Texas tries to hook anglers with loaner gear

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Forty Texas state parks are trying to hook anglers with free loaners of rods, reels and tackle boxes -- complete with hooks, sinkers and bobbers.

The only item not included is the bait.

Anglers can pick up the free gear at loner points across the state and keep it for up to seven days. Some locations may require a deposit and late fees may apply. Replacement cost of lost or damaged equipment may also be charged, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

"We wanted to encourage people to get outdoors," said Chad McNiel Ranger at Galveston State Park, "There's no telling what you might catch, even first timers, anyone can catch a fish."

No fishing license is required to fish within the boundaries of a state park, but anglers may have to pay a park entry fee. If fishing outside of a state park, all anglers over the age of 17 are required to have a license.

The Lone Star State has 4,959 square miles of inland water, the most of all 48 contiguous states according to TexasBassFishing.com, making it one of the best fishing spots in the country.

It's estimated that fishing contributes $3.67 billion to the Texas economy with more than 1.5 million adults taking part every year.

"It means a whole lot to the local economy," said McNiel, "It's important we get people out there."