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Families will be able to fish and borrow equipment for free as part of the Pennsylvania State Parks’ Fish-For-Free Day on Friday, July 4.

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The program is held by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, American Sportfishing Association, and various sponsors. Its aim is to make it easy for anyone to access fishing tackle, be able to spend an afternoon fishing, and in the process become hooked for life to fishing.

The public can go to locations identified on the Borrow a Rod & Reel map and borrow rods, reels, and a tackle box full of hooks and other terminal tackle. The equipment is borrowed in much the same way books are borrowed from a library. Those wanting to borrow gear will complete a form and return the equipment to the site at the end of the loan period.

The program is intended for all levels, from those fishing for the first time to those returning to a favorite childhood activity. The equipment may also be loaned to groups conducting angler education programs in the community.

To find a fishing equipment loan site, visit the Borrow a Rod & Reel map and click on a “fishing” icon for a location, hours of operation, and contact information.