Catfishing Gear Library
Let's go fishing at the Missouri River!
Borrow everything you need for a fishing adventure with our FREE Catfishing Gear Library in Columbia, Missouri! The gear library includes all the catfishing essentials like poles, bait, and tackle. Whether you're new to fishing, haven't been since childhood, or have always been curious about fishing at the River—the gear library is for you!
You can check out the gear on your own or select the option to book a time with our catfishing instructors! They'll teach you everything you need to know to become an independent Missouri River angler. We’re here to make catfishing on the river easy and accessible for everyone by removing barriers related to cost and knowledge.
How does the Catfishing Gear Library work?
Sign Up! To borrow gear, you'll need to fill out our Catfishing Gear Library Checkout Form. Once we receive your request, we'll contact you confirming your check out dates and send you an access code for the gear shed. Requests should be made by the Monday before your desired weekend.
Get Your Fishing Permit. Anyone ages 16-64 needs a valid Missouri fishing permit. Purchase your permit HERE. We can help with the permit process and have financial aid available - just ask!
Grab Your Gear. The Catfishing Gear Library is located at Missouri River Relief's offices at 916 N. College Ave, Suite #2, Columbia, MO 65201. The gear shed is outside the offices and can be accessed using your personalized access code, which will be provided in your confirmation email.
Enjoy! Your tackle box will include a map of our favorite Missouri River fishing spots along its banks. Take your gear down to the river, relax, and make some unforgettable memories.
Get ready for a fishing adventure!
Below are a few things to know before you go:
- Don't forget your fishing permit and picture ID. Go to the Missouri Department of Conservation's website to purchase your permit now.
- Choose your fishing spot: We recommend Cooper's Landing Riverside Resort & Marina, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, and Taylor's Landing Access
- Check the weather, as well as Missouri River levels and conditions.
- Get familiar with Missouri's Fishing Regulations
- Prepare your little ones for a fun adventure with the Junior Ranger Angler Let's Go Fishing! Booklet. Bilingual English/Spanish booklet available here.
What else should you bring?
Use our fishing trip checklist to make sure you're ready to go:
- Wear sturdy footwear to access the best spots along the river bank.
- Pack water, snacks, extra clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Consider bringing chairs and a flashlight for evening or early morning trips.
- We recommend lifejackets; if you need a lifejacket for you or your little one, let us know on the signup form.
Catfishing Lessons
If you feel a little unsure about fishing, start by fishing alongside one of our catfishing instructors!
Here's How it Works:
- Lessons are 1.5 hours long.
- Choose a time slot between 8:30am-4pm. (May vary for special events)
- Lessons take place along the banks of the Missouri River at Cooper's Landing Riverside Resort & Marina.
- We bring all of the gear.
- Families and groups of up to 5 people welcome.
- You'll fish with a group of participants and one of our seasoned catfishing instructors as they teach you the basics of Missouri River catfishing!
- No fishing permit necessary - you're covered to fish under our educational fishing permit during your lesson
Sign up for a Catfishing Lesson
Catfishing Reflections from 2025
Check out our Catfishing Gear Library 2025 Reflection to see all fishing fun we had last year!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Catfishing Library
Your tackle box comes with a map of our favorite spots to fish. We recommend Cooper's Landing Riverside Resort & Marina, Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, and Taylor's Landing Access.
Anyone between the ages of 16-64 will need a fishing permit from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Go to the Missouri Department of Conservation's website to purchase yours now. Missouri River Relief can also provide support or financial aid - just ask!
For more information, please email our Education Coordinator, Lara Cox, at lara@riverrelief.org
Meet Your Catfishing Crew
Hai Lin
Catfishing Instructor
Hai has been fascinated by fish for as long as he can remember — watching them, learning about them, eating them, and yes, fishing for them. He's currently an undergrad at Mizzou, but when he's not in class, you'll likely find him on the banks of the Missouri River chasing big catfish. What he loves most isn't the catch — it's the moment a beginner gets that first bite and realizes they're hooked too. He's excited to share what he knows and help more people find their own connection to the water.
Dylan Evers
Catfishing Instructor
Dylan grew up fishing the Osage River and his grandpa's farm ponds, and that early time on the water never really left him. After five years in the Army as an artillery paratrooper — where fishing became his go-to mental reset — he returned to Missouri and came back to what he loves most: catfishing. These days he manages eight Jiffy Lube locations, teaches new hires the ropes, and spends his free time getting his kids hooked on the water.
Dylan brings patience, positivity, and real-world teaching experience to the Catfish Gear Library. His approach is simple: everyone's gotta start somewhere. He's also dad to a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old — one of whom has already mastered casting down the hallway — so patience is both a philosophy and a daily practice.
Matt Britt
Catfishing Instructor
We are thrilled to have Matt as our catfishing instructor, as his diverse background and passion for nature make him an exceptional instructor. As a business graduate, skilled carpenter, and combat veteran, Matt brings a unique blend of expertise and resilience to the table. His love for adventure is palpable, whether he's paddling down a Missouri stream, fishing for catfish, or searching for artifacts left by the First People. With Matt's guidance, participants can look forward to not only learning the art of catfishing but also gaining valuable insights into conservation and outdoor stewardship.
David Hull
Catfishing Instructor
Known as “Catfish Commando” on social media, David is a passionate angler who lives and breathes catfishing. A volunteer captain with Operation Vets with Nets, David regularly takes veterans and community members out for unforgettable days on the water. With a love for teaching and sharing knowledge, he’s helped countless people become confident anglers. Whether through YouTube tutorials or one-on-one instruction, David brings heart, humor, and hands-on experience to the Catfish Gear Library team.
Devin Crocker
Devin Crocker - Catfishing Instructor
Devin’s lifelong passion for fishing started with a rattle trap lure as a baby—and he’s been hooked ever since. With experience catching everything from bluegill to 50-pound catfish, and even placing third in a statewide walleye competition, Devin brings both expertise and enthusiasm to his role. When he’s not sharing gear advice at Bass Pro, Devin loves teaching beginners how to tie knots, choose the right tackle, and enjoy time on the water. His approachable style and patient guidance help make fishing fun and accessible for everyone.
Meet Our Sponsors & Partners
The Catfishing Gear Library is largely funded by a grant from the National Park Foundation. The Catfishing Gear Library gear shed was made with donated materials from Boone County Lumber, Economy Metals, and Boone County Millwork. The Catfishing Gear Library is also supported by the Veterans United Foundation, the Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia, MO, Sam's Club Columbia, AmeriCorps, Missouri Environmental Education Association (MEEA), Boone Electric Community Trust, Cooper's Landing Riverside Resort & Marina, and our friends at Tombstone Tackle in Columbia, MO. Thank you!
