First-time and novice anglers in North Carolina are encouraged to borrow rods and reels free of charge to join in the trout fishing fun this year. The loaner rods and reels are provided by various city and county parks statewide and by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission through the Commission’s Fishing Tackle Loaner Program (FTLP).
The Commission created the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program to introduce North Carolinians, especially children, to fishing and to encourage novice anglers to continue developing their angling skills. The Fishing Tackle Loaner Program operates just like a library. Anglers of all ages register at participating parks to receive a tackle loaner ID card, which allows them to check out a rod and reel. Anglers under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian complete the registration form. After returning the loaner rods and reels to the park office, first-time participants under 16 years of age will receive a free mini-tackle box containing hooks, bobbers, sinkers, and a stringer.
Adaptive fishing gear can be loaned to disabled anglers at some TLP sites. The gear types are electric John’s Reels with either a push button or joystick-operating device. Typically, these special reels are placed on easy cast fishing rod devices. Some sites also offer rod holders for those persons with shoulder problems and or an inability to hold something for an extended time. For individuals with grip problems action life gloves are available in various sizes. These gloves are available for either right or left hands. For the complete story including the pictures of the tackle available go to the North Carolina
Fishing Tackle Loaner Program (FTLP) and click on Disabled Opportunities.