OUTDOORS

32 THE SUN OUTDOORS DECEMBER 1, 2021

Reel Time

RUSTY CHINNIS

Yes, it’s that time of the year again, and if you’re wondering what Christmas cheer to bring to your special angler, I’ve got some suggestions. The best things I can recommend are the products that I own and that have impressed me.

First on my list of recommendations is the Patagonia Stormfront Sling Pack. I have purchased enough vests, bags and packs over the years to stock a small luggage store, but I’ve finally found the “perfect” bag. Most of the time it functions as a boat bag whether I’m on my boat or with a friend. It holds all the tackle I need with room for a camera, raincoat (my next suggestion) and other sundries you’re likely to need for a day on the water. If I’m taking a long wade or fishing a mountain stream I can put it on my back where it sits out of the way until I need it. Then just un-snap one clip and it swings around to provide easy access to the waterproof compartment which has a separate zippered pouch. There are plenty of latch points and rings to customize the outside for items like a rod case, net, tippet holders, nippers, etc.

My second recommendation is the Patagonia Ultra-light, Packable Jacket. This is a new addition to my wardrobe that I was able to put to the test on a recent Bahamian bonefishing trip. Three things stood out about this jacket, number one being its ability to keep me dry during a harrowing 25 mph ride up the east side of South Andros into a 25 mph wind. Straps at the wrists, bottom and hood of the jacket cinch down to prevent the intrusion of driving rain, including at the hood, which wraps securely around your headwear. The second most impressive thing about this jacket is its ultralight weight which translates into cool/breathable outerwear for the sub-tropical and tropical places where I live and fish. Lastly, the way this jacket packs away in a pouch about the size of a beer can is amazing. The first day I used it I forgot the pouch and was frustrated working around it when looking for gear in my sling pack. The balance of the trip it lived out of the way in my pack, and only came out when I needed it.

My third recommendation is the Rio Flats Pro Elite fly line. Admittedly, this is an expensive fly line and it wouldn’t have made this list if I didn’t find that it made a significant difference in my fly casting. Its main feature is a low stretch line (think hook set and fish control) with Rio’s SlickCast coasting that shoots farther and more accurately. This line also stood the test of some extreme conditions in the Bahamas and made a noticeable difference in high winds stalking big, spooky tailing bonefish. The price was well worth the added performance that gave me an additional 1015 feet when I needed it most.

These three products are not priced to be stocking stuffers but are a gift that will keep on giving. With a little care, they will pay dividends in the field instead of being relegated to the storage closet. Next week we’ll reach out to some local charter captains to learn what gifts they might recommend. If you’re serious about your fishing, consider developing a relationship with and buying from a reputable local dealer. While it might be tempting to just order online, you won’t get the advantages a brick-andmortar shop provides. For fly tackle, check out AMI Outfitters on Pine Street in Anna Maria. If you’re in Sarasota, The Compound Board Shop has a full line of fly tackle and both shops have courteous and knowledgeable staff.

Angler’s gift guide

Got an angler on your list? Here are some gift ideas.

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN

Bonefishing plentiful in Bahamas

CAPTAIN RICK GRASSETT

After a hiatus from the trip due to COVID restrictions last year, I hosted a group of friends and clients at Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge in South Andros, Bahamas, recently. Stewart Lavelle and Mike Perez, from Sarasota, Kirk Grassett, from Middletown, Del., Rusty Chinnis, from Longboat Key, Bill Crelin, from Milwaukee, and I drove from Sarasota to FXE in Ft. Lauderdale, where we met up with John and D.J., from New York, and Tracy and Cullen Baker, from N.C., and traveled to Congotown, South Andros on Makers Air.

We waded vast sand flats and also fished from flats skiffs for everything from large cruising or tailing, single and double bonefish to large schools of fish. Conditions were tough on a couple of days with wind and rain but action was fairly good on those days. There were also a couple of slower days, but overall, action was good and included a few bonefish in the 4- to 6-pound class and a couple of double-digit fish. Top-producing flies during the week were Peterson’s Spawning Shrimp, Mars Bay Special, Ververka’s Mantis Shrimp, Gotchas and Gotcha variations. Overall it was a great trip to a great lodge!

Bill Howard, the resident owner/operator, does a wonderful job making things run smoothly at the lodge. We dined on a variety of excellent authentic Bahamian dishes, including fresh fish, lobster and conch. One of the best things about Mars Bay Lodge, the southernmost lodge on South Andros, is fishing the vast sand flats and scattered mangrove keys to the south. Being the southernmost lodge on South Andros also means about a 10-mile shorter boat run each way and more fishing! South Andros has got to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. This trip, as well as my Montana trip, are annual trips so if you have an interest in any future trips contact me or go to the Destination Trips page of my websites.

Back home in Sarasota, tripletail in the coastal Gulf has been a good option depending on conditions. Deep grass flats of Sarasota Bay have been producing trout, blues and jacks on CAL jigs with Shad tails and Clouser flies.

RUSTY CHINNIS | SUN Above, DJ with a big South Andros bonefish caught and released while fishing out of Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge. Right, Cullen Baker with a South Andros bonefish caught and released on the same trip.

Water quality report Water quality at area beaches based on monitoring of enterococcus bacteria levels, which can pose an increased risk of infectious disease: Bayfront Park North Good Bradenton Beach Good Coquina Beach North Good Coquina Beach South Good Manatee Beach North Good Palma Sola Bay South Good Source: Florida Department of Health

RED TIDE REPORT

High

(respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills, water discoloration)

Very low

(possible respiratory irritation)

Medium

(probable respiratory irritation, shellfish harvesting closures, fish kills)

Background

(no effects)

None

(no red tide present)