Inspired by similar skiing gear swaps, the Kenai Peninsula Chapter of Trout Unlimited will host a fishing gear swap May 13 at Soldotna Creek Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dave Atcheson, an outreach coordinator for the chapter, said Wednesday that the event will fill many needs. In addition to the gear swap, the group will host two educational sessions, a picnic and their annual meeting and update.
“We figure people have some gear they want to get rid of,” he said. “And people need new gear.”
Atcheson said he hopes to see fishing gear for a wide variety of methods represented at the swap, just in time to get ready for the upcoming season.
“Spinning gear, saltwater gear, fly gear … lures, rods,” he said. “Anything and everything.”
Alexa Millward, engagement coordinator for the chapter, said gear can be dropped off and sold at the event for commission or just donated.
Gear can be dropped off this weekend at the Sport, Rec & Trade Show, or at two official drop-off locations on Wednesday. Gear can be taken at the Kenai Watershed Forum on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., or at the Sterling Community Center from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
If those set times don’t work, Millward said, Atcheson or Brandon Drzazgowski can be contacted from their information on the group’s Facebook page to coordinate other drop-offs.
For those new to fishing, the group will host an “Intro to Fly Fishing” from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the event. They’ll also host a spey fishing clinic at 2:30 with rods provided — but space is limited and those interested need to register in advance.
Millward said the intro course will cover the basics of fishing and what a would-be angler needs — then those things can be acquired at the swap.
Beyond just fishing, Millward said there would be information during the meeting, set for 1 p.m. along with the free picnic, about their conservation efforts.
“We’re doing a lot of stuff that’s good for the environment and good for our community and the fishing world,” she said.
For more information about the local Trout Unlimited chapter and the gear swap, visit facebook.com/TroutUnlimitedKenaiPeninsulaChapter.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
