Texas families can now borrow fishing rods, reels, and tackle from their local public library, just like checking out a book, thanks to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Tackle Loaner Program.
Program Details
The program, which continues to expand across Texas in 2026, partners with public libraries and other community sites to provide free loaner fishing equipment to encourage outdoor family time and introduce more Texans to fishing.
Participating libraries, such as those in Little Elm, and partner sites, such as the City of Anna, allow patrons to check out basic fishing kits that typically include a rod and reel and a tackle box with bobbers, weights, and hooks.
Equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis, usually for a few weeks at a time, with some locations requiring a library card in good standing.
Locations and Availability
Dozens of sites across Texas currently participate, including libraries in Beaumont, Dallas (Mountain Creek Public Library), Edna, Farmers Branch, Hurst, Little Elm, Nacogdoches, Pottsboro, San Antonio, and The Colony.
Families can also fish for free year-round at more than 70 Texas state parks (park entry fees still apply).
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
