Fly Fishing

From MeritBadgeDotOrg

Fly 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.
Fly Fishing is a rare Merit badge and fun at Summer Camp. ◄ Prev - Next ►

This is the Boy Scout Fly Fishing Merit Badge
Boy Scouts can also earn the 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 Fly Fishing Requirements
2 Notes
3 Requirement resources
4 Related awards
5 See also
6 External links

Fly Fishing Merit Badge

	Field of study:	Sports
	Status:	Elective	BSA Advancement ID:	136
	Created:	2002	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."

Fly Fishing Requirements

Explain to your counselor the injuries that could occur while fly-fishing and the proper treatment, including cuts, scratches, puncture wounds, insect bites, hypothermia, 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 fly-fishing.
Discuss how to match a fly rod, line and leader to get a balanced system. Discuss several types of fly lines, and explain how and when each would be used. Review with your counselor how to care for this equipment.
Demonstrate how to tie proper knots to prepare a fly rod for fishing:
a. Tie a backing to a fly reel spool using the arbor backing knot
b. Attach backing to fly line using the nail knot
c. Attach a leader to fly line using the needle knot, nail knot or loop-to-loop connection
d. Add tippet to a leader using a double surgeon’s loop or blood knot
e. Tie a fly onto the terminal end of the leader using the improved clinch knot
Explain how each of the following types of flies are used: dry flies, wet flies, nymphs, streamers, bass bugs, and poppers. What does each imitate? Tie at least two types of the flies mentioned in this requirement.
Demonstrate the ability to cast a fly consistently and accurately using overhead and roll cast techniques.
Go to a suitable fishing location and make observations on the types of insects fish may be eating. Look for flying insects and some that may be on or beneath the water’s surface. Look under rocks. Explain the importance of matching the hatch.
Explain the importance of practicing Leave No Trace and how it positively affects fly-fishing resources.
Obtain a copy of the regulations affecting game fishing where you live. Explain why they were adopted and what you accomplish by following them.
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 enthusiast, including the aspects of littering, trespassing, courteous behavior, and obeying fishing regulations.
Using the fly-fishing techniques you have learned, 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 cook a 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.
The BSA Fishing Troop Program Feature offers meeting and activity plans to include Fly Fishing as one of your monthly themes.