Fishing Equipment for Loan

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has fishing equipment for loan at several DNR offices and state parks and facilities participating in this program. There is no charge to borrow the equipment, which is typically used by groups.

Check out the fishing equipment contacts page for information on who to contact to find out exactly what kind of gear is available near you. If you have general questions about the tackle loaner program contact Matt Coffaro, (414) 263-8614 or Travis Motl, (414) 333-1183.

Available Equipment

While special lures and fresh bait are not provided, we generally have the following basic equipment at most sites:

• many closed face fishing rods and reels
• a few open face rods and reels
• casting plugs
• bobbers
• hooks, lines and sinkers

In addition to fishing equipment, we also have Angler Education Kits featuring fish flash cards, fish printing materials, knot-tying practice equipment and Backyard Bass (a casting game). Many (but not all) sites have this equipment for loan in addition to rods and reels. Several sites also have Fish Packs.

Keep in Mind

Before you plan a fishing trip around loaner equipment, make sure you keep some of the following things in mind.

• Request the equipment at least one month in advance. Equipment is available on a first come, first served basis.
• You may borrow equipment for up to one week, unless demand is low in your area. Ask the contact in your area if an extension is possible.
• In some cases, certified DNR Angler Education Instructors may arrange with the DNR contact to have the equipment sent via DNR mail to the DNR service center or field station nearest them.
• Make proper handling and care of equipment part of your angler or fishing education program.
• If the equipment was damaged, return all the parts with a note explaning what happened.

The most popular time for borrowing the equipment is also the busiest time for our field staff - spring and early summer. Please help them out by returning the equipment clean and in good working order. If something breaks -- which sometimes happens -- fix it if you can, or bring the problem to our staff's attention so the next group will have functional equipment. Your help with maintenance frees up our field staff for stocking fish and working on habitat projects.