YMCA of Centre County has joined the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to create the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program. The public can come to any YMCA branch and borrow rods, reels and a tackle box with hooks and other basic tackle.

This equipment is borrowed in much the same way books are borrowed from a library. Those wanting to borrow the equipment complete a form and the loan is made. At the end of the loan period the equipment is returned to the site.

This program is a partnership between the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the American Sportfishing
Association, and YMCA of Centre County.

The program is designed to make it easy for anyone to access fishing tackle. Whether you are giving fishing a try for the first time, or returning to a childhood activity, these sites provide a loan of free tackle.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission says they hope that borrowers of the equipment will enjoy fishing so much that they are ‘hooked for life’. This equipment may also be loaned to groups conducting angler education programs in the community.

For additional information about this program, contact Jamie SanFilippo at 814-237-7717, or visit the Fish and Boat Commission’s website.