June 16, 2025 PA Parks to Host Fish-for-Free Day on July 4 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. Learn More 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.
July 1, 2024 PA State Parks to Host Fish-For-Free Day on July 4 Pennsylvania’s state parks will allow families to fish on state waterways without a fishing license on July 4. Learn More Fish-for-Free-Day is aimed at promoting the fun of fishing among Pennsylvania families. On July 4, 2024, any Pennsylvania resident or non-resident will be allowed to fish without a license on state waterways, although all other fishing regulations will still apply. Those who do not have equipment can visit the state’s Borrow a Rod & Reel Fishing Tackle Loaner Program to find a location where they can borrow rods, reels, and a tackle box full of hooks and other terminal tackle. To borrow gear, visitors must complete a form. The equipment loan is similar to that of a library transaction. At the end of the loan, the equipment must be returned to the site. The program is a partnership between the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the American Sportfishing Association, and various sponsors. It is designed to make it easy for anyone to have access to fishing equipment. Fishing tackle equipment can also be loaned to groups conducting fishing education programs in the community. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s tackle loaner webpage for more information on locations, hours of operation, and contact information.
