BREVARD, N.C. (April 22, 2010) – Visitors to the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education who want to fish but lack the necessary equipment can still wet a line, thanks to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, located alongside the popular Davidson River in western North Carolina, hosts a rod loaner program that allows individuals or groups to borrow fishing rods and reels for use on area streams or lakes.

To participate, just visit the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education and select a rod and reel. Valid identification and a North Carolina fishing license for anglers 16 years of age and older is required. There is also a $20 deposit, which is refundable when the rod and reel are returned in good working order. (The deposit is forfeited if the rod is broken or damaged beyond repair.)

Rods and reels may be borrowed for up to two days, although the loan can be extended at the end of the second day. The loaner program functions year-round with equipment check-outs from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Center is closed on Sundays.

Lures and bait are not provided. And, each user must be aware of fishing regulations and license requirements before fishing in a specific body of water.

Located south of Asheville and adjacent to the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery, the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is a N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission facility with aquatic ecosystems and cold water conservation exhibits and displays.

For more information about this program or the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, call 828-877-4423.

...................................................................................

About N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission
Since 1947, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has been dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of the state's fish and wildlife resources through research, scientific management, wise use, and public input. The Commission is the state regulatory agency responsible for the enforcement of fishing, hunting, trapping and boating laws and provides programs and opportunities for wildlife-related educational, recreational and sporting activities. To learn more, visit www.ncwildlife.org.

Get N.C. Wildlife Update – news including season dates, bag limits, legislative updates and more – delivered to your Inbox from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Go to www.ncwildlife.org/enews.