MDNR EXPANDS FISHING TACKLE LOANER PROGRAM: MI

LANSING--Park visitors will find it a little easier to try
fishing this summer thanks to a free fishing tackle loaner program developed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division in partnership with various state, regional and local parks.
The fishing equipment is provided to participating parks
through the DNR Urban Fishing Program in an effort to make
first-time fishing experiences more accessible to new
anglers.
The program is designed to get rods and reels into the hands
of kids and other beginners to encourage them to try fishing
without first needing to purchase any equipment. It is hoped
that many of these beginners will enjoy fishing and become
regular anglers.
"This grass roots partnership is reaching out to people to
help them learn about and enjoy fishing," said Ken Dodge,
DNR Urban Fisheries Biologist. "Michigan has great fishing
opportunities for everyone, and we want anyone interested to
have the chance to try."
Participation in fishing serves to promote an appreciation
for the outdoor environment and eventually can foster a
sense of stewardship for natural resources. Few people have
a greater personal interest in restoring and maintaining
clean water and healthy fish populations than do avid
anglers.
Each participating park will have 20 rods and reels
available on a free loan basis along with basic terminal
tackle including hooks, bobbers and sinkers. A nominal
deposit may be required. Please contact the individual
participating park for details.
The following parks participating in the fishing tackle
loaner program this summer are:

Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas:
Bay City State Recreation Area, Bay City, 517-684-3020
Brighton Recreation Area, Brighton, 810-229-6566
W.J. Hayes State Park, Onsted, 517-467-7401
Holland State Park, Holland, 616-399-9390
Holly Recreation Area, Holly, 248-634-8811
Interlochen State Park, Interlochen, 231-276-9511
Ionia Recreation Area, Ionia, 616-527-3750
McLain State Park, Hancock, 906-482-0278
Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area, Metamora, 810-797-4439
William Mitchell State Park, Cadillac, 231-775-7911
Muskegon State Park, North Muskegon, 231-744-3480
Otsego Lake State Park, Gaylord, 517-732-5485
Pinckney Recreation Area, Pinckney, 734-426-4913
Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area, Waterford, 248-666-1020
Proud Lake Recreation Area, Milford, 248-685-2433
Seven Lakes State Park, Fenton, 248-634-7271
Sterling State Park, Monroe, 734-289-2715
Twin Lakes State Park, Toivola, 906-288-3321

Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority:
Kensington Metropark, Milford, 810-227-2627
Lake Erie Metropark, Rockwood, 800-477-3189
Stony Creek Metropark, Shelby Township, 800-477-7756
Willow Metropark, Belleville, 800-477-3182

Oakland County Parks:
Addison Oaks, Leonard, 248-693-2432
Groveland Oaks, Holly, 248-634-9811
Independence Oaks, Clarkston, 248-825-0877

Wayne County Parks:
Newburgh Lake, Plymouth, 734-261-2025

City of Rochester Hills:
Spencer Park, Rochester Hills, 248-656-4657

Springfield Township Parks (Oakland County):
Mill Pond Park, Davisburg, 248-634-0412

Source: MDNR