Hooks & Books
Card Carrying Anglers
New program offers fishing kits at local libraries
By: Columbia Pacific Northwest Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program with contributions by Dan Spencer, Puget Sound/Olympic Peninsula Fisheries Complex Information and Education Program Manager
Ask any passionate angler about fishing gear and it is likely to open a floodgate of information. There is no shortage of market options to cover the diversity of fish species, aquatic habitats, types of quarry, and fishing styles.
While so many choices are great for consumers, it can be overwhelming to those trying out the sport for the first time. Even acquiring basic fishing essentials requires significant time and financial investments. These can be major barriers to those new to the sport or that don’t have a lot of money to invest in new gear.
The Puget Sound/Olympic Peninsula Fisheries Complex in Washington has tackled this challenge by developing and implementing a library fishing tackle program, where library card-carrying members can check out fishing kits free of charge.
“It is important to break down these barriers because fishing is a great way for people of all backgrounds to connect with and learn about nature,” says Dan Spencer, the Complex’s Information and Education Program Manager and the tackle program’s creator.
The program was developed in partnership with Timberland Regional Library, which serves nearly 500,000 western Washington residents, and was developed specifically for new and youth anglers, and under-served families. South Puget Sound Anglers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Retirees Association (USFWSRA) also pitched in, purchasing most of the gear.
“Supporting Service programs that reach youth and connect them with nature is a key goal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Retirement Association (USFWSRA), and we are proud and pleased to be financially supporting this program”, stated Lewis Gorman III, USFWSRA Board Member and Youth Grant Coordinator
Each kit includes three fishing rods of varying sizes, a fully-stocked tackle box, retrievable “backyard bass” casting targets for casting practice, and a Washington State “Discovery Pass” that is commonly required when parking at most of the state’s lake access points.
But equipment and access will only get novices so far. Recognizing that, Spencer, a former fishing guide, also developed how-to and where-to fish instructional handouts for the kits. These cover basic knot tying, how to cast, and how to set up a floating and sinking bait rigs. The other handout lists nearby area lakes and provides information about each, including directions to shore fishing access, the species present, and seasonal restrictions.
The program was officially launched at the Mountain View Library in Randle, Washington on April 22, 2021. It’s the first of three planned locations within Washington’s Timberland Regional Library system which has 27 locations overall.
So far the response from the Mountain View members has been very positive, including big smiles and anecdotes of successful outings. Mary Prophit, the Library Manager at Mountain View Timberland Library, recently asked a mother if she took her kids fishing. When the library member mentioned not having the gear to do so, Prophit mentioned the tackle program.
“I told her about the kits, she checked one out, and then sent me some photos. They caught a fish!” Prophit said.
The library fishing tackle program will eventually expand to the other facilities later in 2021 after a period to test, assess, and refine the checkout and return system. With continued success, the program is likely to expand beyond the three original libraries in 2022.
In addition to providing the kits, staff training, and instructional resources, the Complex will continue to assist Timberland’s libraries with additional gear, technical assistance, and routine gear maintenance. Spencer is also developing a fishing skills instructional fishing video series and eventual on-site skills clinics for library members.
“With these efforts, we’re confident that over time we’ll have a few more library card-carrying anglers joining the ranks of fishing enthusiasts,” he says.
