MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES WATERSHED & CLIMATE SERVICES

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The programs are aligned with NGSS, Common Core, & Maryland’s Environmental Literacy Standards.​
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Tackle Loaner Program

 

About the Tackle Loaner Program

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers free fishing gear for loan at various locations throughout the state. Whether you're an individual, a family, or part of a group, you may be eligible to borrow equipment—availability varies by site.

This no-cost program is designed to help new anglers and their families build confidence and skills while enjoying Maryland’s great outdoors. It’s perfect for anyone camping, hiking, or spending time in parks who wants to give fishing a try. The goal is to make recreational fishing simple and accessible for everyone.


Need a Fishing License?

Get Your Fishing License Here


Note: Kids under 16 do not need a fishing license

More information on Maryland Fishing Licenses.


How it works

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  1. Find a location
    • ​Choose a nearby loaner site—options include public libraries, state parks, nature centers, and local parks.

  2. Complete the Borrower Form
    ​​Just fill out a quick form to get started.

  3. ​Pick Up Your Gear
    • Visit your chosen site to check out the fishing gear. Policies may vary by location, so be sure to contact the site directly to confirm their procedures.

  4. ​Go fishing!​
    • ​Enjoy your time on the water.

  5. Return The Gear 
    • ​Bring the equipment back to the site on the agreed return date. Some sites allow multi-day loans.

Tip: It's a good idea to call ahead—availability can vary depending on how busy the site is!


Available Fishing Gear

  • Rod and Reel: A basic spincast reel and rod setup with bobber, split shot sinker, swivel, and hook.
  • You will need your own bait! Check out Fish Facts for more information on bait types. Some state parks have bait vending machines or sell bait in their park stores.

Current Tackle Loaner Program sites:​


If you are interested in becoming a tackle loaner site please fill out this request form!

A variety of locations are listed below, including state parks, public libraries, nature centers, and more. Each site may have different rules regarding the number of fishing rods allowed per person, on-site or off-site usage, and available programs. Group programs require reservations. Be sure to plan ahead and coordinate with the site contact listed when reserving free tackle.


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Site
  
County
  
Contact
  
Loaner Information
  
On-site/Off-site
  
Boonsboro Branch LibraryWashington401 Potomac St, Boonsboro, MD 21713 (301) 432-5723IndividualOff-site
Bruinswick LibraryFrederick915 N Maple Ave, Brunswick, MD 21716 (301) 600-7250IndividualOff-site
C. Bur Artz LibraryFrederickN/AIndividual
Cecil County Public Library - Mobile OutreachCecilhttps://www.cecilcountylibrary.org/IndividualOn-site or Off-site
Centreville Branch LibraryQueen Anne's121 S Commerce St, Centreville, MD 21617 (410) 758-0980IndividualOff-site
Deale LibraryAnne Arundel5940 Deale Churchton Rd, Deale, MD 20751 (410) 222-1925IndividualOff-site
Dorchester County Public LibraryDorchester303 Gay St, Cambridge, MD 21613 (410) 228-7331IndividualOff-site
Eastport-Annapolis Neck LibraryAnne Arundel269 Hillsmere Dr, Annapolis, MD 21403 (410) 222-1770IndividualOff-site
Edgewater LibraryAnne Arundel25 Stepneys Ln, Edgewater, MD 21037 (410) 222-1538IndividualOff-site
Fair Hill Nature CenterCecil630 Tawes Drive, Elkton, MD 21921 410-398-4909. info@fairhillnature.org.  This nature center does not have open hours. You must schedule a time for pick-up.Individual/group Group programsOn-site or off-site
Friendsville Library Garrett 315 Chestnut St, Friendsville, MD 21531 (301) 746-5663 Individual Off-site
Gunpowder Falls State ParkHarford and BaltimoreDundee Creek Marina 410-335-9390 May: Weekends only - 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day: 5 a.m. to 7 p.m, closed Wednesdays September: Weekends only - 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.Individual/group  Group programs may be requested Memorial day - Labor day. Staff dependent.On-site
Hart-Miller Island State ParkBaltimore410-592-2897Group ProgramOn-site
Janes Island State ParkSomersetjanesisland.statepark@maryland.govIndividual/Group LoanOn-site
Joppa Branch LibraryHarford655 Towne Center Dr, Joppa, MD 21085 (410) 612-1660IndividualOff-site
Kent Island Branch LibraryQueen Anne's200 Library Circle, Stevensville, MD 21666 (410) 643-8161IndividualOff-site
Mountain Road Community LibraryAnne Arundel4730 Mountain Rd, Pasadena, MD 21122 (410) 222-6699IndividualOff-site
New Germany State Park  Garrett newgermany.statepark@maryland.gov 301-895-5453 Group Program On-site
North Point Branch LibraryBaltimore1716 Merritt Blvd, Dundalk, MD 21222 (410) 887-7255IndividualOff-site
Ocean City Branch LibraryWorcester10003 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842 (410) 524-1818IndividualOff-site
Patapsco Valley State ParkBaltimore and Howard Counties410-461-5005 / patapsco.statepark@maryland.govIndividual/Group LoanOn-site
Phillips Wharf Environmental Education CenterTalbot672 West Glenwood Avenue, Easton, MD 21601 (410) 886-9200 pwec@pwec.orgIndividual/group loan Group programsOn-site
Pocomoke River State ParkWorcester410-632-2566 / pocomoke.statepark@maryland.govGroup programOn-site
Rocky Gap State ParkAlleganyrockygap.statepark@maryland.govIndividual/Group LoanOn-site
Ruth Enlow LibraryGarrett6 N 2nd St, Oakland, MD 21550 (301) 334-3996IndividualOff-site
Severna Park LibraryAnne Arundel45 W McKinsey Rd, Severna Park, MD 21146 (410) 222-6290Individualoff-site
Thurmont Regional Library Frederick76 East Moser Road Thurmont, MD 21788 (301) 600-7200 Individual Off-site
Tuckahoe State ParkCarolinetuckahoe.statepark@maryland.govGroup programOn-site
Westminster Branch LibraryCarroll50 E Main St, Westminster, MD 21157 (410) 386-4490IndividualOff-site

Additional Resources

Visit the links below for detailed information on fishing:

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