Local News

25th Annual Fishing Break Gives Back Big This Year: Charity Fishing Event Helps Community

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Tony Maples Photography

 

In its 25th year, the Annual Fishing Break has helped support and fund important initiatives through the Austin Fire Department. Most specifically, the Austin Firefighters Relief and Outreach Fund. This is a huge benefit in and of itself, but this year, a portion of the funds raised went back to support the community that hosts the event each year, Port Aransas.

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Photo: Donald Minnis

After last year’s hurricane, the city is still reeling from damage and working hard to rebuild. Driving through the town, you can see that some businesses are up and running, and some houses fully operational, while others are still in shambles. Recent rains led to some additional flooding, albeit far less damaging than the hurricane that hit last year.

The generosity of the Austin Fire Department in sharing their contributions was awe-inspiring, and a lot of fun was had in the process! Teams registered for the event from all over, but large representation came from Austin and Dripping Springs. On Friday night, teams that registered enjoyed dinner from Salt Lick. The next morning fishing guides loaded small teams of typically 2-4 members up and headed out into the ocean. Red Fish and Black Drum were in high demand as teams competed for best catch in single categories or in the stringer category which is the combination of several fish. Team Fish’n’fanatics, from Kanetzky Engineering, has supported the event for years. While they didn’t take home a prize this year, they had a great time supporting a local cause.

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Photo: Donald Minnis

All fish caught were turned in, weighed, and then cleaned and fried for a fish-fry Saturday night with sides added from Salt Lick. Winners earned cash prizes, and raffle prizes were also awarded. HEB gift cards, a kayak, and cash were among popular prizes this year.

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Photo: Donald Minnis

While the event offers an opportunity for summer fun on the water, the causes for which the event raises money are the real highlight. It is a pleasure to see a community come together to support not only their own, but also another community in need. This is just one of the many things we love about the Hill Country and its residents!