Ifish Loaner Program - Input Needed

[dogfishboy]

I talked to Jen this evening and we discussed the possibility of putting together a rod and reel loan program. We thought the first step should be to put it out to all Ifish members and get feedback from them. Here is the basic concept. Develop a collection of used rod and reels donated by Ifish members and others. These items would then be made available to fishers who are in need of fishing rigs for one reason or another such as, lost or stolen equipment, like people in Os' situation; people who might have out of town guest and not have enough rigs for guests, or maybe you want to take someone fishing who has never been fishing and you don’t have enough equipment. These are just some of the possible reasons and the basic concept.
So, here are some things we need feedback on;

Is it a good idea?

Can we gather enough equipment ?

If the answer turns out to be yes to both of the previous questions read on, if not, well lets think positive. The next thing we would need to do is come up with a location where the equipment can be stored and checked out. If we can resolve these questions then we can move on to loan policies and procedures and other events the collection could be used for, but lets just first discuss these three topics; should we, can we and where. Lets use this thread to express our opinions and ideas.

David

[Deleted User]

Thanks David and Jen.

Yes.

Yes.

Good cause and shouldn't be a problem with so many of us having "retired" rods and reels collecting dust on the shelves. I have a few old Fenwick glass rods and older spinning reels to donate. Another good cause would be for needy families/kids to be able to check them out. Spinning reels would be best because of likely kids usage. Another use I forsee is when we travel with family and there's no room (literally and figuratively) for rods/reels and an Ifisher gets the urge to escape and fish for half a day (for examples: Portlanders traveling to Seattle for a couple days, or Southern Washintonians traveling to the Oregon beaches for a few days - free rod borrow and buy one mornings worth of tackle and bait and your fishing!).

- Places: We need 4 or 5 area locations. Ifish members can ask for voluteered space from tackle shops, who will benefit from extra tackle and bait sales as well as future fishing addicts that borrow a rod and hook a fish and become 'hooked' themselves. The closest "Ifish Rod & Reel Loaners" program site is where members would donate their stuff (to be returned to donater, their option, if program should disolve). I think some rod manufacturers would donate 'seconds' to an organized and publisized program.

- 5 area ideas: 1 - NW Washington (shop near Tacoma; a good central location). 2 - SW Washington (Woodland? - Hey, maybe the GLoomis and/or Lamiglass factories would host a checkout program for small fees? Otherwise a tackle shop). 3 - Portland Metro (Oregon City, Fishermen's Marine Supply). 4 - North Oregon coast (Tillamook area tackle/bait shop). 5 - Central Valley/Coast (shop in Salem or/& Eugene or/& Linclon City?). ... Others?

- Policy: Free limited use by signing a return form with driver's license and auto license numbers recorded. Also, include a brief liability waiver sentence. Do you think we need a small refundable deposit for lost or broken equipment (such as $25 per rod/reel combo). Have a suggestive donation jar by rod's location (to cover line replacement and reel maintence costs).

Feedback and ideas? - RT

[Jennie@ifish]

Sometimes I think that if someone were to not return a rod or reel, maybe he really needs it, and we should let it go? Is that too trusting and stupid?
Kind of the 'what comes around, goes around' theory?
I am going to talk with Marie about this program today, or Marie... are you listening? Would you post your thoughts and concerns?
I would also like to start the thread, David, on the Christmas program for kids. Get donations from readers here, contact a distributor, or tackle company about what we are doing and see if they would donate or slash prices for the program?
It could be really fun! We could get someones red jet sled and drive around delivering them! Fun! To handicapped kids, or to make a wish foundations, or under priveledged kids?
Long term goals are to get people to take the anglers ed class and actually take these kids out fishing. Bill and I both did the class. It is great fun. I learned alot. I also have a great local contact of people who took this class.
Anyway... lets develop these thoughts.

Jen