Montana –-(Ammoland.com)- A popular Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 6 program that allows children and their families to check out free fishing rods and tackle is in full swing again this year.
Just in time for summer fishing, FWP staff is in the process of restocking the 46 different location sites across Montana’s Hi-Line. The “Kids to Fish” program lets youngsters check out fishing rods and reels and basic tackle, such as hooks, bobbers, and sinkers. Typically, eight rods are at each location, and a tackle box is available to borrow/use the available tackle.
Pure Fishing, D & G Sports & Western in Glasgow, and Stromberg’s Sinclair and the North 40 Outfitters store in Havre give FWP substantial discounts that help keep the program sustainable. In addition, The Front Brewing in Great Falls, along with partner Nemont Beverage in Glasgow, were kind enough to donate money to the program.
FWP Region 6 intern Macy Dugan, a recent graduate of the University of Montana in Missoula, has been busy maintaining the gear and helping resupply the sites over the last month. “Just because someone doesn’t have a fishing rod doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to go fishing,” Macy said. “Whether it’s a cousin in town that wants to go along, or just an extra pole is needed for catfishing on the Milk River, we want as many kids as possible to be able to go out and fish.”
“The many business owners and other folks who participate in the program deserve special thanks,” adds Marc Kloker, Region 6 Information and Education Program Manager. “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 and hooks. Youngsters are required to sign out the equipment at the site and return it in good working order. Kloker reminds folks that these rods are to be brought back to the loaner location, even if damaged. “We really want these poles brought back to their location sites,” says Kloker. “The next kid that comes along should also have a chance to fish.”
If poles are continually lost or stolen, the program will need to make the necessary changes and location sites may be removed; which has happened at several outlets this year. In addition, some sites that haven’t seen much use have had their poles removed and taken elsewhere with more opportunities.
More than 400 of these fishing rods are available to be checked out from the outlets by individuals, families, organizations, church groups and schools. If you have any questions about the program, or are interested in having poles available at other locations in your community, please contact Kloker at 406-228-3704.
Fishing rods and tackle are currently available to check out at these locations:
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BAINVILLE
Bainville School -
BIG SANDY
The Grocery Store -
BROCKTON
B & S Quick Stop -
CHESTER
Liberty Quick Stop -
CHINOOK
Finley’s Food Farm -
CIRCLE
Circle Country Market -
CULBERTSON
Culbertson Public Library -
DODSON
Al’s Town & Country Store -
FLAXVILLE
Grain Growers Oil Company -
FORT BELKNAP AGENCY
Kwik Stop -
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 -
FROID
Froid Grocery -
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
The Walleye Tavern (near Fresno Reservoir)
Quality Life Concepts -
HINSDALE
Sweet memories -
LOMA
Midway Mercantile (Across from Ma’s Loma Cafe) (Revise name) -
MALTA
Phillips County Library
Westside Conoco Convenience Store -
MEDICINE LAKE
Lake Pit Stop store -
NASHUA
B&B Foods
Bergie’s -
OPHEIM
Pro Co-Op -
PEERLESS
Dutch Henry’s Club -
PLENTYWOOD
Sheridan County Library
Ace Hardware -
ROCKY BOY AGENCY
Chippewa-Cree Tribal TANF office -
SACO
Pay-n-Save
Sleeping Buffalo Hotsprings -
SCOBEY
Grain Growers Oil Company
TruValue Hardware