News you can use
News you can use
Press release
A popular Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks 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 restocked and maintained over 400 fishing rods in nearly 43 different locations across Montana’s Hi-Line and near by. 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 usually a well-stocked tackle box is available to borrow and use.
“Of course, it takes time and effort to replace, maintain, and travel around to all the loaner locations. But it’s well worth it if it gets someone out fishing who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity,” said Marc Kloker, FWP’s information and education program manager in Glasgow, who runs the program.
“Just because someone doesn’t have a fishing rod doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to go fishing,” Kloker added. “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, we want as many kids as possible to go out and fish and enjoy themselves outdoors.”
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,” Kloker added. “They’re helping a lot of kids have fun on the water this summer.”
The sturdy loaner rods come already rigged with bobbers, split-shot sinkers and hooks. Please keep in mind these rods are likely not cleaned or sanitized after each use. However, 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.
“The next kid that comes along should also have a chance to fish,” he said.
If poles are continually lost or stolen, the ability to continue offering this great opportunity suffers. In addition, FWP tries to match supply with demand as some sites see more interest and participation than others.
The fishing rods are available to be checked out from the outlets by individuals, families, organizations, youth groups and schools. If anyone is looking to check out a large number of rods — more than 20 — for a particular event, they should contact either the Glasgow or Havre FWP offices and the offices will get them set up. People with any questions or who are interested in having poles available at other locations in their community can contact Kloker at 406-228-3704.
Fishing rods and tackle are available to check out at the following locations. Locations and addresses can also be found on the Region 6 webpage on fwp.mt.gov at http://fwp.mt.gov/regions/r6 .
BAINVILLE
Welcome Stop
BIG SANDY
The Grocery Store
BROCKTON
B & S Quick Stop
CHESTER
Liberty Quick Stop
CHINOOK
Finley’s Food Farm
CIRCLE
Circle Country Market
CULBERTSON
Val-Am
Hometown Market
DODSON
Al’s Town & Country Store
FLAXVILLE
PRO CO-OP
FORT PECK
Downstream (Kiwanis) Campground
Fort Peck Fish Hatchery
Lakeridge Motel & Tackle Shop
Fort Peck Marina
Fort Peck Interpretive Center
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
HARLEM
EZ Mart store
HAVRE AREA
FWP Havre Office
Stromberg’s Sinclair
Hill County Library
Fresno Tavern near Fresno Reservoir
Quality Life Concepts
HINSDALE
Sweet memories
LOMA
Pa’s Loma Mart
MALTA
Phillips County Library
Westside Conoco Convenience Store
MEDICINE LAKE
Lake Pit Stop store
NASHUA
B&B Foods
OPHEIM
Pro Co-Op
PEERLESS
Dutch Henry’s Club
PLENTYWOOD
Sheridan County Library
Plentywood Hardware
SACO
Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs
SCOBEY
PRO CO-OP
Hometown Hardware
WOLF POINT
EC sports
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