a fish that he thought was a steelhead due to the strong runs it made into my backing. After working the fish from the current into a seam of slower water, Elke was able to bring it to the net. As it turned out it was a native Redsides rainbow that measured close to 20”. According to Elke the fish was a trophy, as the fish average from 13-16 inches.

The balance of the day I fished some of the most beautiful water and scenery I have ever encountered. The sky was blue, the sun warm and both Christine and I reveled in the beauty that surrounded us. As fly fishers know some of the best days, weather wise, can be some of the most challenging and this day was a case study.

While I was able to get some action on smaller trout on dry flies, the Redsides and steelhead proved elusive the rest of the day. That in no way dampened our enthusiasm or enjoyment of the day that ended with an incredible drive over native lands back to “civilization.” The day was an excellent introduction to the Deschutes and a delightful adventure with a native guide. Both Elke and Alysia shared stories of the river, the land and the legends that abound in this wild and remote part of Oregon. This float is recommended for fishers and non-fishers alike as the scenery is spectacular and the river features some exhilarating rapids. Reach Elke at his website or at 541-615-0402.

Reel Time

Reel Time: On the road to St. Marys and Cumberland Island, Ga.

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

This past week I had the pleasure of an adventure to coastal Georgia when I accompanied my wife to a tai chi workshop in St. Marys. St. Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore, the state’s largest barrier island. I trailered my boat so I could explore the island and surrounding marshes as well as the ocean where I had heard of plentiful schools of redfish, tarpon, sharks and Jack crevalle.

Cumberland Island is a true national treasure. The island is home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally-designated wilderness, including pristine maritime forests, wide marshes and close to 18 miles of undeveloped beaches. Over the years it has been home to Native Americans, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and wealthy industrialists.

One of the Island’s landmarks is Dungeness (now a ruin) which dates back to 1729. The last owners were the Carnegies, who built a 59-room mansion that was destroyed by fire in 1959. After her husband’s death, Carnegie’s wife, Lucy, built the island’s other landmark structures called Greyfield, Plum Orchard and the Stafford Plantation for her children. At one time the Carnegies owned 90 percent of the Island. Today visitors can access the island by ferry for a day visit from the Parks headquarters in St. Marys. Visitors can also arrange to camp there in one of five designated camping areas.

We stayed at the Spencer House Inn Bed and Breakfast in St. Marys, a historic hotel that dates back to 1872. Mary and Mike Neff were the perfect hosts, catering to our every need. Their hotel was the perfect mix of history and convenience and made a convert of me. I had spent very little time in B&Bs over the years, but both Chris and I were charmed during our visit. The hotel is within walking distance of St. Marys historic waterfront and the docks of the Cumberland Island Ferry.

I kept my boat attached to my truck and was only blocks from the boat ramp. We arrived two days before my wife’s workshop. This gave us some time to explore the marshes that surround Cumberland as well as take some evening strolls around St. Marys charming waterfront and its pleasant park. The town is also home to some excellent restaurants and is famous for its local seafood, especially shrimp.

In addition to water adventures, we took a trip to the nearby 500-acre Crooked River State Park. The park has wonderful facilities, trails, camping and cabins and a boat ramp on Crooked River. During our visit we enjoyed a hike on the apply named Semprevirens (Latin, ever-living) Trail which winds its way along the marsh, through old growth hardwood forests and over ancient Indian shell middens.

While Christine went to her workshop, I was left to explore the area. In those three days, I was introduced to some of the area’s excellent fishing for redfish in nearby St. Simons with Captain David Edens, a fellow FFI certified fly-casting instructor. I would also spend a day in the marshes on the east side of Cumberland Island and another along the beach chasing sharks and tarpon.