Fishing

From MeritBadgeDotOrg

Fishing Merit Badge requirement resources include the Merit Badge Worksheet

, lesson video links,
Leave No Trace, Outdoor Code, and links to related Merit Badges and Boy Scout Awards.
The Troop Fishing Monthly Theme includes meeting and activity materials.
Fishing is a popular Summer Camp Merit badge and fun for a new Scout. ◄ Prev - Next ►

This is the Boy Scout Fishing Merit Badge
Boy Scouts can also earn the Fly Fishing Merit Badge
Cub Scouts & Webelos Scouts can earn the Cub Scout Fishing Belt Loop & Pin
Venturers can work on the Fishing Ranger Award elective

1 Fishing Requirements
2 Notes
3 Requirement resources
4 Related awards
5 See also
6 External links

Fishing Merit Badge

	Field of study:	Sports
	Status:	Elective	BSA Advancement ID:	052
	Created:	1952	Requirements Revision:	2003
	Discontinued:	N/A	Pamphlet Revision:	2008

In Scouting for Boys, Baden-Powell offers this advice: "Every Scout ought to be able to fish in order to get food for himself. A tenderfoot [beginner] who starved on the bank of a river full of fish would look very silly, yet it might happen to one who had never learned to catch fish."

Fishing Requirements

Explain to your counselor the injuries that could occur while fishing and the proper treatment, including cuts, scratches, puncture wounds, insect bites, hypothermia, dehydration, and heat reactions. Explain how to remove a hook that has lodged in your arm. Name and explain five safety practices you should always follow while fishing.
Learn and explain the differences between two types of fishing outfits. Point out and identify the parts of several types of rods and reels. Explain how and when each would be used. Review with your counselor how to care for this equipment.
Demonstrate the proper use of two different types of fishing equipment.
Demonstrate how to tie the following knots: clinch, palomar, turle, blood loop (barrel knot), and surgeon's loop. Explain how each knot is used and when to use it.
Name and identify five basic artificial lures and five natural baits and explain how to fish with them. Explain why bait fish are not to be released.
Explain the importance of practicing Leave No Trace and how it positively affects fishing resources.
Give the regulations affecting game fishing where you live. Explain why they were adopted and what you accomplish by following those regulations.
Explain what good outdoor sportsmanlike behavior is and how it relates to fishermen. Tell how the Outdoor Code of the Boy Scouts of America relates to a fishing sports enthusiast, including the aspects of littering, trespassing, courteous behavior, and obeying fishing regulations.
Catch two different kinds of fish and identify them. Release at least one of them unharmed. Clean and cook another fish.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is:
Boy Scout Requirements, 2009 Edition (BSA Supply No. 33216)

The text of these requirements is locked and can only be edited by an Administrator.
Please make a note of any errors in the requirements on this article's Talk Page

Notes

A Free Workbook is Available!

with the maps, charts, links, and checklists you need!
There is also a printable requirements page.

Merit Badge & Rank Workbooks
Webelos Activity & Rank Workbooks
Cub Scout Belt Loop Workbooks

Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." Pamphlets (books) are at local Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff.org.
"Get a signed Merit Badge application from your Scoutmaster." An online, printable Word doc file version is available.
Please be aware that there are Fish eating advisories in several areas of the continental US. The cooking requirement does not require you to eat the fish you catch, just to cook a fish. You may wish to obtain a fish from the market to cook and eat. Click here for an example fish consumption advisory.
This badge is one of the elective merit badges of the William T. Hornaday Awards for Boy Scouts.
The BSA Fishing Troop Program Feature offers meeting and activity plans to include Fishing as one of your monthly themes.