Fishing Pole Donation

[Tyler.]

I currently work for a Juvenile Office in Missouri and we are developing a camping program for kids we are working with in our community. We are looking at taking kids fishing that do not normally get this opportunity. Does anyone have any idea on where or who I could contact to possibly get some rod and reels donated? I would need 6 or 8 poles total for right now. 

 

thanks. 

[HeyCoach]

Ike Foundation does work like that. 

 

Also, have you contacted the state department of conservation/natural resources/game and fish? They may can help or point you in the right direction. 

[Tyler.]

1 minute ago, HeyCoach said:

Ike Foundation does work like that. 

 

Also, have you contacted the state department of conservation/natural resources/game and fish? They may can help or point you in the right direction. 

yes, they actually can provide the pond if we want to take kids there. It's stocked and only kids can fish there when they allow it. 

I am in the process of filling out request on basspro.com. 

[markedman]

Check with Bass Pro Shops. Each spring they have a trade-in sale. The trade-in forms say they donate the traded in equipment to local organizations that encourage kids to fish. 

 

One of the combos I traded in was a unused Zebco spincast combo. Some of the other equipment I saw in the trade-in bin looked to be in good shape.

[fishballer06]

Check with your local clubs. There may be some local guys with old rods they no longer need. 

 

I'd also check with any local big box stores like a Dicks or F&S. I know our local stores have donated items in the past to our club for community benefit events like this.

[DropShotHotShot]

Fishing for Life in MN does a reel them in program that collects a ton of rods, reach out to them

[jlb6]

BPS. Call their store manager (or stop in) and explain what you are doing. I work with kids up here and they are great about helping out. I would bet they’ve already donated the Spring classic trade-ins but get your name on their list for the future but they may also donate some basic combos. Sounds like you don’t need a lot to get you going. Good luck. If you don’t get any leads pm me I may be able to lend a hand. 

[Tyler.]

18 hours ago, jlb6 said:

BPS. Call their store manager (or stop in) and explain what you are doing. I work with kids up here and they are great about helping out. I would bet they’ve already donated the Spring classic trade-ins but get your name on their list for the future but they may also donate some basic combos. Sounds like you don’t need a lot to get you going. Good luck. If you don’t get any leads pm me I may be able to lend a hand. 

ok will do. I just filed the formal request a couple nights ago. We will see how it goes. Due to all the storms and flooding in SW Missouri we may not be going this month now anyways. 

[Jig Man]

Call the Missouri Department of Conservation.  They have several programs for kids.

[J._Bricker]

Walmart is another sporting goods source for charitable events.

[Tyler.]

Well that did not take long. Springfield Bass Pro HQ called me this week and donated some poles!!! 7 days total!

[jlb6]

Good to hear. They’ve always been incredibly supportive by us in helping out with our high school team and am not surprised by their continued support of getting young anglers on the water. Congrats and best of luck with the new program.