The kids want to try fishing. But gosh, what will it cost you just to ’see’ if the kids would like it or not?
Folks in Pennsylvania now have an answer to that problem! The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission loans out fishing rods, reels and tackle boxes filled with equipment to anyone who asks.
The 5-year-old Borrow a Rod and Reel Fishing Tackle Loaner Program works like a library. At dozens of loaner sites, anyone — from beginners to those returning to the sport — can simply show ID, fill out a card, borrow the gear and bring it back when they’re finished. Fishing license regulations, seasons and creel limits apply. Equipment can not be reserved.
The loaner program is a partnership of the Fish and Boat Commission, the American Sportfishing Association, and local sponsors of individual loaner sites. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources helps by providing loaner tackle at many state parks.
As well as loans made to individuals, the equipment can also be borrowed by groups conducting angler education programs. The equipment is purchased by Fish and Boat through its education wing.
In southwest Pennsylvania, loaner sites are located at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County, Raccoon Creek State Park in Beaver County, Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County and Mahoning Creek Lake Park, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project in Armstrong County.
Encouraging new anglers to take that next step to investment in fishing licenses and equipment is an important part of the program.
