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Taking a day off
Guides, anglers clean up Port Mansfield Cut, beach
By Tony Vindell
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For Lone Star outdoor newS
On June 10, boat owners and guides took a day off from fishing to participate in the Port Mansfield Cut & Beach Cleanup. Of the 40 boat owners who left from the dock of the local chamber of commerce, about half belonged to fishing enthusiasts, and the rest to fishing guides.
One guide who participated was Santa Monica resident Rene Hinojosa, who has attended the annual event since it began back in 2009.
“I like to keep the bay clean by doing my part,” he said.
With more than 30 years of guiding experience, Hinojosa said he’s happy to sacrifice a day of fishing if it benefits the waters he regularly fishes, even if it means his income has to take a hit.
Miller and Kathie Bassler, conceived the event when Hurricane Dolly walloped the Texas Gulf Coast 14 years ago, leaving a trail of trash and destruction behind.
“We decided to do something about it,” Miller said.
The Basslers were fishing with Hinojosa as customers when they shared their plans about the cleanup, and Hinojosa didn’t hesitate to step in and lend a hand.
The actual trash pickup starts about a quarter-mile across Laguna Madre and
