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No gear - no problem for anglers

Go Fish BC! Rod Loan Program helps new, visiting anglers with free rod loans in Clearwater
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Clearwater Trout Hatchery manager Mark Green holds one of 20 fishing rods the hatchery has available for loan. The rods and tackle boxes are extremely popular

 

Those curious about fishing or anglers keen to share their favorite fishing spots with friends now are able to borrow the gear for free. Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC has expanded the Go Fish BC! Rod Loan Program so that there are 20 rods available to borrow at the Clearwater Trout Hatchery.

"With the popularity of freshwater fishing growing, along with increasing awareness of the world class caliber of freshwater fishing throughout British Columbia there was a real call to expand the program," says Jessica Borrows, Rod Loan Program coordinator. "The pilot program had good usage and we hope this will improve with increased awareness that the rods are available."

Designed for locals new to fishing, groups such as Scouts and youth groups and visitors who don't own or didn't pack their gear, the Go Fish BC! Rod Loan Program helps make B.C.'s freshwater fishing more accessible.

In addition to lending rods, Clearwater Trout Hatchery staff members are available to share their knowledge about gear, where the best fishing spots are, stocking information and fishing tips and tricks.

People are also able to buy their fishing licenses when they borrow their gear.

"This is a great help when introducing someone to fishing, whether it's a friend from out of town or your fishing buddy who is trying fishing for the first time," said FFSBC president Don Peterson. "There is a keen interested in freshwater fishing but the gear can be intimidating if you haven't used it before."

To borrow a rod and tackle, visit the Clearwater Trout Hatchery at 4522 40 East Old North Thompson Highway or call 250-674-2580. Borrowers may present a credit card or leave a small deposit as insurance. Rods may be borrowed for up to a week at a time. Rods and tackle are loaned for free and the deposit is returned when the fishing gear is dropped off. It is recommended interested borrowers call ahead to ensure rod availability.

Information about Rod Loan locations throughout the province is available on the www.gofishbc.com website in the How to Fish section.

Additionally, roaming Rod Loan crews will be setting up loan centers at lakes in Metro Vancouver, on Vancouver Island and in Prince George. Roaming Rod Loan locations are posted daily at www.gofishbc.com. Updates are also posted on the Go Fish BC FaceBook Page.

The Rod Loan program is the result of a partnership between FFSBC, Tourism BC, Ministry of Jobs Tourism and Innovation, and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.

FFSBC is a not-for-profit organization funded directly by anglers through freshwater fishing license revenues. It provides stocking programs that support 50 per cent of all fishing in B.C. lakes, conservation fish culture services for sturgeon recovery efforts and programs to enhance access to fishing for all British Columbians. For more information visit www.gofishbc.com.