‘A program to offer opportunity’: Fishing gear available for checkout at Robertson County libraries

WHITE HOUSE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Some Middle Tennessee libraries now have fishing poles and bait available for checkout.

It’s all part of a combined effort between Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and Robertson County libraries to give everyone the opportunity to fish.

“Fishing is one of those things that is kind of like riding a bicycle,” said Barry Cross, TWRA Communications and Marketing Coordinator. “Once you learn how to do it, you never forget.”

The idea for ‘Reel in Robertson’ came from wildlife officer Jason Shapton.

Shapton said he kept seeing comments on social media of people wanting to get into the activity but not having the money or knowledge to get started. As a result, he spent the past couple of weeks delivering rods and tackle boxes to libraries across Robertson County.

“It’s really a program to offer opportunity,” Cross explained.

“Learning how to fish, learning how the environment works, all that is going to happen outside these walls,” said Elizabeth Kozlowski, Director at White House Public Library. “So having these unique items really just adds to what we are all about and what we are trying to do, and again, that is promoting education.”

Libraries in Orlinda, Springfield, Greenbrier, White House, and Adams City Hall have several fishing poles and tackle boxes alongside a list of nearby fishable areas. Hooks, sinkers, floats, and lures are also available for checkout, which is enough gear for a full day by the water.

“Anytime you are out near water and you are able to fish it’s a special time,” Cross said. “It doesn’t matter if you catch anything or not. It’s just the activity of being outdoors and being on the water.”

The poles are currently being logged into the system at several Robertson County libraries and are anticipated to be available for checkout by Sunday, September 1.

Once they are ready, Barry Cross with TWRA said lifelong memories will follow.

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“When I first started, it was with my dad, and we always had a little competition,” Cross recalled. “Who caught the most fish? Who caught the biggest fish?”

“That is something that we think is important is that tradition of being in the outdoors,” Cross added.

“It’s a fun memory, and that’s the thing,” Kozlowski said. “I mean, these will be great for family use, so if you’ve never had your kids out fishing, definitely come check one out.”

Anglers need only to meet the necessary fishing license requirements to be able to reserve the fishing gear. Daily and annual licenses can be purchased online here .

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