The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has announced its offering loaner fishing equipment to budding anglers for free.

John Biagi of the department's Wildlife Resources Division says the Fishing Tackle Loaner Program is meant to give aspiring anglers a way to try their hand at fishing without having to buy their own equipment first.

Officials say visitors should stop by park offices to ask where they can rent equipment for the day. Children under the age of 16 don't need a fishing license.

Tags: fishing, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, state parks, Georgia State Parks, fishing in Georgia