GREENSBORO, N.C.  – No rod and reel? No problem! Anglers fishing in either of two 7.5-acre lakes at Country Park in Greensboro can borrow free loaner rods and reels on a first-come, first-serve basis now that the park has joined the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Tackle Loaner Program.

The program works just like a library. Anglers register at Country Park’s office to receive a tackle loaner identification card that lets them check out a rod and reel for the day. While the program is geared toward children under 16, anyone interested in fishing can participate. Anglers under 16 must have a parent or guardian complete the registration form.

After returning the loaner rods and reels to the park office, first-time participants under 16 receive a free mini-tackle box containing jigs, a small spinnerbait, hooks, bobbers, sinkers and a stringer. Anglers can use the tackle loaner identification cards at any Tackle Loaner Program site in North Carolina, but they must return the rods and reels to the original loaner site.

“The biggest advantage of this program is that anglers don’t have to worry about carrying their fishing equipment around,” said Larry Barham, park manager. “All they have to do is come to our park office, fill out a registration form, receive a tackle loaner card, and then check out a free loaner rod and reel to go fishing.”

The two lakes in Country Park — Lake Sloan and Lake Lindley — each have bass, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch and catfish, according to Barham.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission created the Tackle Loaner Program to make fishing accessible to individuals who would like to fish but don’t have access to the necessary equipment.

“It’s a good program for us to join,” Barham said. “We want to get new anglers, particularly kids, hooked on fishing and to encourage novice anglers to continue developing their fishing skills. Fishing is an inexpensive and fun way for families to spend more time together.”

Other amenities at Country Park include nature trails, biking trails, educational programs, playgrounds, a picnic shelter, Guilford County Veteran’s Memorial and “BarkPark,” and an off-leash dog park.

Country Park is located at 3902 Nathanael Greene Drive. For more information, call the park office at (336) 373-3648 or visit http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/departments/Parks/facilities/regionalparks/country/.

For information on the Commission’s Tackle Loaner Program, click here, or call the Division of Inland Fisheries, (919) 707-0220.