FWP Program Allows Young Anglers To Borrow Gear

A popular Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 6 program that allows kids and their friends or families to check out free fishing rods and tackle is in full swing again this year.

FWP staff has restocked and maintained more than 350 fishing rods in most of the 41 different location sites across Montana’s Hi-Line.

The “Kids to Fish” program lets anglers check out fishing rods and reels equipped with basic tackle, such as hooks, bobbers and sinkers. Typically, eight rods are at each location, and some places have a tackle box available to borrow/ use the available tackle.

Marc Kloker, FWP Region 6 communication and education program manager, supervises the program.

“Although it takes quite a bit of time and effort to maintain, replace, and travel around to all the loaner locations, it’s worth it if it gets someone out fishing who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity,” said Kloker.

“Just because someone doesn’t have a fishing rod doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to go fishing,” adds administrative assistant Ken Jansa, who handled most of the ‘rod-run’ duties the last three years. “Whether it’s a cousin in town that wants to go along and needs a rod, or an extra pole is needed for catfishing on the Milk River or chasing walleye on Fort Peck, we want as many kids as possible to get out, fish, and enjoy themselves.”

FWP appreciates the businesses and other locations that display a rack of these fishing rods, and they are the reason the program has been so successful.

“The many business owners and organizations who participate in the program deserve special thanks,” said Kloker. “They’re helping a lot of kids have fun on the water this summer.”

The sturdy loaner rods come already rigged with a bobbers, split-shot, and hook, and should be ready to go. Anglers can then change the rigging however they want to target their desired species.

Anglers are expected to sign out the equipment at the site and return it in good working order, if possible. Kloker reminds folks that these rods are to be brought back to the loaner location, even if damaged or with broken line.

Fishing rods and tackle are currently available to check out at these local locations. Locations and addresses can also be found on the Region 6 webpage on fwp.mt.gov.

Bainville: Welcome Stop. Brockton: B& S Quick Stop.

Circle: Circle Country Market.

Culbertson: Val-Am, Hometown Market.

Fort Peck: Downstream (Kiwanis) Campground, Fort Peck Fish Hatchery, Lakeridge Motel & Tackle Shop, Fort Peck Marina, Fort Peck Interpretive Center and Rock Creek Marina.

Frazer: School. Glasgow: FWP Region 6 headquarters, City-County Library, Cottonwood Inn, Ezzie’s West End Conoco, Glasgow Recreation Department, Shady Rest RV Park.

Medicine Lake: Lake Pit Stop store.

Nashua: B& B Foods. Opheim: Pro Co-o.p Plentywood: Sheridan County Library, Plentywood Hardware.

Saco: Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs.

Scobey: Pro Co-Op, Hometown Hardware.

Wolf Point: EC Sports.